KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 – The Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), in collaboration with Rigaku Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., RGS Corporation Sdn. Bhd., and Gaia Science Sdn. Bhd., successfully organised the XRD Workshop for Pharmaceuticals: Principles, Practice & Application at the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), UTM Kuala Lumpur.
The workshop attracted 42 participants from academia, industry, and regulatory agencies, underscoring the importance of cross-sector collaboration in advancing pharmaceutical research, development, and quality assurance.
Enhancing Skills in Pharmaceutical Analysis
Chaired by Assoc. Prof. ChM. Dr. See Hong Heng from the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, and co-chaired by Dr. Muhammad Firdaus Omar from the Department of Physics, the program featured lectures, industry perspectives, case studies, and hands-on demonstrations. Special guest speaker Mr. Takahiro Kuzumaki of Rigaku Asia Pacific shared global insights into X-ray diffraction (XRD) applications in quality control and drug development.
The workshop agenda encompassed both theoretical and practical components. Dr. Muhammad Firdaus Omar opened with an introduction to XRD techniques, covering core principles and fundamentals, followed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. See Hong Heng who highlighted applications of XRD in pharmaceuticals, particularly in relation to polymorphism and crystallinity.
Participants also gained exposure to case studies and industry demonstrations, which addressed solid-taste analysis and regulatory compliance. The program concluded with hands-on training using the Rigaku Miniflex 600C, where attendees actively engaged in sample preparation, measurement, and data analysis.
This comprehensive approach ensured that participants not only understood the theoretical foundations but also gained practical exposure to real-world pharmaceutical applications of XRD.
Building Malaysia’s Pharmaceutical Science Ecosystem
XRD techniques play a pivotal role in solid-state characterization, crystallinity monitoring, and polymorph identification, all of which are critical for ensuring drug efficacy, stability, and safety. By addressing these areas, the workshop provided participants with advanced skills that directly support pharmaceutical innovation and regulatory standards.
The event also fostered vibrant discussions on the integration of academic expertise, industrial needs, and regulatory requirements, creating opportunities for partnerships that can strengthen Malaysia’s pharmaceutical sciences ecosystem.
UTM’s Commitment to Knowledge Transfer
The Faculty of Science emphasised that this initiative was not limited to technical training but also served as a platform for networking, dialogue, and knowledge transfer among diverse stakeholders. Participants left the workshop with enhanced competencies and a deeper understanding of how XRD contributes to pharmaceutical development and compliance.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. See Hong Heng, the success of this program reflects UTM’s ongoing commitment to capacity-building in advanced pharmaceutical analysis. He noted that such initiatives align with the nation’s aspirations to drive scientific innovation, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and ensure Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global healthcare landscape.
The Faculty of Science, UTM, remains dedicated to fostering impactful collaborations and delivering excellence in knowledge transfer, ensuring that scientific advancements are translated into meaningful contributions for industry, regulators, and society at large.
By: Assoc. Prof. ChM. Dr. See Hong Heng (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science) and Dr. Muhammad Firdaus Omar (Department of Physics, Faculty of Science)