USM PENANG, 9 July 2023 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (PPSF) recently hosted the Pharmaceutical Education and Research Summit (PEaRLS 2023), a conference that gathered experts, educators, and industry leaders who are at the forefront of transforming pharmaceutical education in our nation.

The conference is jointly organised by two other pharmacy schools in Malaysia, namely Management and Science University (MSU) and the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), and this conference is also held in collaboration with nine international universities from Indonesia and India, reflecting our commitment towards excellence in the field of pharmacy education in our region.

Held at the Eastin Hotel Penang, the theme for this year’s conference is “Transforming Pharmaceutical Education: Empowering Future Pharmacists Through Decisive Leadership, Innovative Teaching and Learning Strategies,” that resonates deeply with the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare and the growing importance of the pharmaceutical field in our society.

Attending and officiating ceremony was the USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed.

Abdul Rahman in his officiating speech said that he is happy to see future pharmacists are being empowered to excel in their roles, and equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the dynamic demands of the profession.

“Let us foster an environment of collaboration, where we learn from one’s another’s successes and challenges. It is through such collective efforts that we can drive meaningful change in pharmaceutical education, ultimately benefiting our students, our healthcare system, and the well-being of our nation’s citizens,” he said.

Meanwhile, PEaRLS 2023 Chairperson who is also the USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A. Wahab in her welcoming speech said that the two-days programme presents a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge discussions, explore innovative teaching and learning strategies, and showcase best practices that will revolutionise pharmaceutical education.

“I encourage each one of you to actively participate, engage in stimulating discussions, and build networks that transcend borders and boundaries. It is through collaboration and the sharing of knowledge that we can bring about lasting change in navigating pharmaceutical education for the better,” said Habibah.

Also present were the IIUM Rector and PEaRLS 2023 Keynote Speaker, Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak; USM PPSF Dean, Associate Professor Dr. Nurzalina Abdul Karim Khan; IIUM Kuliyyah of Pharmacy Dean, Associate Professor Dr. Juliana Md. Jaffri; MSU School of Pharmacy Dean, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Fadli Mohd Asmani; Joint Head of School, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Head of Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom, and PEaRLS 2023 Keynote Speaker, Professor Dr. Ben Forbes; and delegates from local collaborating institutions and abroad.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa