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31December2020
Dentists May Use 5A Approach on Smokers

Associate Professor Dr. Hasnah Hashim from the Dental Public Health Department, Faculty of Dentistry, AIMST University has contributed her opinion on tobacco cessation efforts using the 5As approach. She has also highlighted the existence of the Dental Centre of AIMST University and the role of the University’s Dental Public Health Unit in providing counselling and support to smokers who wish to quit smoking. The article, titled ‘Dentists may use 5A approach on smokers’ was published on 31st December 2020 in the ‘Letters’ section of the News Straits Times (NST). Click https://www.nst.com.my/.../dentists-may-use-5a-approach... to read.

27December2020
AIMST University’s strength and uniqueness

A comprehensive article regarding AIMST University's strength and uniqueness was published in the China Press newspaper on 27 December 2020. The article featured our Honourable Vice-Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr. John Antony Xavier and the Director of Clinical Skills Centre (CSC), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Patrick Tan Kee Seng. Please click https://www.chinapress.com.my to read the article. We have also provided the translation of the article in English language. Click here to read...

18December2020
AIMST University pharmacy students grab Malaysian Pharmacy Students’ Association (MyPSA) awards

AIMST University pharmacy students grab Malaysian Pharmacy Students' Association (MyPSA) awards Heartiest congratulations to Mr. Ong Jian Hong and Ms. Tan Shing Je for winning the Malaysian Pharmacy Students' Association (MyPSA) Best Contact Person Award 2019/20 and Best Student Award 2019/20 respectively. We would also like to congratulate the members of the Pharmaceutical Society of AIMST University (PHARMSA) for being awarded the MyPSA Best Society IPTS Award 2019/20. It is indeed a proud moment for the staff and students of AIMST University and particularly for the members of Faculty of Pharmacy (FOP). This achievement is undeniably the result of their hard work and perseverance. Today’s success is the beginning of tomorrow’s achievement. Congratulations again and well done!! #MyPSA #AIMST #Pharmacy

11November2020
What is the R0 and why is it down when Malaysia’s Covid-19 cases are up?

A RECAP: What is the R0 and why is it down when Malaysia’s Covid-19 cases are up? Community medicine expert explains Let’s read what Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saraswathi Bina Rai has to say about the basic reproduction number (R0) of Covid-19 in Malaysia. Dr. Bina is a member of AIMST University’s Faculty of Medicine (Community Medicine Unit) and was formerly the Head of Penang Epidemiology Intelligence Programme Unit, Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH). The article titled ‘What is the R0 and why is it down when Malaysia’s Covid-19 cases are up? Community medicine expert explains’ was published in the Malay Mail on 11th November 2020. Click https://www.malaymail.com/.../what-is-the-r0-and.../1921422 to read. #COVID19 #moh #aimst

16December2020
Higher education should be relevant to the real world

The COVID-19 pandemic deluged the staid higher-education system with a welcome tsunami and this calls for universities to adapt and prepare their students for the future. AIMST University’s Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive, Prof. Datuk Dr. John Antony Xavier has written an opinion piece describing explicitly the advantages that can be gained by university lecturers and students during the pandemic. In addition, he suggested that universities should adapt and prepare their students for the future and their education model should be forward-looking and relevant to the real world.

The opinion piece, ‘Higher education should be relevant to the real world’ was published in the News Straits Times (NST) on 16th December 2020. Click https://www.nst.com.my/…/higher-education-should-be-relevan… to read. #COVID19 #highereducation #NST #aimst

15December2020
Propels to Provide High Quality Education to Students

An article titled ‘AIMST University- Propels to Provide High Quality Education to Students’ is featured in the November 2020 issue of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) newsletter. The article which appeared on pages 13-15 is in addition to an article on AIMST University published in the October 2020 issue. AIMST University has again reiterated collaborative initiatives with MIDA on the way forward to ensure its graduates have high economic value that meets the demand of highly skilled human capital and to achieve their desired careers through its high quality accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in medicine, health sciences, engineering, applied sciences, business, and accountancy.
Click to read the full content from MIDA website.

12December2020
Simulation the Way Forward in Healthcare Education

  The Director of AIMST University’s Clinical Skills Centre (CSC), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Patrick Tan Kee Seng has written an article regarding the utilisation of clinical simulation facility and programmes which focus on patient safety and how it enhances the effectiveness of clinical teaching involving real patients. The advancement in technology, especially in healthcare-related education and the knowledge and expertise in clinical simulation, has made it possible for educators and students worldwide to embrace the challenges created by the "new norms in education" during the pandemic.

AIMST very own Clinical Skills Centre was established as an avenue for medical students to use mannequins and human simulators, to acquire supervised clinical skills training and practice procedures necessary for clinical competency. The article titled ‘Simulation the way forward in healthcare education’ was published in the columnist section of the News Straits Times (NST) on 12th December 2020. Click Simulation the way forward in healthcare education to read the article and know more about AIMST University’s Clinical Skills Centre.

6December2020
AIMST Gets New Vice-Chancellor

An article featuring AIMST University’s Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive, Professor Datuk Dr. John Antony Xavier was published in The Star newspaper on Sunday, 6 December 2020. Click AIMST gets new VC to read more.

11December2020
‘Year-End Online Resources Quiz’ organized by Library AIMST

‘𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐳’ Dear AIMST students and staff, In creating awareness of Library Online Resources and to enhance the usage, AIMST University’s Library is organising ‘Year-End Online Resources Quiz’ from 14th-18th December 2020 (Monday-Friday). All AIMST students and staff (academic & non-academic) are cordially invited to participate in this quiz and we look forward to your enthusiastic participation and support!!! Please view the brochure for more details and for enquiries, please call Ms. Mary Theresa at 04-4298445 (Only AIMST students and staff are eligible to participate in this quiz) #quiz #library #aimst

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11December2020
Visit by Mont Royale College Officials

 
The Managing Director of Mont Royale College (MRC), Mr. Sugumaran Chellaya, and his entourage have visited AIMST University on 11th December 2020. The visit was to deliberate on possible areas of strategic collaboration between AIMST University and MRC.
 
Mr. Sugumaran Chellaya presented on MRC and had a productive dialogue with AIMST officials, headed by the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive, Prof. Datuk Dr. John Antony Xavier, the Registrar, Senior Associate Prof. Dr. Kathiresan Sathasivam, Mr. Megat Nazahar, Director of Business Development, Dean and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management and other key members of the University.
 
The meeting also discussed the common area of interest for collaboration related to Business and Management programmes between MRC and AIMST University. Both AIMST University and MRC officials were very pleased with the meeting and hope the proposed collaboration will materialise soon.
 

4December2020
Should I Continue for Postgraduate in Pharmacy or Join the Workforce?

First of all, congratulations on getting your Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. At this point, you're probably considering the next path to take. Should you continue your post-graduate studies in Pharmacy or join the workforce? Both choices are viable. Another qualification in the bag could get you a higher salary, while an early work experience will equip you with clinical skills that may not be learned in school. However, there are other factors you need to consider before deciding which option will be best for you. In helping you decide which one may be best for you, we'll talk about the pros and cons of both. Some of the factors we'll consider include costs (tuition fees), skills you can acquire, ROI, what you would be studying, and your commitment to study.  

Getting a Postgraduate Degree in Pharmacy

The main advantages of taking up post-graduate studies in Pharmacy is the salary you would be getting when you are employed and the in-depth knowledge you'll acquire about your field. The only con to pursuing a post-graduate degree would be the cost of study.  

  1. Higher Salary

With a higher degree such as a Master’s in Clinical Pharmacy, there's a potential to earn more than those with only a Bachelor’s degree. Although it’s true that your salary will also depend on your employer and your agreement with them, in any case, with a higher degree, you are much likely to be considered for a higher pay grade.  

  1. Cost of Study

Acquiring a postgraduate degree may get you higher pay from your employer, but you need to consider the additional costs of studying to get that degree. Check if your funds are enough to cover all the expenses required for higher studies. If you have the money available, go for it. But, if you don't, don’t give up. You can apply for scholarships or education loans. If you already had a job, you can check with your employer to see if they can take care of your tuition fees in part or full.  

  1. In-depth Knowledge of the Subject

Postgraduate studies are usually geared towards developing an in-depth knowledge of your course. Therefore, before deciding to continue your post-graduate studies, check if your chosen area of speciality will ultimately benefit your career. Some employers may compensate for your area of specialization by increasing your wages, but others may not. Also, check your motivation levels towards the program since completing a master’s degree will be a bit of a challenge if you're aren't motivated about the course in the first place.   large group of assorted capsules, pills and blisters  

Joining the Workforce

Joining the workforce immediately after your Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy gives you earning power. The pay may not be so much, but it could be sufficient to pay the bills.  

  1. First-hand Experience

Getting a job after your first degree gives you a head start in climbing the corporate ladder. You begin to acquire professional skills and experience that could be beneficial for your career later on. Another advantage of joining the workforce immediately is that you have time to create a professional network. You have a chance to meet the right people who can help you reach your career goals. While working, you have the time to decide if your career goals need further study to avoid investing in a higher degree that may not be useful in your career.   Vector illustration of a certificate against a purple background in flat style.

  1. Professional Certifications

If more studying is beneficial to your career advancement, you can consider going for professional certifications that only tackle a specific area of knowledge or skill you intend to acquire. Professional certifications aren't as expensive as postgraduate degrees but provide you with the skills needed by your employer, thereby advancing your career.  

In a Nutshell

Finally, whether you choose to pursue a postgraduate degree in Pharmacy or join the workforce immediately after getting your Bachelor’s degree, both choices have a way of improving your professional outlook. It all boils down to which option will best suit your priority and the most cost-effective option as you pursue your goals in the long run. For more information regarding pharmacy courses in Malaysia, including pharmacy degree courses in Malaysia, Bachelor of Pharmacy and Masters in Clinical Pharmacy, please feel free to get in touch with our friendly and helpful counsellors.

4December2020
What Jobs Can You Get with a Master’s Degree in Biotechnology?

Most biotech jobs may not require more than a Bachelor of Biotechnology in order to gain employment. However, a Master’s in Biotechnology is one way to stand out from the crowd, as is gaining expertise in a sub-discipline of the industry. A master's program in biotechnology offers electives, specializations and concentrations that can turn a generalist into an expert in the field. The advantages of an advanced degree in biotechnology are numerous, including greater job opportunities, higher salaries and higher professional responsibilities. Here are some of the jobs you can get with a Master's in Biotechnology.  

  1. Biomedical Scientist

With a Master’s in Biotechnology, you can choose to work as a biomedical engineer. Biomedical engineers utilize science, biology and the medical field to develop new tools and products that aim to better patients' lives. Biomedical engineers usually work closely with scientists from other fields, such as engineers or business professionals, to develop different products and services. Some of the products include prostheses (artificial limbs), artificial organs, information systems and imaging systems.  

  1. Biotechnology Research Associates

With your Master’s in Biotechnology, you can secure a job as a clinical research associate. As a research associate, you would be responsible for planning, implementation and the overall control of clinical research projects. Part of your job description would be to analyze clinical data and coordinate associates' activities to ensure compliance with standards. In some cases, you would be required to travel to field sites to supervise clinical studies.   Scientist Working in The Laboratory ++Screenshot is custom made for shooting++  

  1. Quality Control Analysts

A Master's degree holder in Biotechnology could be employed as a quality control analyst or engineer. As a quality control analyst, your job is to manage the quality systems that go into the product development process. You would also be required to design inspection and testing procedures that ensure that the products are developed according to specifications.  

  1. Senior Research Scientists

In a corporate organization, the Senior Research Scientist is responsible for directing the research process, the quality of the experiments, the management of assistants and associates, and the final product's feasibility. Senior research scientists are also responsible for the development of patent applications and may be required to manage the development of a research group. Senior Research Scientists also work in colleges and universities, but more research scientists are now holding top positions in the Research and Development departments of large biotech firms.   Shot of two focused scientists working together solving equations on a glass wall in a laboratory  

  1. Biochemists

Biochemists are responsible for studying the chemical properties of living things and biological processes, like cell development, cell growth, heredity and disease. As a biochemist, you would be required to carry out complex research projects and frequently isolate, analyze and synthesize proteins, lipids, DNA, carbohydrates (sugar) and other molecules. Part of the job description would be to research the effect of drugs, hormones and nutrients on tissues and biological processes to develop products that improve the lives of humans.  

  1. Product Development Managers

These are business-related jobs that require a Bachelor of Biotechnology or a Master’s in Biotechnology to develop and execute the commercialization strategy for a new biotech product, including launch, market development, marketing, sales and logistics. The goal of this position is to drive growth and profitability for the company's products or services while ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality requirements.   Male hospital administrator talks with female doctor  

In a Nutshell

Typically, Master's degree holders in biotechnology are often found in university labs and hospital clinics. However, they can sometimes be found using their knowledge teaching university undergraduates or fields where they can put their knowledge to work, like marketing, product development and public policy. Biotech professionals may also be found in some other positions, such as intellectual property law or management consulting.