The Quest International University (QIU), a private research-led institution in Perak, Malaysia, has advocated African-Asian partnership to foster the use of herbal medicine.
The Chief Operating Officer of QIU, Nicholas Goh, made the call during a tour of the institution with journalists from Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leone on Thursday.
Goh said it was necessary for Africans and Asians to leverage emerging technologies to boost the use of herbal medicine.
He said medicinal therapies based on traditional herbs and plant products had long been practiced widely in Asia and Africa.
Goh noted that this vast experience in Asia/Africa over a wide range of products, diversity of applications and treatments could be shared by Asian and African countries.
He explained that Asian countries could offer and extend support to African countries as they had a comparative advantage in this field.
“For instance, most developing countries are short of research facilities, so it is essential for us to form partnerships to move ahead in that area.
“I believe developing countries should not live by western standards, but strive to enrich their nations by not depending on imported medicine,” Goh said.
He added that the production technology and marketing capacities in these countries needed to be more vigorously developed based on their knowledge and extensive use of traditional medicinal practices.
Goh explained that it was common knowledge that the safety of most herbal products was further compromised by inadequate labeling and proper measurements.
He noted it was essential to work on the standardization of herbal medicine so that it could compete with modern medicine.
Speaking on commitment of the university, he said the main aim was to provide quality education while maintaining affordability, facilitated by a team of experienced educators from Malaysia and abroad.
According to him, Quest is also focused on producing well-rounded graduates equipped with the skills and confidence to succeed in a rapidly changing job market.
“Research and innovation form the backbone of QIU, with special research projects focusing on sustainable construction materials, technology innovations, health intervention, and food sustainability initiatives,” Goh said.
Goh stressed the importance of students gaining first-hand knowledge of groundbreaking research by working alongside dedicated educators.
The chief operating officer said the university also had a huge passion for social responsibility, with students actively participating in community service and volunteering for good causes.
Goh said the university’s student body comprised 10 per cent international students and 90 per cent of local students.
He added that QIU, which currently had close to 2,000 students from about 50 countries on its campus, offered 40 programs and did not have any branch in any other country.
Goh emphasized that the university had not authorized any agent or anyone to collect money from applicants.
He warned against scammers exploiting prospective students and advised individuals to verify information through the university’s official website.
Other representatives present at the tour included the University Relations Director, Pauline Lee, Senior Manager Digital Communications Department, Loghun Kumaran, the Registrar, Muhammad MG Omar, and Prof. Zita Mohd Fahmi, Vice-Chancellor of the University.
