Malaysia
What made you decide to do Pharmacy?
I wanted to involve myself in the health professional sector and I am interested in contributing more to the community. That is how I finally ended up choosing pharmacy. It involves a lot of communication with the patients.
What did you know about Pharmacy before you started your BPharm?
I knew that a pharmacy is a place where people go to get medicines and ask for advice or recommendations of the medicines suitable for their conditions.
Where do you hope a career in Pharmacy will take you?
I would really love to work in a hospital so that I can work as a team with other health professionals, helping improve patients' health.
Why did you choose Otago?
I was actually sent to Otago when I received a Jabatan Perkhidmatau Awam public service department scholarship from the Malaysian Government.
Even though it (Otago) was not my first choice initially, I am now really grateful that I was sent here instead of other universities. My favourite part about Otago would be the campus. Everything (gym, library etc.) is within walking distance, which is unusual in other universities.
What is/are the best thing(s) about being a Pharmacy student at Otago?
There are many students from different nationalities which helped expose me to many new cultures. The staff of the School of Pharmacy at Otago are also really helpful and friendly to the students as they always try to include slots for students to see them in their offices if we need help. The tutorials, workshops, and guest lectures are also really helpful in providing additional information for us about diseases we are learning about.
Do you have any plans for you internship?
I am a student under the government scholarship Jabatan Parkhidmatau Awam (JPA) from Malaysia, thus, I have a seven-year bond (including internship year) to work in Malaysia. I will return to Malaysia and work in the hospital. I hope that I can introduce what I learnt in New Zealand to the pharmaceutical sector in Malaysia as there is significant differences in our pharmacy practice.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I first came to Otago three years ago to do Health Science First Year. I come from a family that consists of my parents, a younger sister, and an older brother. They have been supporting me while to do Pharmacy, which I am really grateful for.