PENANG, May 2015 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) students from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (PPSF) have won the 7^th National Pharmacy Quiz 2015 organised by the Malaysian Pharmacy Students' Association (MyPSA).

In the recently concluded competition held from May 1–3, 2015 in Cyberjaya University College ofMedical Sciences (CUCMS), USM sent two teams to participate with each team consisting offivestudents.

USM emerged champion with a total score of 91 points, leaving the nearest challenger International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) A, second and IIUM B in third place.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman congratulated members of the victorious team comprised of Quah Joan, Boo Ao Ran, Sim Pei Fren, Thian Soo Sian and Kong Siew Sian.

"Congratulations and well done to all those involved and USM will continue to support students’ participation in various activities including national and international level competitions because such activities help them to improve their ability to compete in the fast growing world and face the many challenges ahead," said Omar.

Ao Ran from the USM team also won the top prize for chalking up the highest score among all the participants in the competition.

PPSF lecturer, Dr. Hassaan A. Rathore who led the USM team said, he was proud of the students who competed in the competition for the first time, as they showed maturity and displayed leadership skills.

"All decisions made by the team members throughout the competition showed that every member is very determined, focussed and able to think fast under pressure," Hassaan said.

He added that the team’s success was also due to the ability of the members to work cooperatively and cohesively, which earned the respect and admiration of all the participating teams.

A total of 21 teams from 12 public and private universities took part in the competition.

The competition was held to establish a broad network and close ties among pharmacy students in all institutions of higher learning in Malaysia that offer Pharmaceutical Sciences programme.

Also present at the closing and prize presentation ceremony was the Deputy Dean of CUCMS Faculty of Pharmacy Dr. Zainol Akbar Zainal, representing the Dean. - Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe/Text: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah/Photos: Courtesy of Dr. Hassaan A. Rathore, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM