PSU–USM COLLOQUIUM 2025 ADVANCES REGIONAL COLLABORATION IN PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

HAT YAI, 22 AUGUST 2025 - A delegation from the Centre for Drug Research (CDR), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), joined the PSU–USM Colloquium 2025 hosted at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Hat Yai, Thailand. The event aimed to strengthen academic collaboration and foster research exchange in pharmaceutical sciences.

Representing CDR were Dr. Juzaili Azizi and Dr. Nelson Chear Jeng-Yeou, who highlighted the centre’s role in Kratom and addiction research, an area where CDR is recognised as a leading contributor in Malaysia and the region. Their work also supports new directions in health research and novel therapeutic development.

Also, present was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Goh Choon Fu from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM, who co-chaired the programme with Prof. Teerapol Srichana of PSU. Both emphasised the importance of sustained academic exchange and regional collaboration in driving pharmaceutical innovation.

The colloquium featured research presentations from PSU and USM on pharmaceutical technology, drug delivery, Kratom studies, addiction research, and emerging therapeutic strategies. These scientific exchanges provided an important platform to advance innovation and strengthen regional expertise.

During the visit, the USM team was also given a tour of PSU’s advanced laboratories equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including MALDI-TOF, plasmon surface resonance, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry. The delegation also observed PSU’s certified GMP laboratory for botanical drug production, highlighting its complementarity with USM’s research strength in Kratom and addiction studies.

The PSU–USM Colloquium 2025 reaffirmed the shared commitment of both institutions to advance pharmaceutical sciences, with CDR’s expertise in Kratom and addiction research standing out as a key area for future cooperation.

This initiative contributes to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

JA