Penang poised to become MedTech Hub of Asia

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PENANG is set to become the MedTech Hub of Asia due to the rise of its medical device exports.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Penang’s exports in medical devices make up about 65% on average of Malaysia’s total in the MedTech industry between 2017 and 2021.

“The state’s exports in professional, scientific, controlling equipment, apparatus have risen as well, according to InvestPenang.

“The upcoming Medi-City plan in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan, showcases Penang’s unwavering dedication to pioneer advancements in the healthcare sector,” said Chow in his speech during the annual Penang Pharmacists Convention 2023 in Setia SPICE Convention Centre today.

Chow visiting one of the booths during the event

The Penang Pharmacists Convention 2023 is a pilot programme, jointly organised by the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society Penang Area Committee (MPS), the Young Pharmacists’ Chapter Penang Area Committee (YPC) and the Malaysian Community Pharmacy Guild Northern Branch (MCPG).

​As the largest pharmacists’ convention in northern Malaysia, the theme of this year’s convention is ‘Advancements in Pharmacy Practice’.

Chow said he was proud to officiate the convention whereby the participants could use the platform to exchange ideas on the future of pharmacy.

“We commemorate World Pharmacist Day, an occasion that resonates with pharmacists across the globe. It serves as a reminder of the vital roles the pharmacists play in our healthcare systems,” he added.

Chow was also proud of Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) commitment to pharmaceutical research and education.

Malaysian Pharmacist Society deputy president Dr Nour Hanah Othman encouraged pharmacists to actively engage in shaping the future of pharmacy practice.

“The event marked a significant step towards a brighter and advanced future for the pharmacy profession,” she said.

Among those present were Malaysian Community Pharmacy Guild Foon Hwei Fong, USM School of Pharmaceutical Sciences dean Dr Nurzalina Abdul Rahim Khan, Malaysian Community Pharmacy Guild – Northern Region deputy chairman Dr Tan Boon Seng, and Penang Pharmacists Convention 2023 organising chairman Tan Chan Wei.

 

Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Law Suun Ting