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Cover Story
@ Halal | September-october . 2020
BY CAMILIA REZALI
In a place as the original initiator of halal
pharmaceuticals manufacturing in the world , Duopharma Biotech Berhad is one of Malaysia ’ s leading pharmaceutical companies .
The company , listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia , has indeed played a pioneering role in halal products ’ research and development and firmly rooted its position as a market leader and also showing exemplary leadership for the halal pharmaceutical industry ’ s best practices .
Moreover , it ’ s marketing arm and distribution of Consumer Healthcare ( CHC ) products defuses to both domestic and international markets – establishing export markets beyond the bounds , spurring to nine Southeast Asian countries , 11 countries in the Asia Pacific and 11 countries in other parts of the world .
Duopharma Biotech was the first to be certified halal with the Malaysia Standard MS 2424:2019 by the Department of Islamic Development , Malaysia ( or JAKIM ) for all its consumer healthcare and prescription products manufacturing facilities .
At present , Duopharma Biotech intends to strengthen its position in the halal pharmaceutical industry .
Chairman of Duopharma Biotech , Tan Sri Siti Sa ’ diah Sh . Bakir said the company was working with various stakeholders to penetrate specific markets in Southeast Asia with halal pharma as a differentiator .
“ Malaysia is still ahead compared to other countries in terms of having a strong governance structure and support to develop a comprehensive eco-system surrounding halal pharmaceuticals ,” said Siti Sa ’ diah who has been in the healthcare industry for more than 40 years .
Being at the forefront of the halal pharmaceutical industry demands the need for Duopharma Biotech to strengthen its position by stepping-up its management system and sustaining its business operation to uphold the country ’ s position .
The industry veteran spoke to @ Halal on several plans to build Duopharma Biotech – plans that grip on immense measures to ensure adequate internal resources when facing the challenges ahead . She also shared her journey in the healthcare industry .
How is the adaptation and implementation of halal pharmaceuticals in Malaysia ? We have a well-developed concept on halal pharmaceuticals prescribed in the first halal standard for pharmaceuticals called Malaysia Standard MS 2424:2019 , Halal Pharmaceutical – General Requirements . The development process follows closely the guidelines of ISO standard , which means all the relevant parties were involved , and development procedures were transparent keeping with the principles of good governance and international best practices .
Many players have adopted and implemented halal pharmaceuticals in their best practices in Malaysia . For example , the Ministry of Defence ( MinDef ) was the first agency that adopted halal in its procurement policy and others followed suit including the University Malaya Medical Centre ( UMMC ) and Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM ( HCTM ).
What are Duopharma Biotech ’ s plans to build on its strength as a pioneer in halal pharmaceuticals ? In early 2018 , the Board approved and established the Halal Board Committee to provide stewardship to Duopharma Biotech ’ s Halal Pharmaceuticals Agenda . Duopharma Biotech ’ s Halal Pharmaceutical Agenda comprised initiatives throughout the company ’ s business value chain rang-
At the forefront
Duopharma Biotech amplifying its position as a thought and market leader in the industry by placing halal pharma as a differentiator
ing from thought leadership , strengthening resources and capabilities , leading halal certification , research & development , and expanding market segment .
The duty of this Board also includes providing an independent review on the effectiveness and efficiency of the Group ’ s halal initiatives and recommend the relevant intervention that enables the Group to strengthen its position as the halal pharmaceutical industry ’ s thought and market leader .
What are the essential elements ensuring the sustainability of Duopharma Biotech ’ s operations and business ? A robust governance framework must be put in place . Therefore , several dedicated committees at the Board level have been established .
Firstly , is the Audit and Integrity Committee to ensure that there is robust oversight on financial reporting , internal and external audit , governance , integrity and anti-corruption matters . Secondly , is introducing the Nomination and Remuneration Committee , which is responsible for recommending the appointment , evaluation , remuneration , and for ensuring appropriate succession framework of Board members and Senior Management .
Thirdly is the establishment of a Risk Management and Sustainable Committee to ensure that there is a robust system for risk