MORE than 300 pharmacists and healthcare professionals from across the region gathered for the Penang Pharmacists Symposium 2026 recently to discuss evolving healthcare needs and promote healthier living at every stage of life.
Held at St Giles Wembley Hotel on Oct 17 and 18, the symposium carried the theme “Vitality to Longevity: A Life-Course Approach for Men & Women”, highlighting the role of pharmacists in preventive care, early intervention and personalised healthcare to promote healthy ageing and improve quality of life.
The two-day event featured 10 exhibition booths showcasing pharmaceutical and medical products from participating companies, including Zuellig Pharma, Avant Health, GK Bio, Biotropics, Blackmores, Revo Healthcare, Proxima, Lexus Penang, Zipper Resources and Omron.
Participants also attended lectures and knowledge-sharing sessions on healthcare, preventive practices and ways to maintain health and well-being throughout life.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, who attended the symposium, commended the organisers for their continued efforts to advance the pharmaceutical profession in Penang.
In his speech, Gooi stressed that good health was not merely about living longer, but also about maintaining a better quality of life. He added that healthcare awareness and prevention should begin in the community rather than solely in hospitals.
“Good health is not simply about living longer, but also living better.
“Good health does not begin in hospital wards. It starts in our own schools, sports facilities, workspaces and communities,” he said.
Gooi also highlighted the important role pharmacists play as Penang’s population ages and lifestyle-related diseases continue to pose challenges to public health.
“As Penang’s population ages and lifestyle-related diseases continue to pose as major challenges to public health, the approach to healthcare must continue to evolve.
“This is where pharmacies play a crucial role,” he said.
Referring to the recently announced Budget 2027, Gooi also welcomed the move to make over 9,000 controct doctors to be made permanent, describing it as an encouraging development for both Penang and Malaysia.
He expressed hope that the symposium would provide a valuable platform for healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge, explore developments in pharmaceutical practice and strengthen collaboration across the healthcare sector.
“Let’s work together to not only ensure the people of Penang not only live longer, but also enjoy healthier, more active, and more fulfilling lives at every stage, every journey,” he said.
Symposium organising chairperson Thor Xiao Xuan said pharmacists played an important role not only in caring for patients who were ill, but also in helping people protect their health and maintain their vitality.
“As pharmacists, we may never know the full story of every life we touch, but we can shape what comes next.
“Our role is not only to care for people who are sick, but also to guide them in protecting their vitality today, so they can enjoy the longevity tomorrow,” she said.
Malaysian Pharmacists Society Penang chairman Tan Chee Pone also expressed hope that participants would benefit from the symposium’s sessions and apply the knowledge gained in their respective practices.
“I hope the sessions over these two days will provide valuable insight, and you can apply it in your respective practice setting.
“We are privileged to have distinguished speakers sharing their expertise on various aspects of preventive healthcare, gender-specific health, and holistic longevity management,” Tan said.
Also present were Penang Health Department deputy director (Pharmacy) Noraini Ab Kadir; Universiti Sains Malaysia School of Pharmaceutical Sciences dean Associate Professor Dr Nurzalina Binti Abdul Karim Khan; Malaysian Pharmacists Society Penang Young Pharmacists Chapter chairperson Yeoh Ee Theng; society council members Gina Koay Wan Lee and Andrew Tan Eng Joo; and Zuellig Pharma national sales manager Teo Fang Peng.
Gooi and other attendees later visited the exhibition booths to learn more about the participating companies’ products and innovations.
Story and pix by Ammar Mikhail Aamer