“Be focused and be committed. Be prepared to work hard and smart. Remember failures are often just stepping stones to ultimate success”
- Dato' Dr Gan Ee Kiang -
Paving the Way for Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmaceuticals in Malaysia
Often regarded as one of the first pharmacologists in Malaysia, Dato’ Dr Gan Ee Kiang's accomplishments include the curating of syllabi for Universiti Sains Malaysia to establishing key research centres, such as the Drug Research Centre in 1978, the National Poison Centre in 1994 and the National Doping Control Centre in 1996.
Internationally recognised for his work in pharmaceuticals, Dato’ Dr Gan was the first Malaysian to be appointed as a member of the International Health Advisory Panel by the United States Pharmacopeia Convention (USP) from 1990 to 1995. Dato’ Dr Gan’s passion comes from his innate nature to be curious and his love of development.
A researcher's tale from Penang to Australia and home
Born on June 23, 1944 in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Dato’ Dr Gan had a passion for learning from an early age. After completing secondary studies at Bukit Mertajam High School, he pursued higher education in Australia, earning his Honours in Pharmacology at the University of Western Australia.
Dato’ Dr Gan was later awarded the National Health and Medical Research Council scholarship to pursue his PhD. During this period, Dato’ Dr Gan collaborated with his mentor, the late Emeritus Professor M. F. Lockett, a renowned Pharmacologist, leading to his PhD on Intra-renal Secretion of Renin in 1972.
After establishing himself in the field of Pharmacology, Dato’ Dr Gan finally decided to return home to Penang, by accepting a job at Universiti Sains Malaysia, then known as Universiti Pulau Pinang.
Subsequently, he dedicated over 40 years to the realms of pharmacology, pharmaceuticals, and drug-related research, playing a pivotal role in steering Universiti Sains Malaysia towards becoming an innovative global center of excellence in learning and research.
Positioning Malaysia as a leading country in the realm of pharmacology
As one of the first few Pharmacologists in Malaysia, Dato’ Dr Gan worked to elevate Pharmacology's prominence among future generations.
Collaborating with Professor William Stanley Peart, he purified the peptide hormone angiotensin, solidifying Dato’ Dr Gan’s international authority on the renin-angiotensin system.
His efforts led to the establishment of the Clinical Pharmacy Programme and the Masters in Clinical Pharmacy Programme at Universiti Sains Malaysia, along with the Bioequivalent Studies Laboratory.
Apart from his role as a member of the International Health Advisory Panel by the United States Pharmacopeia Convention (USP), Dato’ Dr Gan holds an advisory role with the Malaysian Society of Pharmaceutical Trade and Manufacturers Association.
From 2000 to 2013, Dato’ Dr Gan led the development of USAINS Group as the Founding Group Managing Director. His strategic direction transformed USAINS into a successful model for public-private partnerships in R&D, earning recognition from international agencies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, World Health Organisation, and the Rockefeller Foundation.
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The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.