Taylor’s University signs MOU with leading Pharma players to develop in demand talent

Taylor’s University and leading Pharmaceutical companies join forces to work on the country’s first student adoption programme for Pharmacy education

Driven by changing demographics, a more affluent population and an increasingly health-conscious society, Malaysia’s growing healthcare needs indicate the need for talent development to meet the industry’s rapid growth demands. Keen to play an active role, Taylor’s University has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with six pharmaceutical players to launch a Pharmaceutical Industry Student Adoption (PISA) programme, the first of such collaboration in the country.

“This partnership is very timely. The university’s efforts to develop employable graduates, and the pharmaceutical industry’s need for talent to meet growth opportunities, creates an ideal platform for collaboration. Taylor’s University has always been committed to nurturing our students through a holistic approach, and the PISA programme further enables our students to get the crucial hands-on experience with the best in the industry. This further complements the nation’s aspirations to bring Malaysia’s healthcare industry to greater heights,” said Taylor’s University Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr Pradeep Nair.

The MoU was signed by Taylor’s University and Abbott Laboratories (M) Sdn Bhd, Blackmores Malaysia, Johnson & Johnson Sdn Bhd, Novartis Corporation, Pfizer Malaysia, and Roche (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.

At the launch of the country’s first Pharmaceutical Industry Student Adoption (PISA) programme, (seated, third from left) Taylor’s University, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Pradeep Nair and (seated, fourth from left) Taylor’s University, School of Pharmacy Dean, Professor Dr. P.T. Thomas with representatives from the six pharmaceutical partners.

Besides providing internship opportunities for Taylor’s University students to explore areas beyond technical subjects related to pharmacy as well as enhance their communication, leadership, problem solving and human resource management skills, the MoU also includes, among others to jointly pursue and develop original and applied research and other projects of mutual interest in the areas of pharmaceutical sciences, undertaking of technical collaborations through guest lecture(s) involving both Taylor’s University and its partners with Taylor’s University conducting short courses and training programmes and Collaboration on projects that are in line with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Dr Pradeep Nair also added Taylor’s University believes in providing the best platform to allow its students excel not just in their respective fields of study but also beyond the classroom walls. “More and more employers are increasingly recognising that students also need life skills and work skills that will make them competitive in the marketplace, and ease their transition from a book-smart student to a professional. Adoption programme such as the PISA will be able to groom future employees and create industry-ready graduates,” he said.

The PISA programme will see selected students from the Taylor’s University’s School of Pharmacy being adopted by one of the six pharmaceutical partners to carry out activities throughout their academic years. It will also pave ways for collaboration and exchange between the academia and the Pharmaceutical industry.

(from left) Taylor’s University, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Pradeep Nair; Abbott Laboratories, General Manager Established Pharmaceuticals Division (EPD)Malaysia, Mr Lee Eng Peng; Blackmores Malaysia, Country Manager, Mr Ong Keng Sun; Johnson & Johnson, Country Manager, Mr Chin Keat Chyuan; Novartis Corporation, Head of Legal & Compliance Officer, Mr Kong Hun Tan; Pfizer Malaysia, Country Manager, Mr John McKendry and Roche Malaysia, General Manager, Dr. Ait-Allah Mejri at the MoU signing ceremony of the Pharmaceutical Industry Student Adoption (PISA) programme.