SCHOOL OF PHARMACY

Delivered by a multidisciplinary team of experts in computing and health related disciplines, students in this programme will be able to learn about state-of-the-art technologies and systems, either related to IT (for example data analytics, mobile applications, sensors and wearables) or healthcare (for example electronic health records and remote monitoring). This integrated MHIA degree prepares graduates for a range of careers in the healthcare sector across various settings where health improvement is sought, enhanced by technology.

I had my industrial training at Oncogen Pharma. Fortunately, I am currently also working in Oncogen Pharma as a Formulation Executive in Formulation Development Department. I am responsible to develop the formulation of a generic product from the innovator by maintaining or improving the quality and therapeutic effects. Research and development were conducted by producing different batches of a product for analytical test to determine the generic formulation. My main activities are executing batches of a product to obtain analytical results similar to the innovator. I have experienced producing tablets or capsules from raw materials by going through all manufacturing processes. Basic knowledge to the machine allows me to operate machines alone after some practises. It also allows me to interpret, analyse and solve the problems while activities on going. Other than lab work, documentation is also part of the role of a formulation executive such as daily calibration reports, instrument logbook, laboratory notebook and documents for regulatory affairs. Oncogen Pharma, as a generic pharmaceutical which working on oncology medicine, has provided good learning opportunities and environment to introduce a fresh graduate into the pharmaceutical industries. I am very lucky to have this opportunities to start and build my career by gaining experiences and knowledge in Oncogen Pharma. I am very grateful to IMU by giving wonderful education and opportunities to expose and build foundation for the pharmaceutical industries.

The pharmaceutics modules together with the industrial attachment was an eye-opening experience for us to have a better understanding of how a pharmaceutical company operates. We were exposed to the departments, such as research and development, production, quality control, etc. The pharmaceutics modules in the IMU BPharm (Hons) had raised my interest and curiosity to know more in-depth about the pharmaceutical industry. The diversity in the role of a pharmacist can play in the pharmaceutical industry has shaped my career pathway in becoming an industrial pharmacist.

My final semester in IMU has helped me visualise a clearer picture of the working environment due to the attachments and hands-on experience. Through my community pharmacy placement, I was able to learn valuable soft skills that cannot be taught through the books which helped me tremendously in my personal development. On top of the strong academic foundation given by the remarkable lecturers of IMU, these external challenges I faced has also helped me to further enhance my knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The industry engagement activities and industry visit conducted in the different semesters of my study so far have been nothing short of eye-opening and very informative. I always look forward to attending any talks by the guest speakers from the industry and experience sharing sessions, as I feel inspired and motivated to follow in their footsteps. I could correlate our theoretical knowledge with the processes being carried out in the pharmaceutical industry. I am lucky to be able to gain such insights about the happenings in various fields such as production, quality control, and marketing in the workforce even when I am still studying. The initiatives taken by our lecturers enabled my learning process to be more meaningful as now I have a clearer vision of where I want to be after I graduate.