After working as a pharmacy technician, the desire to understand how medicines are discovered and developed inspired this graduate to pursue the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at IMU University. Through hands-on laboratory training, international research experience, conference presentations, and student leadership opportunities, the programme equipped her with the knowledge, research skills, and confidence to pursue a future in pharmaceutical research and drug development.

Before beginning my journey at IMU University, I was already familiar with medicines — not from the laboratory, but from the pharmacy dispensing counter.

After completing my Diploma in Pharmaceutical Sciences at Nanyang Polytechnic, I worked as a Pharmacy Technician at Yishun Polyclinic in Singapore. Each day, I was involved in preparing and dispensing medications, ensuring prescriptions were processed accurately, and interacting with patients from different backgrounds.

It was my first real exposure to healthcare, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the healthcare system was under immense pressure. That experience taught me the importance of precision, responsibility, and resilience in patient care.

Yet, while handling medicines daily, I often found myself thinking beyond their immediate use. Where did these medicines begin? How were they designed? What made one formulation more effective than another?

What started as simple curiosity gradually became something more significant. I realised that while pharmacy allowed me to see the final stage of healthcare delivery, I wanted to understand the stages before that — the research and formulation that shape a medicine, long before it reaches the patient.

This growing curiosity eventually led me to pursue the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at IMU University. To me, IMU University offered the opportunity to move beyond understanding how medicines are used and towards discovering how they are created, refined, and translated into meaningful healthcare solutions.

The transition from working life back into academia was challenging. The depth of scientific knowledge required, particularly in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, and pharmaceutical biotechnology, required a higher level of discipline and critical thinking. However, this challenge became one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

What I appreciated most about the programme was how theory was consistently linked to practical application. Laboratory sessions were not simply tasks to complete; they became spaces where concepts took shape.

Through formulation work, analytical testing, and experimental design, I began to understand the level of precision and problem-solving involved in pharmaceutical development. It was during these moments that my earlier questions about medicines began to find their answers.

One of the most defining experiences during my degree was my research internship at Fudan University in Shanghai, where I worked on lipid nanoparticles for small molecule delivery.

In 2026, I had the opportunity to present my findings at international conferences, including BRAAFIT-26 International Conference, where I was honoured to receive the Best Paper Presentation Award. Presenting my research was a significant milestone, as it reflected how much I had grown both academically and professionally.

Under Dr Vasu’s mentorship, I further strengthened my skills in scientific enquiry, critical analysis, and research communication, all of which deepened my appreciation for the rigour and impact of pharmaceutical research.

Beyond the laboratory, IMU also shaped me in ways I did not initially expect.

As Secretary for Karnival Kimia Malaysia (K2M) and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Week 2025, I was involved in organising a large-scale chemistry outreach event involving participants from across Malaysia. The experience taught me the importance of coordination, adaptability, and teamwork.

At the same time, I was also involved in the Drug Discovery Workshop as a co-facilitator. During the session, I guided students through basic molecular modelling using Schrödinger software and ChemDraw, introducing them to how chemical structures can be visualised and applied in drug discovery. Seeing their interest and questions reminded me of my own early curiosity when I first started learning about medicines. It made me realise how much my understanding had evolved, from dispensing medications in a pharmacy setting to interpreting how drug molecules are designed at a molecular level.

Serving as a Batch Representative and Peer Teaching Assistant also allowed me to grow in leadership and communication. These roles taught me that learning is not only personal; it is also about contributing to the growth of others.

Having recently completed my degree at IMU University, I am currently exploring opportunities in pharmaceutical research and development, particularly in formulation science and advanced drug delivery systems.

At this stage, I see this as a continuation of the questions that first started my journey. What began as curiosity in the pharmacy setting has now developed into a clearer professional direction, supported by both clinical and research experiences.

Looking ahead, I aspire to build a career in pharmaceutical research and development.

In the long term, I hope to be involved in work that bridges scientific discovery with practical healthcare solutions.

To juniors and prospective students, my advice is to stay curious, even when you do not yet know where that curiosity may lead.

Many important decisions in my journey began with questions I could not answer at the time. It was through learning, experimenting, and stepping into unfamiliar opportunities that those answers gradually became clearer.

Do not be afraid to explore. Internships, research attachments, conferences, and student activities can offer valuable experiences that shape your understanding in ways knowledge cannot.

Most importantly, allow yourself to grow at your own pace. Progress in science, much like research itself, is often gradual. What matters most is consistency, openness to learning, and the willingness to keep moving forward.

Looking back, IMU gave me more than technical knowledge. It gave me clarity — clarity about my interests, my strengths, and the direction I want to pursue.

And perhaps that has been the most meaningful discovery of all.

Written by Lee Sin Yee 李心怡, who graduated with First Class Honours on 4 July 2026.