By Nur Diyana, Patrick Pu, Toh Kim Kee, Jamila Osman, Wong Kah Wei, Herman Felani & Magdeline Ng

 

The journey of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences at the National University of Singapore began at the turn of the 20th century — it was during this period that the Straits and Federated Malay States Government Medical School¹ and later King Edward VII College of Medicine laid the foundations for pharmacy education. Since then, the Department of Pharmaceutics has been instrumental in shaping the future of pharmaceutical sciences in the region.

In celebration of NUS’ 120th Anniversary and the book launch of Manufacture and Supply: Science and Regulation Towards High-Quality Medicinal Products by A/Prof Chan Lai Wah and Mr Sia Chong Hock, a selection of books and key resources related to the development of pharmacy education, pharmaceutical sciences, and medicinal products has been curated. 

• Calendar / King Edward VII College of Medicine, Singapore
  This official calendar marks the beginning of formal medical and pharmacy education in Singapore. The curriculum outlined in these early documents reflects the foundational approach to pharmaceutical sciences at the time. 
• The Medico: The Journal of the Students of the King Edward VII Medical School, Singapore
  A student journal which offers a glimpse into the early academic and extracurricular life of pharmacy students.
  

• A Treatise on Materia Medica and Therapeutics: Including Pharmacy, Dispensing, Pharmacology and Administration of Drugs
  Materia Medica was a core reading² for pharmacy students at the King Edward VII College of Medicine, and detailed knowledge on drug composition, pharmacology, and therapeutic practices. This book was instrumental in training early generations of pharmacists in Singapore and across the region. 

• The Malayan Pharmaceutical Journal
  This journal showcases the growth of pharmacy as a profession in Southeast Asia, with contributions from Singapore’s pharmacy leaders, who were influenced by both local and international healthcare developments. 

• Newsletter / Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore
  Chronicling the activities and advancements of the pharmaceutical profession in Singapore, this resource highlights how the community navigated challenges in the mid-20th century, pushing for advancements in both education and practice. 

The Evolution of Pharmacy in Singapore: Key Milestones 

As pharmacy evolved in Singapore, key institutions such as the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and Singapore Pharmacy Council were formed. Below are some key resources which provide insights into significant milestones of pharmacy development over the decades.

• Annual Report / Singapore Pharmacy Board (1990-2007)
  The Singapore Pharmacy Board’s annual reports trace the regulatory development of the pharmaceutical industry in Singapore, offering insight into the changing landscape of pharmaceutical laws, regulations, and educational standards over nearly two decades.

• Annual Report / Singapore Pharmacy Council (2008-Current)
  The Council’s annual reports continue the narrative of regulatory evolution, highlighting the importance of ongoing education and adaptation to global pharmaceutical practices. These reports reflect the Council’s efforts in setting professional standards and licensing within Singapore’s rapidly advancing pharmaceutical industry. 

• Annual Report (Health Sciences Authority) (2002-Current)
  These reports provide a deep dive into the regulatory framework that governs medicinal products in Singapore, showcasing how the HSA has supported the growth of the pharmaceutical industry while ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs and healthcare products.

• Pharmacy in Singapore: A Journey Through the Years (2002)
  This publication offers a comprehensive look at the development of pharmacy in Singapore, charting the milestones from early pharmacy education to the modern-day establishment of Singapore as a regional pharmaceutical hub. 

Contemporary Pharmacy Resources at NUS Libraries: Shaping the Future 

The pharmaceutical landscape has seen transformative advancements and growing complexity. To remain relevant, staying at the forefront of innovation and research is essential. This section showcases some contemporary key resources available in NUS Libraries to support your journey.

• The British Pharmacopoeia
  A comprehensive collection of authoritative official standards for UK pharmaceutical substances and medicinal products. It serves as a vital reference tool for individuals and organisations involved in pharmaceutical research, development, manufacture, quality control, and analysis. 

• The United States Pharmacopeia
  A comprehensive compendium of drug information and quality standards for medicines, food ingredients, and dietary supplements in the United States. It is used by regulatory authorities, manufacturers, and healthcare providers to ensure that drugs and other substances meet rigorous quality standards, ensuring safety and effectiveness. 

• Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy
  Leading reference book for pharmacy education and practice. It provides detailed information on various aspects of pharmaceutics, including drug delivery systems, dosage forms, pharmaceutical analysis, quality control, and fundamental scientific concepts.  

• Martindale: the Complete Drug Reference
  Leading reference book containing detailed information on drugs, medicines, and pharmaceutical substances used worldwide, providing healthcare professionals with up-to-date and unbiased evaluated information on clinical uses, properties, and preparations. 

• Aulton’s Pharmaceutics: the Design and Manufacture of Medicines
  A comprehensive textbook on pharmaceutics, covering the scientific and technological aspects of designing and manufacturing dosage forms. It is an essential resource for pharmacy and pharmaceutical science students. 

• Ansel’s Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems
  An essential resource for pharmacy students and professionals, covering topics such as physical pharmacy, pharmacy practice, pharmaceutics, compounding, and the clinical application of various dosage forms in patient care. 

• Good Manufacturing Practices for Pharmaceuticals
  This is a useful guide to current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations and their application in the pharmaceutical industry, providing insights into quality systems, regulatory trends, and industry practices for ensuring compliance with GMP requirements. 

• Manufacture and Supply, Science and Regulation Towards High-Quality Medicinal Products
  This recent publication offers cutting-edge insights into the regulatory frameworks and science behind high-quality medicinal product manufacturing. It emphasises the importance of quality assurance and continuous innovation in drug development. 

• Generics and Biosimilars Initiative Journal (GaBI Journal)
  A valuable source of information on the global landscape of generics and biosimilars, showcasing trends in drug development and regulation. 

• PubChem, CAS Formulus, Micromedex, UpToDate, PubMed, AccessPharmacy
  Leading digital resources, databases, and platforms that are essential for modern pharmacy and pharmaceutical education, research and practice as listed in our Pharmacy online guide. 

The above curated list puts together historical archives, milestone publications, and cutting-edge research on pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences at NUS—from its roots in early education and local practice to its current role as a leader in the global pharmaceutical landscape. To stay updated on the current research in the field, do check out the Department of Pharmacy’s research highlights. 

In Case You Missed It: Highlights from the Book Launch

The book launch saw a vibrant turnout of over 100 participants, including staff, students, alumni, and industry partners. Authors A/Prof Chan Lai Wah and Mr Sia Chong Hock shared insights from their historical, educational, and professional journeys in publishing the book, along with their aspirations for the future of pharmacy and pharmaceutical education in Singapore.

In the panel discussion themed Navigating the Pharmaceutical Landscape in Singapore: Innovations, Regulation and Education, panelists explored current challenges in manufacturing, R&D, and the distribution and supply of medications within Singapore’s dynamic and highly regulated pharmaceutical sector.

Librarian Kim Kee also spotlighted credible and authoritative resources supporting the NUS community in their research. 

As A/Prof Natalie Pang, University Librarian, aptly put it, the book launch is a strong reminder of the “pivotal role libraries play in our pursuit to provide access to knowledge.”

Here are a couple of inspirational excerpts from the book, in which the authors encourage a “disruptive-ready” mindset fit for Industry 4.0:

• Be an optimist – Always look at the brighter side of things, be on the lookout for opportunities, and seize them when they appear
• Think of yourself as a software undergoing version upgrading from time to time – Do not think of yourself as a “finished product”
• Think like an immigrant – Stay hungry and be equipped for change
• Think like an artist – Take pride in the outcome of your work
• Be a lifelong learner – Be ever ready to re-invent yourself

Footnote

¹ In the 1908 syllabus of the Straits and Federated Malay States Government Medical School, it was highlighted that students will be examined on Materia Medica and Therapeutics and Practical Pharmacy at the end of the third year of study.

² Khoo, Kay Kim (2005). “The Quest for Recognition”. 100 Years: The University of Malaya. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: University of Malaya Press.