SMC partners IMU for graduate pharmacy programme

Sunway Medical Centre (SMC), Malaysia’s largest private quaternary hospital, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with International Medical University (IMU University) to establish a Graduate Trainee Programme (GTP) for pharmacy students.

Dignitaries from both organisation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a ceremony that took place recently. 

Building a pipeline of pharmacy talent

The GTP aims to identify promising pharmacy students from their second year onwards.

Through interviews, elective placements, and hospital activities, SMC can foster early engagement with potential candidates. This collaboration benefits both institutions.

IMU graduates gain valuable real-world experience, shaping their future careers, while SMC secures a consistent pool of applicants for Provisionally Registered Pharmacist (PRP) positions.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Dr. Khoo Chow Huat, Managing Director (Hospital and Healthcare Operations) for Sunway Healthcare Group, highlighted the importance of collaboration between academic and healthcare institutions.

“The MoU will facilitate the early exposure of trainees to real-world healthcare settings,” he stated.

Dr. Khoo believes this partnership will cultivate a pipeline of highly capable pharmacy professionals who will push the boundaries of healthcare advancements.

IMU University sees mutual benefits

Ridzuan Repin, representing IMU University, emphasized the GTP’s holistic approach to career development.

Leveraging SMC’s extensive resources, the programme offers graduates a comprehensive pathway to success.

Repin further noted the GTP’s significance in fostering seamless collaboration between industry and academia.

“This collaboration ensures curriculum relevance and early talent development for our graduates,” he said.

IMU University values SMC’s insights into current best practices and future employment trends.

They look forward to active engagement with SMC in curriculum enhancement, industry input, and early talent development.

The three-year MoU allows up to five eligible IMU University graduates annually to begin their PRP journey at SMC.

This initiative positions both institutions to contribute significantly to the future of Malaysia’s pharmacy profession.

The event was attended by Dato’ Lau Beng Long, President of Sunway Healthcare Group and Dr. Khoo Chow Huat, Managing Director (Hospital and Healthcare Operations), Sunway Healthcare Group.

Meanwhile onon behalf of IMU University were Professor Gerard George, Group Managing Director of IMU Health; and Professor Winnie Chee, Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic), IMU University. 
Also present were Dr. Seow Vei Ken, Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Medical Centre, Professor Abdul Aziz Baba, Vice Chancellor of IMU University and Professor Ian Symonds, Deputy Vice Chancellor of IMU University.