Seizing the day at the tower of PISa
WITH a projected 12,440 job opportunities expected in the Malaysian pharmaceutical industry by 2020 through the Economic Entry Point projects ( EPP), there is a need to fill the talent and skills shortage gap in the profession.
The transformation in the healthcare industry has created an escalating competitiveness, where organisations have extended their criteria for graduates to also possess remarkable knowledge, industry experience and awareness.
In an effort to dig through the clutter, Taylor’s School of Pharmacy undergraduate degree in pharmacy is complemented with the Pharmaceutical Industry Student Adoption ( PISA) programme – an initiative that gives students an opportunity to work closely with leading healthcare providers through internships and projects organised by top pharmaceutical companies.
Through the immersive learning experience, students possess a complete and holistic education, which helps them shape into future- ready graduates highly sought after by the industry.
“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 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 School of Pharmacy dean Prof PT Thomas.
Taylor’s School of Pharmacy partnered with seven pharmaceutical players to launch a PISA programme, the first such collaboration in the country.
Currently, students will have the opportunity to work with Abbott Laboratories ( M) Sdn Bhd, Blackmores Malaysia, Boeringer Ingelheim, Johnson & Johnson Sdn Bhd, Novartis Corporation, Pfizer Malaysia and Roche ( Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
Besides internship opportunities, there are various opportunities for students to enhance their communication, leadership, problem- solving and human resource management skills. Additionally, the parties can jointly pursue and develop original and applied research and other projects of mutual interest in the areas of pharmaceutical sciences, undertaking technical collaborations through guest lecture( s) involving both Taylor’s University and its partners, conducting short courses and training programmes and collaboration on projects in line with Corporate Social Responsibility ( CSR).
Prof Thomas also added that Taylor’s University believes in providing the best platform to allow its students to excel not just in their respective fields of study but also beyond the classroom walls.
Students in the PISA programme will also be able to document their activities in the 2nd Transcript or SHINE Award, a first of its kind in Malaysia and South- East Asia. The 2nd Transcript will complement and supplement the academic transcript in providing expanded opportunities for students to develop future work skills, proficiencies and abilities required across different jobs and work settings through structured out- of- class activities – Taylor’s answer to the mismatch in the supply and demand of graduates, with employers reporting graduates lack the requisite knowledge, skills and attitude.
Besides the Bachelor of Pharmacy ( Hons), the School also offers postgraduate courses in Master of Philosophy ( Pharmaceutical Sciences), Master of Philosophy ( Pharmacy) and PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
For details about Taylor’s University, call 03- 5629 5000, e- mail admissions@ taylors. edu. my or log on to www. taylors. edu. my