PharmNotts

The 10^th Asia Pacific Pharmaceutical Symposium, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Twelve student representatives were sent by PharmNotts to attend this annual event, which was held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia this year. The theme chosen for this year’s APPS event is ‘The Role of Herbal Medicine in Advance Pharmacy’.

at the Cultural Night

Aim and function of APPS

The APPS is a highly anticipated event held annually by the Asia Pacific Regional Office – International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (APRO-IPSF) where important discussions and decisions are made, but aside from this, it is a platform where students from throughout the region coalesce to forge friendships, learn about the differences in the profession in each country as well as experience other cultures. This event also provide participants with the opportunity to think ‘outside the box’ and improve the profession within their own country.

Activities done during APPS 2011

• Four educational symposiums were presented; ‘The Future of Pharmacy Education’, ‘Pharmacy Goes Green’, ‘Advanced Drug Development’ and ‘Health Insurance’. This event exposes participants to the current issues of pharmacy field whereby heavyweight speakers, pharmacy educators and industrial guests discuss some issues and topics with the participants.
• The participants were allowed to compete in four competitions; Oral Presentation, Poster Exhibition, Patient Counselling Event and Clinical Skills Event.
• Participants were given the opportunity to attend several brainstorming workshops, in which participants were separated into groups to discuss about some issues related to the pharmacy profession and public health problems.
• Participants took part in the Jogja City Tour, which covered two of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, the Sultan Palace and the Prambanan Temple. Through this activity, participants were given the opportunity to explore Yogyakarta and also learn the tradition and history of Jogja. Participants were also given the chance to explore Gadjah Mada University and the faculty of Pharmacy.
• Regional meetings were held to elect the new committee members of APRO. The immediate-past committee board presented information and accomplishments done by APRO during the 2010-2011 term. Announcements of other upcoming events as well as the promotion of the next APPS event were also held during this event.
• Several social events were organised by the 10^th APPS committee; the Welcome Party, the Cultural Night and Auction Night, International Night and the Gala Night. These events allow participants to get to know one another as well as learn about different cultures. On the other hand, the Auction Night is an IPSF tradition aimed to raise money to help the less fortunate students from the developing countries to attend IPSF events or to take part in the Student Exchange Program. 

Highlight of the entire event

One of our PharmNotts representatives, Cindy Khoo was chosen as the best participant in the Patient Counselling Event.

From left : friend, Kelly, Mei Sian, Cindy

Just so you know, Taiwan will be the host for the next APPS event in 2012.

Check out the 2012 APPS Taiwan Promotional Video at this website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LihN0iM0838

composed by :

Sheryn Loh