Malaysian Pharmacists Society empowers pharmacist leaders at PHLF 2025

The Pharmacists Healthcare Leadership Forum (PHLF) 2025, organised by the Malaysian Pharmacists Society’s Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy Chapter in collaboration with the Community Pharmacy Chapter and the Community Public Awareness Chapter, was a remarkable success. Held over 2 days on 17-18 May 2025, at Taylor's University Lakeside Campus, this significant event brought together a total of 232 pharmacy leaders from diverse backgrounds to delve into essential topics such as leadership, digital healthcare and innovation.

The organising chairman, Ong Aik Liang, is the key figure behind the success of this event, leading the inaugural PHLF 2025 alongside his remarkable organising committee team. As the forum is hosted for the second time in 2025, a pivotal moment is celebrated, the first of its kind in the region. The energy, passion, and commitment displayed at the forum have demonstrated that pharmacists are ready to lead, innovate, and inspire.

The aim of PHLF was to bring together not only thought leaders and change-makers but also aspiring individuals who are eager to grow and take on leadership roles. This year, an even more diverse and powerful lineup of speakers is proudly featured. Among the distinguished guests is Brigadier General Honorary Professor Dato’ Dr. A. Halim Haji Basari, Chief of Management at the Malaysian Armed Forces HQ, Health Services Division, Ministry of Defence. PHLF is also honoured to welcome the Honorary Professor Amrahi Buang, President of the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS), as well as esteemed keynote speaker, Professor Dr. Hasniza Zaman Huri, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic and International at Universiti Malaya (UM).

PHLF 2025 featured a well-curated program that included captivating plenaries led by esteemed speakers in various industries. These sessions provided valuable insights into emerging trends and best practices, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the pharmacy profession. Additionally, insightful forums encouraged open dialogue among attendees, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas could flourish.

Summary of the sessions at PHLF 2025
In the opening, Amrahi discussed the importance of leadership and unity within the pharmacy profession with emphasis on ethical behaviour, professional responsibility, and the need for collective action. He noted the challenges faced with the new Pharmacy Bill and called for the support of all the registered pharmacists in Malaysia to reinforce the profession. He concluded with a request for pharmacists to attend the National Pharmacists Convention in July 2025 and the 2027 International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) World Congress in Kuala Lumpur.

Halim introduced the “leadership trifecta,” which encompasses technical, organisational, and personal dimensions covering industry expertise and innovation, such as advancing halal pharmaceutical standards; strategic planning, effective execution, and team management; and self-regulation and emotional intelligence. He also emphasized the value of clinical proficiency, strong communication skills, and sound decision-making in healthcare leadership. Additionally, he advocated mentorship, lifelong learning, and establishing structured mentor-mentee programmes to nurture emerging pharmacists.

Hasniza addressed the evolving roles of pharmacists in the digital health era, emphasising the importance of telepharmacy, mobile health applications, and digital apps along with innovations like AI, machine learning, robotics, and blockchain for medication adherence, patient monitoring, and data analytics. She noted that patients visit community pharmacies 13 times a year compared to only 7 times for primary care physicians, underscoring the profession’s growing importance. She also mentioned the development of digital tools by UM like the CareAide mobile application for chronic disease management and emphasised the importance of lifelong learning and mentorship for pharmacists.

The plenary and dialogue sessions by Koay Song Leng covered his journey from working as a mechanical engineer to becoming the executive director of the successful Malaysian food chain Oriental Kopi. Founded in 2020, the chain has expanded to 22 outlets in Malaysia and one in Singapore despite initial challenges, such as high customer demand and SOP issues during the COVID-19 MCO period. Koay highlighted the importance of leadership in serving the community and making tough decisions.

Dr Muhammed Anis Abd Wahab, a medical doctor and Deputy Director of the National Health Financing Section of the Ministry of Health, emphasised the importance of leadership in healthcare financing and transformation in a plenary session. He discussed the Malaysian Health Systems Research collaboration with Harvard and the implementation of the Health White Paper. He also stressed the role of Protect Health in strategic purchasing, emphasising accountability, transparency, and the importance of digital technologies in improving healthcare services. In the dialogue session, he focused on the collaboration among healthcare professionals in addressing preventive care and Protect Health’s efforts in health screening for low-income populations.

Sean Yoong Yik Xiang, the Chief Operating Officer from Colombia Asia Hospital - Cheras, discussed the importance of mastering stakeholder relationships in a plenary session. He highlighted the evolution of leadership from command-and-control to collaborative, stressing integrity, vision, positive attitudes, and effective communication. Sean differentiated between fixed and growth mindsets, advocating for the latter. The session concluded with a focus on emotional intelligence (EQ) and the need for leaders to adapt and engage with diverse perspectives.

In a plenary session, pharmacist Susan Pan Yin Hsia emphasized the importance of negotiation, strategic thinking, and influence in leadership. She elaborated the necessity of exposure, diversity, adversity, and a supportive environment to cultivate a visionary mindset. She also shared personal experiences, highlighting involvement in various NGOs and endurance sports to illustrate the value of adversity.

Amy Chong, a pharmacist with entrepreneurial mindset, shared her journey in entrepreneurial resilience, emphasising the importance of mindset and learning. She transitioned from a pharmacist to a brand owner since 1996 and faced multitude challenges, including cultural differences and regulatory changes. Despite the challenges, she launched her supplement brand in 2014, focusing on preventive care and community education. She stressed the need for defining brand purpose, building a supportive team, continuous learning, and being prepared to sacrifice.

Interactive workshops were a highlight of the event, offering engaging experiences that enhanced communication skills vital for effective healthcare delivery. Participants practised techniques to improve patient interactions and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

Moreover, the forum highlighted the essential role of leadership in navigating the complexities of modern healthcare. Participants left feeling inspired and motivated to implement the ideas discussed and advocate for advancements in the pharmacy profession.

As PHLF 2025 concluded, it was clear that the event had established a solid benchmark for future gatherings. The enthusiasm and engagement of participants left everyone eagerly anticipating the next forum, which promises even more opportunities for growth, learning and inspiration within the pharmacy community. The success of this year’s event underscores the vital role pharmacists play in shaping the future of healthcare and their commitment to continuous improvement.