NUS and the Asia Pacific Medical Technology Association (APACMed) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 27 July 2023, agreeing to work together to enhance professional development programmes for medical device regulatory professionals.
APACMed, a leading trade association in the Asia Pacific medical technology industry, will provide industry expertise, networking opportunities, and insight for curriculum development. By partnering with APACMed, BME's programmes will stay up to date with industry developments and changing capability needs.
Professor Teo Kie Leong, Acting Dean of the NUS College of Design and Engineering, shared that, “The Department of Biomedical Engineering has been at the forefront of training professionals in the medical device regulatory field since the launch of its first graduate certificate in 2014 in partnership with Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS). Since then, it has expanded its portfolio to include the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Medical Device Regulation, which addresses the key thrusts of Singapore’s Healthcare Industry Transformation Map (ITM) by providing multiple pathways to attract mid-career workers to enter healthcare-related industry and an enhanced learning platform to build a future-ready workforce. The partnership with APACMed elevates its programmes in yet another dimension, with APACMed bringing a wealth of resources on best practices, emerging trends, and regulatory developments to keep training relevant to industry needs. We look forward to experts from academia and industry working closely to provide the best learning opportunities for professionals in this growing sector.”
Ms Harjit Gill, CEO, APACMED added that she was “thrilled to announce the signing of this significant Memorandum of Understanding between NUS and APACMed, marking a pivotal moment in strengthening professional development programmes for the medical device regulatory profession.
As a valued partner of companies leading in the medical device industry, APACMed brings invaluable expertise, extensive networking opportunities, and key insights to the table. We firmly believe that this partnership with NUS is poised to empower a new generation of professionals in the medical technology sector, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in this dynamic and rapidly transforming field. This collaborative effort represents a significant step forward in advancing the standards and capabilities of the medical device regulatory profession across the region."
BME will explore opportunities with APACMed for internships, co-op programmes, and joint initiatives such as research projects or events focusing on medical device regulatory affairs. This benefits both sides as APACMed will be able to tap into a pool of talented students interested in pursuing careers in the medical device regulatory affairs field. Cross-promotional initiatives will enhance outreach for both BME and APACMed.
To kick-start the collaboration, an industry seminar was held after the signing, covering updates on training curriculum, and recent developments in EU and SEA medical device regulations featuring speakers Mr. Sharad Shukla, Head, Regulatory Affairs, Johnson & Johnson Medtech. Chairperson of Southeast Asia Centre of Excellence Group, APACMed, Mr Sanjay S Kumar, Director, Regulatory Affairs and Government Affairs, APAC, Invisalign Singapore Pte Ltd and Mr Seet Wing Gang, Director, Regulatory Affairs, APAC, Cook Medical.