PENANG, November 2013 – The Penang Malay Association (PEMENANG) recognises the service and contribution of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) lecturer at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (PPSF), Assoc. Professor Dr. Mohamed Azmi Ahmad Hassali, with the PEMENANG Tokoh Maal Hijrah award along with four other personalities.

Penang-born Mohamed Azmi acquired his early education at Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Khir Johari, Sabak Bernam and pursued a bachelor's degree and master's degree at USM.

The priority area of his current research is related to the field of social pharmacy education, clinical pharmacoeconomics and use of quality medicines in the community.

Among the criteria for selecting him as a prominent figure was that he contributed much energy and dedication in areas of education and community of the Malays in Penang to enhance their quality of life.

Mohamed Azmi was appointed the Vice-President for a major non-governmental organisation, Yayasan Bina Ilmu, in Penang that fulfills the needs of education and health of disadvantaged communities in the state. In addition to contributions to the community, he is also an academic who is much involved in various health and welfare activities of the community.

His expertise lies in understanding the needs of the social aspects of health and behaviour. He often go to the grass root level where he is always liked by many non-governmental bodies in Penang, particularly those in need of his expertise to increase public awareness in the rational use of drugs.

“My hope is that young people will be more sensitive and caring towards the marginalised groups who are usually sidelined from the mainstream of social and economic development in the country,” said Mohamed Azmi.

Mohamed Azmi who now holds the position of Deputy Dean (Student Affairs and Networking) expressed gratitude as his efforts in Penang in particular and in Malaysia in general has been recognised by the organisation. - Translation: Yong Check Yoon/Text: Rafizah Nor Md Zain/Photo courtesy of Assoc. Professor Dr. Mohamed Azmi Ahmad Hassali