AdminBoehringer Ingelheim’s Animal Health division in Malaysia celebrated its 15th anniversary this week, marking a pivotal milestone in the company’s efforts to strengthen animal well-being and, by extension, human health. The event, attended by customers, veterinary leaders, and distributors, also reflected the company’s enduring comminitment to Malaysia since 1986 and recognised the vital role the veterinary community plays in national health ecosystems.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Kam Kok Yen, Head of Animal Health for Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia (MSI), emphasised the role of partnership in transforming the veterinary landscape.
“We have always believed that true advancements in animal health are built on the bedrock of partnership. By combining cutting-edge science and innovation with the relationships we deeply advocate for, we aim to consistently deliver better outcomes for animals and enhance the livelihoods of those dedicated to their well-being,” she said.
Over the past 15 years, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Malaysia has contributed extensively to local veterinary development, offering scientific training, collaborative programmes, and support for practitioners and students alike.
Strong partnerships
Veterinary stakeholders lauded the company’s commitment to the profession, especially in navigating a sector undergoing rapid evolution and rising demands.
“Over the years, the veterinary profession in Malaysia has evolved significantly, though not without its challenges,” said Dr Tan Check Nam, President of the Malaysia Small Animal Veterinary Association (MSAVA). “Strong industry partnerships, such as those with Boehringer Ingelheim, have been instrumental in equipping veterinarians with the support, knowledge, and tools needed to continue advancing the field.”
Professor Dr Goh Yong Meng, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), added that academia-industry collaboration is crucial for shaping future veterinary professionals.
“Education ignites minds, cultivates expertise and compassion to wield them wisely,” he said. “When academia and industry work hand in hand, we create holistic graduates that safeguard animal welfare, strengthen food security, and protect public health.”
Boehringer Ingelheim’s support for student development and research collaboration has been central to advancing veterinary education in Malaysia.
White paper highlights urgent challenges
In conjunction with the anniversary celebration, Boehringer Ingelheim unveiled a new white paper, Going Beyond: Charting a Sustainable Future for Veterinary Medicine in Southeast Asia. The report offers sobering insights into the mounting pressures faced by veterinarians in the region, including operational strain, poor public recognition, and mental health challenges.
The study, conducted in partnership with strategic consultancy TAGR, involved surveys and interviews with 335 veterinarians and clinic staff across Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam. In Malaysia, three core stressors were identified: cost-related perceptions, limited resources, and lack of wellbeing support. Notably, 74% of regional respondents reported high stress levels, while 43% cited staff shortages.
“The findings from our white paper serve as a crucial call to action,” said Dr Kam. “Veterinarians are essential pillars of our society, playing a frontline role in food safety, public health and animal welfare. The sustainability of the vet industry is paramount to our nation’s wellbeing.”
Expert panel charts a path forward
To address these challenges, the anniversary event featured a panel discussion titled Charting a Sustainable Future for Veterinary Medicine in Malaysia, which brought together leaders from academia, industry and clinical practice. The panel included:
- Prof Dr Goh Yong Meng (UPM)
- Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Farhan Hanif Reduan (Universiti Malaysia Kelantan)
- Dr Tan Check Nam (Vet Partners Malaysia)
- Dr Wasu Kasimani (Chau Yang Farm)
- Dr Kam Kok Yen (Boehringer Ingelheim)
Discussions centred on workforce resilience, innovation in veterinary practice, mental health resources, and building public trust. Participants called for more comprehensive public engagement to elevate the understanding of veterinarians’ roles in disease prevention, food security and animal welfare.
“Veterinarians are the cornerstone of animal health,” Dr Kam stressed. “At Boehringer Ingelheim, we are deeply committed to supporting the veterinary profession in Malaysia, working collaboratively with all stakeholders to elevate the understanding of their vital role and build a brighter, more sustainable future for animal health in
our nation.”
As Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia’s Animal Health division moves into its next chapter, it continues to champion a future where veterinarians are empowered, recognised, and supported — not just for the animals they care for, but for the integral role they play in public and planetary health.
For further details and to access the full white paper, visit Boehringer Ingelheim’s website.
Jimmy Tan
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