QIU has taken a bold step in advancing postgraduate pharmaceutical education with a newly signed Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Perak Health Department.
This strategic collaboration offers pharmacy graduates across Malaysia a streamlined pathway to becoming Fully Registered Pharmacists (FRP) while earning a Master’s in Pharmaceutical Science (MPharmSc) from QIU—all within just 18 months.
Under the programme, graduates will undergo one month of practical training at Perak Health Department facilities, followed by 11 months of academic research and training under QIU’s MPharmSc curriculum. By seamlessly integrating the Provisionally Registered Pharmacist (PRP) training with a master’s degree, this initiative enhances career prospects and accelerates professional development.
To become a pharmacist, fresh graduates must undergo a period of Pre-Registration training for a minimum of a year; during this period, they are known as Provisionally Registered Pharmacists (PRP). They can undergo this PRP period at government or private hospitals, pharmaceutical industries/companies, community pharmacies, or academic research and development institutions.
Under this initiative, pharmacy graduates can easily fulfil their PRP requirements and advance their career prospects with a postgraduate degree at the same time—all in an 18-month programme.
The MoA was signed by Global Integrated Training Associates Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Goh and Perak State Health Director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha. Witnessing the event were QIU Faculty of Pharmacy Dean Prof. Datuk Dr Allan Mathews, Perak State Health Deputy Director (Pharmacy) Norhuda Mohd Tajuddin, QIU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Zita Mohd Fahmi, QIU Registrar Muhammad MG Omar and other distinguished representatives from both institutions.
“This collaboration aligns with QIU’s commitment to practice industry-relevant education. By opening this programme to all pharmacy graduates in Malaysia, we’re creating opportunities for faster career progression while strengthening the healthcare sector with skilled professionals,” said Datuk Dr Allan.
A Joint Management Committee, chaired by the State Director of Health, will oversee the programme’s implementation. The partnership underscores a shared vision between QIU and the Ministry of Health Malaysia to enhance pharmacist competency and elevate healthcare services in Perak.
Through this initiative, QIU cements its role as a leader in pharmaceutical education, empowering graduates with the skills and qualifications to thrive in Malaysia’s evolving healthcare landscape.
This MOA also underscores the fact that our Faculty of Pharmacy is a founding member of the UNESCO-FIP Centre for Excellence in Pharmaceutical Education in the UN Western Pacific Region.
