More than a century of pharmacy leadership
The story of MPS began with two regional associations and grew into a unified national voice for pharmacists, professional standards and public health.
- Registered
- 1967
- Present name adopted
- 2020
Milestones that shaped MPS
Each generation strengthened the Society’s role in legislation, education, professional recognition and regional collaboration.
The first pharmaceutical associations
The Penang Pharmaceutical Association represented pharmacists in northern Malaya, while the Singapore-based Straits Pharmaceutical Association included members from Singapore and southern Malaya, particularly Johore.
A united professional voice
Pharmacists began working toward one association for Malaya and Singapore. On 31 May 1949, the Straits Pharmaceutical Association became the Malayan Pharmaceutical Association, organised into Northern and Southern Divisions.
A small profession with national influence
With only about 30 pharmacists, members still contributed to the development of major laws governing poisons, pharmacist registration, medicine advertising and sales, and dangerous drugs.
The present Society is established
Following the separation of Malaysia and Singapore, the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society was formed and registered with the Registrar of Societies.
Regional engagement and a permanent home
MPS hosted the Conference of Pharmaceutical Societies in ASEAN Countries in September 1979 and purchased its premises in Taman Setiawangsa on 18 March 1989.
Partnerships and international reach
The Society signed the Patient’s Charter with MMA, MDA and FOMCA in 1995. In 1996 it established a banking partnership for pharmacists and organised its first international FAPA conference in Kuala Lumpur.
A landmark year for the profession
MPS formed its first Council of Advisors, launched its website, held the first Pharmacy Nite, conferred its first Fellowships, and presented the first MPS–GlaxoWellcome Pharmacist of the Year Award.
Building support and education standards
The Society introduced an insurance scheme for pharmacists, launched Project 2003, and helped establish pharmacy-education accreditation criteria with the Pharmacy Board and LAN.
Malaysian Pharmacists Society
The organisation adopted its present name, Malaysian Pharmacists Society, continuing its commitment to represent pharmacists and advance the profession.