According to the The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Malaysia will face a significant demographic shift, with the over-65 population expected to rise to 14.5% by 2040.¹ This change underscores the urgent need for a robust healthcare workforce to tackle Malaysia’s pressing health challenges, including the rise of communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), an ageing population, and the growing emphasis on mental health services.²
Shaping Future Healthcare Leaders
To meet the rising demand for skilled professionals, Taylor’s University has introduced its Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences (Honours) programme under its School of Biosciences. The 3-year undergraduate programme will offer a comprehensive foundation in applied health sciences, blending advanced knowledge, hands-on expertise, and research capabilities to excel in the country’s evolving healthcare sector.
“Observing the healthcare sector that is at a transformative juncture, at Taylor’s University, we are committed to providing a curriculum that not only meets the highest academic standards, but also adapts to the evolving needs of the industry and the population,” said Professor Dr P.T. Thomas, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.
The Programme’s 4 Specialised Tracks
Genetics: Understanding the genetic basis of diseases and advancements in genetic technologies.
Embryology: Delves into embryonic development and cutting-edge reproductive technologies.
Neuroscience: Exploring the complexities of the human brain, including neural pathways, brain-behaviour relationship, and neurological disorders.
Nutrition: Examining the impact of diet on health, metabolism, and strategies for disease prevention.
The programme incorporates advanced tools such as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR), Brain-Computer Interface (BCI), In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), and wearable-sensing technology, preparing graduates to address modern healthcare challenges.
“This programme is designed to bridge gaps in Malaysia’s healthcare workforce while fostering innovation and expertise in advanced healthcare technologies. Graduates will gain scientific knowledge with hands-on skills to address disease-specific health challenges and develop sustainable healthcare solutions, both locally and globally. Additionally, the curriculum integrates scientific knowledge with entrepreneurial skills, offering personalised learning journeys and focused research projects aligned to their specialisations,” said Dr Lee Sau Har, Programme Director.
Industry leaders and academics at the launch event underscored the importance of applied health sciences education for the rapidly evolving healthcare sector. Highlighting the need for skilled professionals, Professor Dr Leong Chee Onn noted the transformative impact of emerging technologies such as AI, genomics, and precision medicine on diagnostics and treatment, and how they can help tackle complex healthcare challenges and enhance patient outcomes.
“The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 revealed that over two million adults in Malaysia live with three major NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.³ The need for innovative healthcare solutions has never been more urgent,” said Mr Arieff Aaron Abdullah.
The programme supports key policies, including the Malaysian Health White Paper and the National Policy for Quality in Healthcare 2022–2026, equipping graduates to contribute to sustainable healthcare, disease prevention, and policy innovation.
Taylor's University’s Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences (Honours) programme will welcome its first intake of students in April 2025, and subsequent intakes in April and September annually.
For more information about the programme, visit bit.ly/TaylorsAppliedHealthSciences
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