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PENANG, Malaysia—The Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USM) has linked up with 18 universities from the Philippines, United States, Mexico, Thailand, Indonesia, and Pakistan to develop new vaccines and drugs.
USM vice-chancellor Tan Sri Prof Dzulkifli Abdul Razak said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed with the universities’ representatives Tuesday to pave the way for collaboration on pharmacy education and research.
“Two major companies namely Chemical Company of Malaysia (CCM) Bhd and Guardian Singapore, which operates the Guardian Pharmacy chain, also signed a similar memorandum with us.
“It is good that these corporate bodies have chosen to support our efforts as each new drug discovery would need an estimated US$1billion to develop,” he said in his opening speech.
Dzulkifli said the collaboration between the universities had actually been going on for some time and with the MoU signing, the efforts had been formalized and would include academic staff exchange in the near future.
“I am sure that the fruits of our research would have a positive impact on the society. We managed to develop a kit which is able to diagnose typhoid in 15 minutes compared to three days previously and the kit is now being used worldwide.”
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences dean Syed Azhar Syed Sulaiman said three University of San Diego undergraduates from the United State were presently doing a research on developing a bird flu vaccine in USM.
“Student exchanges would now be more regular among the 18 universities with the signing of the MoU.
“The scope of research being done would depend on the respective universities’ niche,” he said.
Dzulkifli also launched the Science for Society Fund to nurture and expose poor students, aged between 11 and 13, to the importance of science and education for a better future.
“Five children including one from Indonesia have been ‘adopted’ by the School of Pharmacy using this fund. Close to RM20,000 have already been collected from individuals and private companies.
“We are appealing for more and I hope that more companies would come forward to donate towards the cause.” The Star-ANN
(1 Malaysian Ringgit = 0.30665 US Dollar)
