Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Leaders

To better prepare students to be impactful leaders in healthcare, NUS’ Department of Pharmacy exposes them to leadership training from the get-go.

KONG Qi Herng, a Year 1 student from the inaugural Pharmaceutical Science cohort and an NUS Merit Scholarship holder, is an example. He leads the Pharmacy Orientation Programme, which aims to assimilate incoming students of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science. He says, “This is where I can contribute back while concurrently honing my leadership and organisational skills.”

There also many learning opportunities beyond classes. Qi Herng actively participates in NUS Pharmaceutical Society events. As a facilitator at the Experience Pharmacy Camp and Pharmacy Alumni Sharing Sessions, he gained insights from industry experts, thereby grooming his skills as a confident communicator.

As part of the curriculum, Qi Herng is exposed to extensive active learning opportunities through flipped classroom, group projects, and assignments. All of which foster self-directed learning and critical thinking by taking advantage of an assessment-heavy and exam-light platform. He says, “The curriculum is rigorous, but it pushes our learning boundaries.”

Through the four-year programme, Qi Herng will acquire the professional and technical skills and knowledge to succeed as pharmaceutical scientists taking diverse roles in different aspects of the industry, as well as soft skills for competent leadership, like problem-solving, networking and effective communications.

Qi Herng aspires to become a pharmaceutical scientist, which bridges his passion for science with the community. He says, “I have always been intrigued by drugs and their effects on the body. This course was the obvious choice for me. I can acquire technical knowledge while developing myself holistically.”

Qi Herng is also keen on applying his scientific knowledge to develop solutions to tackle sustainability issues. In the future, venturing into entrepreneurship is a pathway he may consider. He says, “I hope to be able to deliver products and services to meet consumer needs, as well as inspire people to be more green.”  Currently, as part of GEQ1917, he works with his group to investigate the use of fermentation to reduce food waste.

The landmark NUS Pharmaceutical Science degree programme trains students in a range of foundational sciences, including drug discovery and development, as well as understanding of the regulatory and commercial environment in the pharmaceutical industry. They will acquire knowledge in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmacogenetics.

Read another student’s reflections on the Pharmaceutical Science programme:
The Less Travelled Route To A Top University Degree