From Lab to Market: Dato’ Nadza Outlines Vision for Strategic Research
KUANTAN – In a significant move to bridge the gap between academia and industry, the Group Managing Director/CEO of IIUM Holdings, YBhg. Dato’ Ahmad Nadzarudin Abdul Razak, delivered an impactful CEO Talk at the Kulliyyah of Pharmacy (KOP), IIUM Kuantan, on 9th February 2026.
Speaking on the theme “Translating Academic Excellence Into Institutional Sustainability: A CEO Perspective,” Dato’ Nadzarudin highlighted how KOP’s academic strengths are essential to the long-term success of IIUM Holdings. This engagement marked his first dedicated dialogue with a Kulliyyah, signaling a new era of closer cooperation between the Group and the university’s research units.
A major focus of the discussion was the successful commercialization of research. Dato’ Nadzarudin shared leadership insights on how sustained partnerships can turn innovative ideas into profitable, real-world solutions. He cited the IKOP Pain Relief Ointments, namely iGesic, iSalic and iKool ointments as a perfect example of this synergy. The product, currently supplied to the Ministry of Health (KKM) and private market, were developed through the expert research of Prof. Dr. Farahidah and her research team at KOP.
By recognizing these pivotal contributions, Dato’ Nadzarudin underscored that the future of IIUM Holdings relies on Strategic Research Collaboration. He called for a stronger link between KOP’s entrepreneurial spirit and IKOP’s manufacturing power to ensure that high-level research does not just stay in the lab but reaches the people who need it most.
The session concluded with a firm commitment from IIUM Holdings to continue supporting academic innovation. This partnership is a key pillar of the Group’s sustainability strategy, ensuring that both the university and the corporate arm grow stronger together.