Kuala Lumpur, 25 May 2009 - Fourth year Pharmacy students at UCSI University took the “Oath of a Pharmacist” last night during the University’s Pharmacy Night at Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Resort. The oath, led by Jason Lee, was taken in front of the President of the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society, Datuk Nancy Ho, UCSI University’s Dean of Medical Sciences, Professor Dr. Jammal Ahmad bin Essa, lecturers from the School of Pharmacy and their peers. The final year students pledged to devote their professional life to serve national and international healthcare communities and to also apply their knowledge and skills to the best of their ability to assure optimal drug therapy outcomes.

In her speech, Datuk Nancy Ho praised UCSI University students’ keenness to learn and to serve the society. She also urged all Pharmacy students to continue pursuing knowledge even while they are working. “Graduates should always remember to continue to gain knowledge through life-long learning,” she said, a sentiment which was also echoed by Prof. Dr. Jammal. Datuk Nancy Ho also encouraged them to follow the Blue Ocean Strategy promoted by UCSI University when it came to Research and Development. “Always think out of the box, and don’t be too eager to follow conventional methods. Follow your own path when it comes to research and development You will find that it will be much more rewarding.”

Datuk Nancy Ho also expressed her eagerness to work with the University to maintain and uphold the University’s Pharmacy programme’s quality and professionalism. UCSI University’s Pharmacy graduates will be joining a booming industry which the Malaysian government is targeting to produce more than 8000 qualified pharmacists by 2010, with a ratio of at least 1 pharmacist to 3600 Malaysians. By 2020, Malaysia hopes to achieve a ratio of 1 :1600.

Jason Lee said that he was impressed with UCSI University’s consistent efforts in enforcing high standards for the Pharmacy programme. “I believe that those who graduate after our batch will be of an even higher quality, having the advantage of new resources made available at our rapidly expanding University.” Lee also said that UCSI University’s Pharmacy programme is very unique compared to other Pharmacy programmes pursued by his peers in other universities and colleges. “I firmly believe that the subjects we take during our fourth year which includes Problem-Based Learning makes all the difference. The knowledge and skills that we have acquired in our previous semesters are truly tested during our last semester.”

Pharmacy student alumni, Chia Peng Keng, who was invited to share his experience as a practicing pharmacist at Kuala Lumpur Hospital said that the most important lesson one can learn in working life is humility. “Everyone will be able to teach you something even after you have graduated. One’s degree is not the only measurement of knowledge. You should always be willing to learn while on the job and to always be humble.”

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