This award was presented by the prestigious world body, the Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations (FAPA) in recognition of his expertise in the field of clinical pharmacy. As the first Malaysian to win this prestigious award since it was introduced in 1986, his success has brought honour to the country.
FAPA was established in 1986 with the aim of giving recognition to countries, institutions and individuals who have contributed significantly to the field of pharmaceuticals, not merely in the interests of their country but also to the development of this field beyond the Asia Pacific region.
Assoc. Prof. Syed Azhar said that this success, although unexpected is one of his greatest achievements since becoming a lecturer at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 1996.
He added that apart from spurring him on to be more active in carrying out his duties to educate the public, this is a landmark victory in placing Malaysia on the same level as first world countries in the development of the field of pharmaceuticals.
“This success will open up opportunities for the country and USM in particular, to develop pharmaceutical education to an excellent level and which is listed in the group of developed nations that have very high standards and quality of pharmaceutical education.
“It is also the stepping stone for the country to go far in exploring opportunities in the field of pharmaceuticals and which will be a source of reference for others parties, including other developing nations,” he said in a media conference here today.
He stressed that his ability to develop a sustainable curriculum in pharmacy as well as his experience in providing consultancy services to other countries in transforming pharmaceutical education were the key factors in enabling him to win the award.
“There are very strict criteria, including the requirement that the candidate must have made significant contributions towards developing the field of pharmaceuticals not merely in the interests of their country, but also beyond the Asia Pacific region.
“I have experience in providing consultancy services for developing and transforming pharmaceutical education in other countries, including the Philippines, Mongolia and Pakistan and this was an advantage because they have put into effect the advice that was provided,” he said.
Apart from being the Dean of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Assoc. Prof. Syed Azhar heads several pharmaceutical-based institutions and is also the President of the Asian Conference on Clinical Pharmacy Association (ACCP); the Chairman of the Deans of Pharmacy in Public Institutions of Higher Learning; a consultant for the World Health Organisation and others.
Globally, recipients of the FAPA Inshidate Awards are recognized as experts and distinguished personalities in the field of pharmaceuticals and USM’s success through Assoc. Prof. Syed Azhar will place Malaysia on the map as a country with expertise in the area of pharmaceuticals and an excellent pharmaceutical education programme.
