MyPSA Newsletter, September 2014

Editor’ s Notes ..............................................

Dear MyPSA members,

I gladly present our second newsletter for the year!!

Time flies and it has already been almost a year since the last AGM held in NoGAPS last year at USM.

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Over the past year, we had seen many amazing events being held and planned under the current MyPSA tenure such as the APPS 2014, NPSC, Rx Quiz and the Student Exchange Programme.

However, it is now time for a change in the lineup of the MyPSA Executive Committees!

Thus, in this newsletter, we in the MyPSA Excos would like to share our experiences to all the readers and also to encourage those who believe that they have the potential to take over these positions to have a good read and step up to the challenge!!

Once again, we hope you enjoy reading this issue of the MyPSA newsletter!

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Find Us On Our Website mypsa-malaysia.org

Ng Han Yui Publication Officer 13/ 14

CONTENTS 3-5

President

Vice President

6 -7

Vice President (Public Relations)

8- 10

General Secretary

11 - 13 Secretary II 14- 16 Treasurer

...........................................................................................

1 -2

17- 18

Project Officer

19 -20

Education Officer

21-25

Student Exchange Officer

26-28

Entrepreneurship Officer

29-32 Publication Officer 33-35 Multimedia Officer

36-37 Ad-hoc Officer

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

Malaysian Pharmacy Students’ Association

MyPSA would like to welcome all our members back to a new semester in pharmacy!!

At the same time, lets welcome UniKL RCMP for joining our MyPSA pharmily!!

WELCOME BACK to a NEW semester!

President Mr. Mohamad Haziq bin Abu Othman

“It has been my inspiration when I first joined MyPSA to bring the association into a new horizon”

I

t has been a very interesting year for all of us within the MyPSA Executive Board. Our ability to manage the conflicts and problems have been tested since the beginning. We started our tenure with a very daunting task of handling the bidding to be the host for the 13th Asia Pacific Pharmaceutical Symposium 2014 in Malaysia. But it paid off as we’re able to manage through the hassles successfully throughout the process of organizing the event this year. All of these can only be done with sheer determination from all the parties involved. I’m glad to have these opportunity and chance to experience working with a lot of superb and amazing talents that the pharmacy profession has. Their hardworking and accountability may just prove how bright the future of the profession will be.

pg 1

In terms of the work that had been done, this tenure has seen quite drastic improvements in regards to internal management and external partnership. One of the biggest successes that I would like to share is the collaboration with the Pharmacy Services Division, Ministry of Health.

This collaboration will be a stepping stone for us to go further with our planning in the future. It has been my inspiration when I first joined MyPSA to bring the association into a new horizon. Besides that, we have also started to get into contact and form networks with other student associations that share the same passion and goals with us so that we can continue to grow bigger and better every single day.

Having said all of these, special praises must be given to all my teammates in the Executive Board.

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

Without their hard work, determination and dedication, we won’t be able to achieve anything as this is never a one-man show. There is no association in this real world that can prosper without having a strong backbone consisting of committed and passionate members within it and we’re so lucky that this year the passion and spirit were there since the first day.

I really hope that the improvements and progress that have been achieved will be continued further and that the new team will set new objectives in order to bring MyPSA to greater heights. Those who have the enthusiasm, eagerness to learn new things, and who are fast learners are certainly welcomed to the MyPSA team for the next tenure.

Surely, this experience inside the team will help you to endure all challenges that you might face during your working days in the future. It’s a totally different experience seeing from outside than doing it yourself, just like the difference that one will feel when he is just observing outside a grandeur house rather than experiencing the environment and the conditions inside the house himself. So, those who have those characters should take the challenge and join this magnificent team.

Looking forward to the next tenure!

Mohamad Haziq bin Abu Othman MyPSA President 2013/14

“Without their hard work,determination and dedication, we won’t be able to achieve anything as this is never a oneman show” MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

pg 2

Vice President Ms. Neo E-On

M

“After the wakeup call, I felt the last few months have never been so lifely”

y name is Neo E-on and I am the Vice President of MyPSA for this tenure. Considering from my two years of working consecutively in MyPSA, time has passed so fast. This year, I have been through quite a lot as well but the one thing I still did not learn is to jot down whatever I have done. Hence, I have problem recalling while writing this article.

During my term, my job is mainly related to organization, management and also monitoring of excos under my portfolio. It is not very interesting especially when I often get confused of things from the many conversations and people I have to interact. I consider myself to be an organized person but not to the extent of being super organized. When it comes to this job, I definitely have the passion, but at the same time I get demotivated easily too. Hence,

pg 3

at times, I received bad reviews for lacking in monitoring which I feel is true. Third year in Pharmacy was definitely harder than what I have expected. When you are assigned with one task, it seems that there is only ‘one’ but you will soon discover that behind it there are many details hidden away.

Anyway, in the last few months, a wakeup call came knocking my way. I felt I have the responsibility to monitor much more closely, work much more harder to the extent of hating Facebook so much because each time I visit Facebook, there will be unread messages and tasks waiting that requires a lot of brain power. It is somewhat annoying when it feels that work has been intruding your private life. However, after the wakeup call, I felt the last few months have never been so lively. The effort

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

to do the best and contribute almost 10 hours each day with full dedication to reply everything promptly has made such a difference in my life.

The greatest regret from my experience in MyPSA was not being able to be a part of the APPS committee. It was partly due to the decision that MyPSA excos are not encouraged to join with fear of neglecting our responsibilities in MyPSA and I also personally made a grave mistake that time. I slept very late the night before the meeting, so I did not show much interest for it during the meeting although some parts of meeting were a bit unnecessary in my point of view. This may have been perceived as a lack of interest

“The greatest regret from my experience in MyPSA was not being able to be a part of the APPS committee”

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

THINGS I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED •Monitoring excos, assigning tasks •Meetings for APPS reconsideration •In charge of organizing LeadersIn-Training •In charge of organizing Annual General Meeting • Attending 90% of the meetings • In charge of certificates of excos of previous and current tenure • Award committee • Preparation of Selection Criteria for APPS • Assist president and secretary in general meeting • Assist in chairing Annual General Meeting (AGM) • Assist in decision making among execs in matters • Being a part in discussion related to society and decision making •Constitution reviewing committee • Other special tasks

pg 4

and adding on to it was my history of lacking in monitoring which worsened it. Hence, I was not chosen to be in the committee. It was my biggest dream to be part of it, something which I have been wishing even in the previous tenure before they rearranged the committee list and I was no longer in it. Therefore, my advice is, in every meeting, please show your passion. Everyone is judging you all the time although what they seem doesn’t mean what it is. We all judge a book by its cover.

So, sleep well the night before, pay attention in every meeting. Express your passion in every meeting. Show that you’re diligent in your task. I can guarantee not all excos will reply your matters promptly. Mainboards are even tougher to reach. At times,

“A burning passion doesn’t mean a lasting passion. But once you are burnt, that is when you pick up the pieces in the ashes and mould yourself into a better person”

pg 5

you will probably be de-motivated and depressed and feel that “today I just don’t feel like doing anything or I just want to rush through my report”. Once you take up this job, you may feel that you have just taken up the most difficult position.

Well, wait till you see the job scope of the President and VP 2. Then you will feel the best job among the top execs is the VP 1’s job scope! Unless you have walked the road, we have all seen excos who were so motivated in the beginning, but when it comes to being busy, stressed and also facing many tasks to be done, not many of them would continue in the next tenure and so do I. XD A burning passion doesn’t mean a lasting passion. But once you are burnt, that is when you pick up the pieces in the ashes and mould yourself into a better person.

Neo E-On. MyPSA Vice President 2013/14

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

Vice President (Public Relations) Ms. Nor Najihah bt Borhan

H

“I enjoyed doing my work, since it actually suits my forte”

i! My name is Najihah and I am the Vice President (Public Relation) 2013-2014. Along this great year as one of the MyPSA Executives, I have had tremendous memories that I would like to share with all of you.

I started my tenure with my portfolio as the International Pharmaceutical Students Federation (IPSF) Liaison Officer’s which involves tasks such as promoting the FIP survey and other IPSF projects.

When I first applied for MyPSA VP (PR) in August 2013, my vision is towards creating more external linkages. However, I have been given a bigger project which is to co-chair the IPSF Asia Pacific Pharmaceutical Symposium (APPS) in August 2014.

As a co-chairperson, my main function is to decide on internal issues related to my department, specifically logistic, technical, publication,

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

special tasks, PST and LIT. At the same time, I am also trying my best to complete my task as the monitorer of MyPSA Student Exchange Officer and MyPSA Education Officer.

I have also had a chance to join the IPSF 60th World Congress which was in Porto, Portugal as one of the Official Delegates from MyPSA. Being an external relations officer is about completing all the task given

by IPSF and trying to adopt their project as well as any other projects that seems beneficial from other associations into you own association.

I enjoyed doing my work, since it actually suits my forte. Being the IPSF Liaison Officer, I have to be in charge in everything related to MyPSA and IPSF from website, newsletter, treasury, public health reports, bridge of communication, as well as the association’s annual report in which

pg 6

all of these need to be submitted to IPSF along with other official documents. Other than that, I also promote MyPSA to other pharmacy associations in other countries. Participation in MyPSA has certainly help me in improving my soft skills, documentation as well as promotion skills. Since I mainly communicate with pharmacy students from other countries, I am being surrounded by people from different culture and background. Therefore, it has benefited me in terms of knowledge and the process of idea-sharing apart from meeting new friends across the globe.

Nor Najihah binti Borhan MyPSA Vice President (Public Relations) 2013/14

“Participation in MyPSA has certainly help me in improving my soft skills documentation as well as promotion skills� pg 7

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

General Secretary Ms. Siti Fariza binti Arifin “It is an honour for being given an opportunity again to uphold this mandate.”

A

ssalamualaikum wbt and hello everyone!! Before I go further allow me to introduce myself, I am Siti Fariza, the General Secretary of Malaysian Pharmacy Students’ Association (MyPSA) for tenure 2013-2014. It is an honour for being given an opportunity again to uphold this mandate.

The simple words I can say about my position; being a national Secretary General was a very challenging task.

Without support, cooperation and commitment from other parties, it would be impossible for me to complete my responsibilities. I would like to express my infinite gratitude to all MyPSA teammates, Universities’ advisors, Presidents and Contact Persons of all universities under MyPSA and all my fellow pharmacy ‘pharmily’.

The biggest part of my role is to establish an effective communication

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

between universities, MyPSA and to some extent with Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS) in order to ensure MyPSA runs smoothly throughout the year. At the same time, I am responsible for the administrative stability of the Association by initiating the official MyPSA documentations and proper back up system for reference to related parties and individuals especially the newly elected MyPSA Executive Committees. Depending on

“Without support, cooperation and commitment from other parties, it would be impossible for me to complete my responsibilities”

pg 8

the schedule and current needs of the Association, planning and conducting MyPSA General Meeting is a vital task for the General Secretary.

I feel so grateful that the past MyPSA meetings ran smoothly as planned. As a human being, I admit that I’m not always right, I’m also sometimes wrong. Along the whole journey as the General Secretary of the Association, conflicts, misunderstandings, delays, and even miscommunications did happen. I learned a lot from the hard situations and somehow I realize getting things done at my best are putting me closer to God and I believe He is the One who gives me strength to stay strong in this position just as Brian Adams once quoted.

This year is a very challenging year for me, as I often cannot manage to complete the task by the deadline given since I have to travel a lot to my hometown due to my father’s health condition which was unstable besides having very bad internet connection at my hometown really put troubles not only on me but also people who are communicating with me through the internet. It was also a huge personal conflict for me as I have to finally decide to postpone the second phase of my research project so that I can have more time to focus

pg 9

“Difficulties are opportunities to better things,they are stepping stones to greater experience.

Perhaps some day you will be thankful for some temporary failure in a particular direction.

When one door closes, another always opens, as a natural law it has to be, to balance.”

Brian Adams “How to Succeed” on the Association. To all my dearest colleagues and whoever have been previously communicating with me, I would like to humbly apologize. Again, in July I was being tested with another challenge, my laptop had problems and its difficult to retrieve the documents needed by Mr. President on time. Luckily, I made a Google Drive back up starting from May 2014. I certainly did not manage to retrieve back many of the documents in the past. Anyway, I strongly believe everything happens for a reason.

This experience was really urging me to aggressively focus on

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

MyPSA documentations and also establishing a proper back up system to ensure the MyPSA official documents are secured. In fact I was really planning to attend the 60th IPSF world Congress hosted by University of Porto, Portugal since a year before as I believe I can observe the flow of meetings and documentations and implement the skills and knowledge in MyPSA. I would strongly suggest to you guys, grab the chance to get involve in IPSF events, and believe me you would never regret it!!

Special wish to my successor, CHALLENGE YOURSELF and GOOD LUCK!!

Yours sincerely, Siti Fariza binti Arifin MyPSA General Secretary 2013/14

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

pg 10

27th - 28th August 2013

30th November 2013

MyPSA Newsletter Sept 2014

2013

MyPSA General Meeting at Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences (CUCMS)

4

Extraordinary General Meeting at Universiti Malaya (UM)

3 12th October 2013

Urgent Meeting on APPS 2014 at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus

2 14th September 2013

8th MyPSA Annual General Meeting at Universiti Sains Ma-

1

2013 MyPSA Meetings 9th MyPSA Annual General Meeting at Cyberjaya Universiti College of Medical Sciences (CUCMS)

20th - 21st September 2014

MyPSA General Meeting at UCSI University

19th July 2014

MyPSA General Meeting at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

17th May 2014

MyPSA General Meeting at Management and Science University (MSU)

15th February 2014

Official Meeting with Pharmaceutical Services Division, Ministry of Health at National Pharmaceutical Control

27th January 2014

2014

9

8

7

6

5

Secretary II Ms. Sharon Ding Wensze

D

Amazingly, everything has changed since I joined MyPSA as an executive committee.

ear MyPSA fellow members!

My name is Sharon Ding, and I’m the elected Secretary 2 for the tenure of 2013/2014. I’m currently a final year student who is enrolled in Bachelor of Pharmacy in Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences (CUCMS).

I first came across MyPSA through Mr John Chang, the Deputy President of MPS while he was giving a speech in my university, urging all students to join the student chapter of MPS as a member. I did not fully understand what is MyPSA, what is the role of MyPSA and what is MyPSA actually doing, not even till I actually apply for this post. Amazingly, everything has changed since I joined MyPSA as an executive committee.

One of the main roles of the Secretary 2 is to deal with the membership issues of MyPSA. When

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

I first joined MyPSA, it feels like I’m thrown into the sea, facing a lot of difficulties, trying to untangle myself and quickly learn how to swim towards the shore. One of the major issues arising that time was regarding the disappearance of membership data and membership cards. I could still recall that I had to spent hours, even sacrificing my lecture classes just to retrieve all the lost membership databases as soon as possible.

I had to spent hours... just to retrieve all the lost membership databases as soon as possible. pg 11

Thanks to the cooperation and much help from my fellow excos in MyPSA, we successfully implemented a new system into the membership application process and sped up the time needed for a member to obtain their membership number.

I also manage to liaise with Shima, the Treasurer of MyPSA this tenure to come up with a softcopy receipt, which not only eased our workload, but also the workload of all mainboards of MyPSA. Besides, we also managed to introduce a new design for the membership cards, which you can even use it as a student card when you wish to watch a movie in the cinema!

During the semester break after I completed my first year pharmacy programme, I spent my time doing some administrative work in the finance department of a business company. It was a boring routine with all the data entries I did each day using Microsoft Excel. I felt that I have wasted my 2 months’ time learning practically nothing at all. However, not until I started my journey as a Secretary 2 would I realise how important are those skills that I have learnt in that short 2 months about the various functions in Microsoft Excel such as filtering, sorting and many more. Hereby, I would like to

pg 12

give my humble advice, “never come into an early conclusion especially if you have not come across it”.

Never think that being the secretary is the most boring job in any society or association. Because what you need most are creativity, innovation and organising skills! It is not just about typing an official letter, but also how you ensure other people will read what you write (creativity), how you apply your Microsoft Excel skills into your work to make your work faster (innovation) and how you sort your things so that you and your future excos can easily access what they need without clicking into every single file (organising skills).

This one whole year of MyPSA life have certainly changed some parts of my life. I had never

“never come into an early conclusion especially if you have not come across it” MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

once regretted joining MyPSA as an exco, not only have I met new friends, I’m glad that I did not miss the opportunity to take a peek at the world outside of my university.

How many people can actually tell others that they had achieved goals on national levels and be the part of the wonderful MyPSA exco family? Remember, do not miss out any chance you are given when life presents them to you!

Sharon Ding Wensze MyPSA Secretary II 2013/14

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

MyPSA Membership Card Sample

pg 13

Treasurer Ms. Nazatul Shima bt Jin Samsudin

T

“Honestly, being elected as the MyPSA Treasurer is a very precious experience for me.”

he Treasurer is usually tasked with keeping the finances healthy so the association can achieve its missions. The main duties of a Treasurer are to oversee the financial administration of the association, review procedures, financial reporting and advice the board on financial issues. The treasurer also has to do the banking, depositing of cash and cheques, paying the bills and tracking income and expenditure throughout the year.

However, there are certainly some difficulties that I’ve faced.As an example, it took a very long time to open the MyPSA Current Account and also to apply for “Kawanku Phone Banking”. Besides that, there is also the stress of thinking about the flow of money in and out besides being worried about the responsibilities as a treasurer. Nevertheless, all these experiences have taught me a lot on how to be a more indulgent person.

MY EXPERIENCE AS A TREASURER

Honestly, being elected as the MyPSA Treasurer is a very precious experience for me. I have learnt so much over this one year as a treasurer. It has actually improved my soft skills to interact with people, my ability to manage time and solve problems too.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN MyPSA

MyPSA has adopted a new system of implementing paperless receipts this tenure. This system has helped to improve the process of MyPSA membership registration, as it save both time and money. The advantage of implementing this soft copy receipts is the membership

pg 14

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

number of all the students that have paid their membership fees can be known to them immediately after they got their receipts.

Besides, MyPSA has successfully opened a new official MPS-MyPSA account, which is named as MyPSA Current Account. With the existence of this account, the savings will be kept in a fixed amount rather than being transferred into a different account each time a new treasurer is elected. This also ensures the security of the funds and prevents any manipulation of the money by the treasurer who is the only person that has access to the bank account.

Other than that, MyPSA also has successfully implemented the use of a new application known as “Kawanku Phone Banking”. This application helps a lot in improving the process of membership registration as we do not have to wait for the monthly bank statement to check on the payments received. Instead, now we can directly check the balance after the money is banked in to the MyPSA Current Account. Another advantage of this application is it is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Therefore, it provides convenience for checking account balance and account transaction

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

SKILLS TO BE A TREASURER •To be a treasurer, you must be a RATIONAL person and not a spendthrift.

•Some people on the board may not have well developed financial skills so you would need to be able to explain your reports SIMPLY and CLEARLY. •You need to be on top of your finances so the organisation knows how well it is doing by tracking against the budget and also how to respond to unexpected problems • You should be able to manage the MyPSA Current Account and keep a proper account record with respect to and showing all sums of money received and expended by MyPSA • You should have a good knowledge in forecasting future financial decisions and positions which contribute to the stability of the Association.

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E PL M

ADVICE FOR CANDIDATES

Being a treasurer is really a very big and great responsibility. An active and alert treasurer can ensure MyPSA is able to extend its activities, resulting in greater benefits to the wider community.

It’s a big job - while for some job you may be able to delegate some duties to others, but as a treasurer, you really can’t delegate the responsibility to others.

Don’t worry, there are many improvements has been done for the MyPSA Account and membership registration process this year, and I’m sure the next treasurer will not have to work as hard as before.

Cheers! ;-) .

Keep in mind that the toughest job as a treasurer is the responsibility itself. So, good luck! :D

SA

details anytime and anywhere. Furthermore, it is accessible via any touch-tone phone, mobile phone or even public phone. Baseline knowledge for online banking is a definite advantage in carrying out this position since it is the best medium to disseminate meeting claims through online transaction.

Sample of MyPSA Receipt

“Keep in mind that the toughest job as a treasurer is the responsibility itself ”

Nazatul Shima binti Jin Samsudin Treasurer of MyPSA

pg 16

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

Project Officer Mr. Heng Wei Kai “Being elected as an exco in a national organization such as MyPSA has opened a new chapter of my life”

H

ello, MyPSA members. Greetings from the Project Officer and I am Wylle Heng Wei Kai. It was definitely a satisfying moment for me when I was elected as the Project Officer last year. Being elected as an exco in a national organization such as MyPSA has opened a new chapter of my life.

Well, it’s has been a memorable experience for me throughout this tenure, where I had the chance to meet and work with a number of future pharmacists. Just within a year, we had gone through happiness, recognitions as well as criticisms together throughout the year. Especially when you are in trouble and feeling upset, nothing can be better than receiving a simple message such as “Are you okay?” and this is what makes this organization so special.

Since MyPSA is a national orga-

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

nization, there are some differences in terms of management and communication methods. Most of the communication between the Exco members depended on social networking sites and mobile applications such as Facebook, WhatsApp, WeChat and others just to list a few. This was a vastly different experience for me compared with traditional round table meetings that I am accustomed with. Therefore, the effectiveness and smoothness of the operations for the organization is highly dependent on the fast response from each other which includes all excos and also the mainboard (university representatives). Thus, it will be a great advantage if one has regular access to the Internet on a daily basis besides being committed to his/ her role as an Executives of MyPSA.

The Project Officer is the co-

pg 17

ordinator between MyPSA and the organizing committee of all the national events held under MyPSA such as NoGAPS, Rx Quiz, NPSC (National Pharmacy Sports Carnival) and NPDC (National Pharmacy Debate Competition).Together with them, the Project Officer will work and monitor the progress of each events. Usually, the Project Officer will be the representative of MyPSA in any issues that arise during the preparation of these events. As most of the committee for such an event will be set up at least half a year before, hence, it is common that the Project Officer will be required to communicate with several committees at a single time. Thus, this

position requires someone who possesses good communication and time management skills. The experience of organizing activities and handling any emergency situations will also be a key determinant to measure the competency of a Project Officer.

Being the Project Officer is a challenging role, nevertheless, it is an excellent chance to learn and improve yourself.Are you ready to take up the challenge? I am waiting for you and I believe in you! Come and join the MyPSA Executives team!

Heng Wei Kai Project Officer of MyPSA

“The experience of organizing activities and handling any emergency situations will also be a key determinant to measure the competency of a Project Officer�

pg 18

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

Picture here

Education Officer Mr. Tan Chan Wei “Although it requires hard work, dedication and sacrifice, the experience and skills you can gain is priceless�

A

s a future pharmacist, it is our responsibility to commit to public service and to improve public health as well as health knowledge in our community. To encourage students to take part in public health activities, therefore the Education Bureau was formed.

The history of the Education Bureau is relatively new compare to other bureaus of MyPSA, however it plays an important role in promoting and implementing Public Health activities to local students and supporting them in the preparation and implementation of campaigns. Apart from that, we are also provided an opportunity to learn to become an excellent health promotion practitioner who places emphasis not only on health promotion but also disease prevention and continuity of care.

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

During my tenure at this position, our team has been working with student societies under MyPSA to carry out Public Health campaigns to promote public health awareness regarding several health issues.

Through organized efforts, we had successfully carried out 8 campaigns which targeted different issues including Blood Service, HIV, Kidney related diseases and other globally relevant issues.

Along the journey, I have personally been very fortunate to have the opportunities to develop and

pg 19

sharpen my planning, communication and organization skills. This has helped me to grow as a pharmacy student and equipped me with the right skill set and confidence to solve real-life problems. At the same time, I have made numerous friendships from different parts of the nation who are sharing common goals.

To whom reading this article, you are welcomed to challenge yourself by applying this position. Although it requires hard work, dedication and sacrifice, the experience and skills you can gain is priceless.

Don’t defeat yourself while you have a chance to do it. At the same time, let’s work together for the growth of MyPSA, this big “pharmily”.

Tan Chan Wei MyPSA Education Officer 2013/14

“I have made numerous friendships from different parts of the nation who are sharing the common goals” pg 20

HIV / AIDS Campaign in IIUM

Poster for World No Tobacco Day

“Viva la

pharmacie” MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

Student Exchange Officer Ms. Emileen Chieng Siaw Ling

D

“A Meaningful SEO Journey”

ear MyPSA members,

It is my great pleasure to share with you my whole year experience as a Student Exchange Officer (SEO). I’m Emileen Chieng and I’m entering my third year in pharmacy soon. Since 2 years back, I was curious if there is a life out there besides just studying every day. So, thanks to my curiosity, I’ve discovered the IPSF World Congress and this led me to the SEO position I’m holding today. I was encouraged by the friends that I’ve met from the congress to join their SEO group and they have exposed me to each of their own countries’ Student Exchange Programme (SEP). Listening to their stories, I was intrigued by their wonderful experience and thus I took up the challenge to be an SEO in MyPSA.

In case all of you still do not have an idea on what is SEP all about,

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

SEP is a big ongoing programme under IPSF whereby MyPSA as a member association under IPSF, helps to conduct it in Malaysia. SEP in Malaysia allows international students to come and experience the pharmacy setting here. This is a huge bonus for local students such as us as we are able to learn about their pharmacy settings too! Trust me, sharing

Let’s take a We-fie!! information and knowledge of their culture and their pharmacy environment is a very fulfilling experience

pg 21

and this is what we all should learn about. This is not something you get every day from your studies. So, stop being a bookworm, take a step out of your comfort zone to experience all this!

In my manifesto during the elections, I had promised to host more international students in Malaysia for this year. To make this successful, what I needed was a team. Once a team was assembled, we worked hard since Day 1 to promote SEP in Malaysia by making video and posters. And I’m proud to say that, we had won the first IPSF SEP poster competition with the theme ‘Hungry for Malaysia’.

Our diligence was paid off when we received numerous applications worldwide. After thorough evaluation, we selected 18 outstanding international students from USA, UK, Egypt, Netherlands, Turkey, Slovakia, Germany, France, and Indonesia. We successfully broke the record of hosting the most students this year!

Woohoo! This is actually great news for all of you out there who are keen to join the SEP next year as MyPSA can send out more local students to participate in this program the following year.

pg 22

The winning poster

“Hungry for Malaysia”!!

And specially for this year, we added something extra by planning out a whole week of post-SEP vacation for them. Although this planning was hectic as it was not easy to accommodate to everyone’s needs, we still enjoyed ourselves in the end. It was a great time for us to bond and learn more about one another.

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

From this SEP, I have identified the 7 key ingredients in an SEO for a successful SEP. Diligence & determination.

SEO has to handle 2 parts; incoming and outgoing students. For outgoing students, the SEO must never give up in fighting a place for them. As for the incoming students, the SEO must plan out all the places for attachment, the accommodation details as well as the documents needed. The SEO also needs to diligently promote SEP in Malaysia to other member associations in the IPSF to make Malaysia well-known in the IPSF as the “must visit destination” for SEP. Most importantly, checking and replying e-mails regularly is a must to avoid any hassles.

Leadership & Teamwork.

SEO needs to be able to lead the team. Dividing the tasks and ensuring that your team is always at the top of their work. It is also critical to help your team too when problems arise. I believe that only ‘WE’ can make our SEP successful.

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Key Ingredients for an SEO

1.Diligence 2.Determination 3.Leadership 4.Teamwork 5.Interpersonal skills 6. Prepared 7. Passionate SEO needs to know how to handle the incoming students too as some might have language and cultural barriers besides being patient in fulfilling their needs.

Be Prepared & Passionate SEO must be prepared to handle any shortcomings. Only passion can keep an SEO motivated to perform well.

Strong interpersonal skills SEO needs to know how to interact well with other SEOs in promoting the outgoing students. Moreover,

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

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7

United Towards Pharmaceutical Excellence!

Golnaz from UK

&

Kind regards, Emileen Chieng Siaw Ling MyPSA Student Exchange Officer 2013/2014 P.S.Take a look at the SEP in Malaysia Facebook page to find out more!

A lovely gift from pg 24

With Anika from Germany!!

All in all, SEP has left a great mark in my heart. It was worth planning all year long for an awesome 3-week long SEP. All the hard work had been paid off when the students thanked me and told me that they had the best time of their lives! Similarly, it was one of the best times of my life.

I would like to thank MyPSA for giving me a chance to be an SEO and also to my team for making this SEP successful! I encourage you all out there to get yourself involved in SEP or even be the next SEO to get this life-fulfilling experience!

Karima (Indonesia).... The pure hearted MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

With Mr.Amrahi, the Chief Pharmacist at UMMC (Universiti Malaya Medical Centre)

Picture queen Zuhal from Turkey!!

Group photo at KL City Gallery!!

Vacation LEOs!

SEP IN MALAYSIA MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

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Entrepreneurship Officer Mr.Muhammad Razzi bin Ramli “I introduced a new program known as JATI (Jalinan Antara Universiti & Industri)”

H

i, I’m Razzi, the Entrepreneurship Officer (EO) for this tenure.

During my tenure as the EO, the difference I made was I tried to vary the selling of MyPSA t-shirts. Unlike previous years, this year included more options such as the round neck tshirts, polo t-shirts, jerseys, varsity jackets and also the muslimah blouse to cater to the Muslim females.

From the sales of the t-shirts and apparels in all the universities under MyPSA, we managed to obtain a profit of approximately RM1500.

Together with the assistance of the sub-committees and also the representatives from each university acting as the middle person, the selling of these t-shirts and apparels ran smoothly without any major problems or hiccups. The average feedback that I received on the quality of the t-shirts this year was very

pg 26

good. Besides that, I have also designed a new corporate shirt for all the MyPSA Executive Committees.

Other than that, as the EO, I introduced a new program known as JATI (Jalinan Antara Universiti & Industri), which is a collaboration between the universities and also the pharmaceutical companies such as Chemical Company of Malaysia (CCM).This program seeks to foster the entrepreneurial spirit of pharmacy students besides providing a small profit. In this JATI program, the pharmacy students will represent the company and sell their products in their university at any approved programs such as fairs and exhibitions. In return the pharmacy societies and also the students themselves will obtain some money for their hard work. In this sense, it was a good training for the pharmacy

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

students to polish their selling skills as well as their soft skills. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen problems that cannot be avoided, this program was not implemented in MyPSA as planned. However, my efforts has greatly proven the possibility and also the potential of a collaboration between the universities and also pharmaceutical companies.

With this being my first experience as a MyPSA exco, I have definitely gained a lot in terms of knowledge, experience as well as insight from the other excos as well.

The name of Entrepreneurship Officer itself can suggest that this is a rather business-like position which involves a lot of communication and interaction with other students in pharmacy schools in Malaysia as well

as dealing with representatives from pharmaceutical companies and advisors. From my one year in MyPSA, I have been exposed to what is happening in the pharmaceutical world outside and also on how to be a leader within MyPSA.

Personally, I hope that the next Entrepreneurship Officer will be able to continue my efforts and also think from a broader perspective and explore the possibilities to improve this position so that it is not just limited to a profit-based position.

Muhammad Razzi bin Ramli Entrepreneurship Officer of MyPSA 2013/14

“my efforts has greatly proven the possibility and also the potential of a collaboration between the universities and also pharmaceutical companies�

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

pg 27

SAMPLE DESIGNS

“Keep in m the toughe a treasurer responsibili

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MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

Publication Officer Mr.Ng Han Yui

H

“I realized that this was probably the window of opportunity for me”

i I’m Han Yui, the Publication Officer for MyPSA this tenure. Being elected to this position really made a change in my life. One year ago, I would not have expected myself to take up this position especially at a national level like this. When I went for NoGAPS last year in USM, what I know about MyPSA was just a blurry image and even the name itself did not register much of an impression to me. Through my friends, I learned a little about this organization in that short period of time and only during NoGAPS that I knew that the elections were taking place in a matter of days. Back then, I realized that this was probably the window of opportunity for me. Probably just like some of you out there, I doubted my abilities and I just wasn’t confident. Looking back, even though I have contemplated a lot back then, I

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

realized that it was a decision I never regretted and one I would I have done again.

The job of a Publication Officer is to promote MyPSA through the use of designs and publications which also includes the newsletter.

From my experience, this position is not all about designing and designing and designing. Once I took up the job, I realized that you are actually exposed to new ideas and new people as well. There was something new to learn and it was definitely not something you would have found in any organic chemistry textbooks nor any pharmacokinetics lectures.

Personally, my interest in graphics and designing developed about 2 to 3 years back when I was in my foundation years and I did not expect that designing can be so much related to the field of pharmacy. Being the

pg 29

Publication Officer has allowed me to utilize my interest in designing besides growing and experiencing pharmacy from a different point of view.

Each year, the Publication Officer needs to publish an annual newsletter for the members to read. In the previous tenure, the Publications department had 15 subcommittees.

However, in this tenure the subcommittee structure was reorganized and each exco are assigned with 2 or 3 assistants to help them with their tasks. I did not appoint anyone for these positions as I believed that there was not much task to be delegated and I would be able to handle them more efficiently. Besides that, I required someone who is able to do graphic designing. However it was difficult to find someone to fit those requirements. Therefore, I have handled the newsletters personally this term. In this tenure also, I have improved the accessibility of the newsletter by uploading it to ISSUU.com which is a website which allows hosting of interactive publications online in line with what IPSF has being doing over the years. Previously the newsletters were only available as a download on the MyPSA website which was not up to date. Thus, I hope this will be a better approach

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TASKS I HAVE WORKED ON • Organisation Chart • Exco name cards • MyPSA membership card •Introduction Poster and Brochure for MyPSA • APPS 2014 Booklet Cover Page • Poster for MH370 • Poster for IPSF World Congress • Public Health Poster for APPS 2014 • MyPSA Certificates • Newsletter • Table Place Cards for AGM • MyPSA Corporate video with Ad-hoc Officer •Approving posts, member requests and replying messages in the MyPSA Facebook page and groups to promote MyPSA through the use of the website.

One of the challenges that I had in this position was starting off with almost nothing handed over to me. It was a blank. Always being dependent on others, initially it was definitely a struggle. However, I have learned to pave my own way and I found that it was a greater success than I thought.

Perhaps just like the saying goes “If life gives you lemon, you make lemonade out of it” and through it I

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

realized that nothing is always given in life and you just have to make do with it. It was definitely a busy year for me and just like everyone else, at times I will lose the motivation. However, I would like to thank my fellow exco’s for assisting me throughout this challenging year which made it possible to persevere onwards.

For those who are interested to take up this position, most importantly having the designing skills and the know-hows on using graphic designing tools like Photoshop, Indesign and Illustrator are definitely a must.

I wouldn’t say this would be a difficult position to take up, however determination, perseverance and dedication are the values that will push you on through the difficult times ahead. Make a leap of faith and you will not regret it.

MH370 poster

Ng Han Yui MyPSA Publication Officer 2013/14

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

pg 31

MyPSA Introductory Poster APPS 2014 booklet coverpage

APPS Public Health Poster

Exco Name Card

PUBLICATION OFFICER

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MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

Multimedia Officer Mr. Preven Kumar a/l Supramaniam

“I encountered numerous challenges and thus this gave me strength to keep learning new things�

A

very good day to all. First let me introduce myself, I am Preven Kumar A/L Supramaniam, MyPSA Multimedia Officer for 2013/14 tenure. First of all, I would like to thank all my MyPSA Executives and teammates, friends and family for their utmost support and guidance for me as a Multimedia Officer throughout the year. Being elected as a Multimedia Officer, I was given multiple tasks to be accomplished throughout this one year journey. Let me walk you all through my working experiences as a Multimedia Officer.

First and foremost, the administrative task of our official MyPSA website was handed over to me by the previous Multimedia Officer. In this given official website, all the information regarding the MyPSA activities, news and events are to be updated and published all the time.

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

Moving on to the following task, I was instructed to be responsible for our very own MyPSA Facebook page and Facebook group. For your kind information, at the time of writing this article, we currently have a total of 2,024 followers and 6,450 members in the Facebook page and Facebook group respectively.The main purpose of managing these pages and groups would be to publish the latest information regarding MyPSA events and the pharmacy profession as a whole.

Thus, all MyPSA members can view all updated information and give their feedbacks promptly through these channels. All queries regarding the updates in these page and group from members are to be directed to the Multimedia Officer and to be answered accordingly as well.

In addition, in order to make things more appealing and interest-

pg 33

ing, posters were designed by me in conjunction with every occasion.

Wishes or even updates on events were updated in the form of posters such as condolence for MH17, World ‘No Tobacco’ Day, Eid Mubarak wishes, MyPSA World Pharmacists Day Photo Contest and many others. Besides that, the best moment of being a MyPSA Multimedia Officer was preparing a promotional video for MyPSA which comprises all the great moments from events successfully organised by MyPSA and its members throughout the year.

Being a Multimedia Officer, I encountered numerous challenges and thus this gave me strength to keep learning new things such as website management. Slowly in the process

I had learned to handle it all. It takes plenty of time to actually learn and master a certain field such as video editing and using Photoshop. The passion towards the job as a Multimedia Officer has always encouraged me to work well to achieve good results. I really hope that the future Multimedia Officer can spend his or her time wisely to put in some great efforts as we are bound to have lots of commitments being both a pharmacy student and an Executive of MyPSA as well. Importantly, remember that the work of a Multimedia Officer should never be neglected at any moment.

So, I hope and believe that I have done my best throughout my journey in MyPSA and I’m looking with great hopes for the future executives to lead and do the job efficiently and effectively for the pride of MyPSA. Preven Kumar a/l Supramaniam Multimedia Officer of MyPSA 2013/14

MyPSA Hari Raya Greetings on Facebook

pg 34

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

pg 35

2014

MyPSA Photo Contest Poster

MULTIMEDIA OFFICER

World No Tobacco Day Poster

MH 17 poster

Ad-hoc Officer Mr. Sathesh Kumar Ramayah “I encountered numerous challenges especially involving public relations and this is where I gained strength...�

G

reetings everyone, I am Sathesh Kumar Ramayah the serving MyPSA Ad-Hoc Officer for 2013/14 tenure.

First of all, I would like to thank all my MyPSA Executives and comrades, pharmacy society clubs and contact persons for their support and cooperation in helping me to serve as the Ad-Hoc Officer throughout this tenure. I would thank the All Mighty for giving me the opportunity to serve the student and also to build my leadership quality.

I shall brief you on the jobscope and responsibility of MyPSA Ad-Hoc bureau. After MyPSA AGM 13/14, I was elected as the Ad-Hoc Officer and was given following task. Firstly, I involved in helping the President in registering MyPSA as a youth body under Kementerian Belia dan Sukan. I was involved in analyzing and collecting

pg 36

the necessary information which are required for the registration.

Secondly, I was also involved in helping Multimedia bureau in certain projects given by the board. Both of us also, cooperated and did the public health campaign by associating with KKM at AIMST University. The same thing goes to other bureaus, whenever they need help, the Ad-Hoc bureau will help them. I also helped the Vice President by designing the posters and event booklet for MyPSA LIT.

For the upcoming MyPSA AGM, I was involved as the contact person for surveying the availabilities of the main boards from all the universities. At the same time, the Ad-Hoc bureau associated with the Publication bureau involved in the creation of MyPSA video.

As an Ad-Hoc Officer, I encountered numerous challenges especially

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

involving public relation and this is where I gained strength in solving the problems especially getting cooperation and supports from the main boards from all the university.

At the same time, I developed interpersonal skills which is vital in performing duties as the Ad-Hoc Officer. I have gained many experiences being in MyPSA. So, I hope and believe that I have done my best throughout my journey in MyPSA and looking forward with great hopes for the future executive to lead and do the job efficiently and effectively for MyPSA pride.

Sathesh Kumar Ramayah MyPSA Ad-hoc Officer 2013/14

MyPSA Newsletter September 2014

“At the same time, I developed interpersonal skills which is vital in performing duties...�

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Malaysian Pharmacy Students’ Association

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