Symposia in Medicinal Chemistry in Singapore and Malaysia

The RSC continued to strengthen its links with Southeast Asia in January 2010, hosting symposia on medicinal chemistry in Malaysia and Singapore. Researchers, including postgraduate students, met in Penang in Malaysia and in Biopolis, Singapore, to hear UK based and local experts from industry and academia discuss research into new treatments for conditions such as malaria, obesity and cancer. 

The symposia were held in conjunction with the British High Commissions in Malaysia and Singapore. It was also in partnership with GlaxoSmithKline, A*STAR’s Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences and IPharm. Delegates in Malaysia attended a discussion on drug discovery strategies. In Singapore, a dinner for the scientists was hosted by the British High Commission. 

Amanda Brooks, Deputy British High Commissioner, Singapore, commented on the importance of holding such meetings: “This symposium provided an excellent example of the productive partnerships existing between institutions and individuals between UK and Singapore. It creates an avenue to forge new links and deepen existing relations.” The symposium in Malaysia also allowed representatives from the RSC to meet with the new Chair for the soon to be re-established RSC Malaysian Section, Noorsaadah Abdul Rahman. 

Sarah Thomas, International Market Development Manager, is pleased this will continue to expand the network in South East Asia: “This will help us to support our members, and to respond to the particular needs of chemical scientists in this area.”