Fun Weng Hong
Course: Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours), 2016
Nationality: Malaysian
Current role: Researcher, Institute For Health Systems Research
Please tell us about your role in your current organisation.
I am a researcher, working at the Institute For Health Systems Research (IHSR), where the institute focuses on health systems research, providing scientific evidence to policy-makers and healthcare providers to make evidence-based decision-making.
Apart from doing research on health system research, I am also one the panel members for several scientific review committees including IHSR, National Institutes of Health and MOSTI. Thus, reviewing proposals, abstracts and articles is part of my job functions. My responsibilities also include conducting health systems research workshops and training for healthcare staff as well as providing consultancy to other organisations that require our assistance specifically related to my subject area of modeling in health economics.
Why did you choose Monash?
Monash University is one of the top universities in the world and it has the required experts who can supervise my postgraduate research in the area of health economics.
How have your studies prepared you to be where you are today?
I gained the knowledge and skills in research such as critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are both very important in my daily work. It helps me in dealing with the challenging research environment at my institute, where addressing unprecedented health system and policy related issues are part of my job functions.
What did you enjoy most about your student life?
The student-friendly facilities such as sports centre and library are what that I liked the most. After a tiring day working on my research, a relaxing badminton game with friends in an air-conditioned indoor court is the best you could ask for.
What was most challenging?
To find parking when I was late.
What was most memorable?
Friends, school admin staff and supervisors, who had supported me when I felt lost in my research direction and helpless were the moments that I cherished most. Not to mention those endless nights, with the support from my peers, working hard together to complete our research milestones.
What would be the one word to sum it all up?
Priceless.
What is your advice to Monash students?
Cherish every moment as a postgraduate student because the fun and hard times will remain part of your most memorable experiences in your life.