Back in secondary school, I was never completely sure about what I wanted to be in the future. At one point, I dreamed about becoming a forensic pathologist; at another, I imagined myself as an engineer. However, one thing that stood out was my enjoyment of chemistry and biology. Over time, I realised that I wanted a career that allowed me to build on my strengths in science while still contributing meaningfully to people’s lives. The pharmacy course felt like the perfect choice for me, as it combined my love for chemistry and biology in ways that could truly make a difference in people’s lives, and it offered great diversity in career opportunities, that range from hospital and community settings to research and industry.

When it came to choosing where to study, IMU immediately stood out. As Malaysia’s first and most established private medical and health sciences university, it had the reputation, resources and extensive global network I was looking for. More importantly, IMU also provides students with valuable hands-on experience allowing us to apply our classroom knowledge in real-life clinical settings. Through its partnerships with leading hospitals across Malaysia, as well as opportunities for overseas placements, IMU ensures that students gain practical exposure and develop the competence and confidence needed for their future careers.

My journey with IMU began with the Foundation in Science programme and continued all the way to the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons). Looking back, it has truly been a challenging yet rewarding experience. The transition from foundation to degree level was quite though as there were countless new concepts to grasp. During exam periods, I often slept only two or three hours a night, determined to do my best. The pharmacy course requires a lot of memorisations, and I still remember spending hours learning the name of drugs for each body system, their doses, mechanisms of action, and side effects.

Apart from exams, there were also lots of assignments, presentations, and case studies that required critical thinking and teamwork. These tasks sometimes made me felt overwhelmed, but I had learnt how to manage my time effectively. Besides that, I also had to prepare for Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), which tested not just our knowledge but also our communication skills. I learnt how to explain medication and medical device use clearly and avoid using medical jargon when speaking to patients, ensuring that they truly understood their treatment. Such skills form the foundation of a pharmacist’s professional competence and success.

What made the journey meaningful was the strong sense of support among my peers. We often studied together, shared resources and encouraged one another throughout difficult times. Additionally, the lecturers in IMU were also always there when I needed help. They were approachable, patient, and genuinely dedicated to our learning. Whether it was explaining difficult concepts after class, giving feedback on assignments, or providing guidance during placements, they were always willing to support us. Their encouragement made a huge difference, especially during the stressful periods when the workload felt overwhelming.

IMU also provided opportunities that went beyond the classroom, and I was grateful for the university’s global exposure fund that allowed me to complete an overseas placement at Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, in China, which helped me develop adaptability and confidence in a new environment. Furthermore, my hospital placement at Hospital Kuala Lumpur was equally eye-opening, as I encountered complex patient cases that deepened my understanding of clinical pharmacy practices.

At present, I am working part-time in a community pharmacy while waiting to begin my Provisionally Registered Pharmacist (PRP) training in a government hospital. This job allows me to continue applying the knowledge and skills I gained, from patient counselling and dispensing to understanding real-world pharmacy operations and patient needs.

While preparing for the next chapter of my professional journey, I also take time to travel and unwind. Exploring different countries helps me manage stress and anxiety, offering a sense of peace and balance after years of intense study.

My goal is to become a pharmacist with strong clinical knowledge and a genuine commitment to improving patient care. In the long term, I also aspire to pursue a master’s degree to deepen my expertise and continue growing both professionally and personally.

To future students, I would say – embrace every challenge and opportunity that comes your way. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone or make mistakes, as those moments often teach you the most. Self-study is also crucial, as taking the initiative to explore beyond what is taught in class will broaden your knowledge. Most importantly, remember why you chose this path in the first place and let your passion for helping others and your curiosity for learning guide you through your journey.

Lastly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has been part of my journey at IMU. Thank you for your endless support, kindness, and encouragement through both the good days and the challenging ones. I’ll always treasure the memories, laughter, and lessons we shared along the way.

Written by Lim Siang Han (林湘涵), a Bachelor of Pharmacy graduate from the BP121 cohort who is the recipient of the Board of Governors’ Gold Medal Award, Book Prize for Pharmacy Practice, MPS Duopharma Biotech Excellence Student Award and is in the Dean’s List of Graduands with High Academic Achievement.