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Is pursuing a bachelor’s in Biotechnology in Malaysia a good decision in terms of long-term career prospects ?

I am currently facing a career decision and would like guidance.

I originally wanted to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, but many people around me are advising me to reconsider because they believe the field has limited job opportunities and low market demand. I applied to NUST for Biotechnology, but due to limited preparation time I did not score well enough to secure admission (although final merit lists have not been released yet, my chances seem low based on my marks).

Before that, I had also applied to universities abroad, including Malaysia and Turkey. However, after deciding to stay in Pakistan, most of the application deadlines for Turkish and other universities passed, except for Malaysia. I have now received offers from two Malaysian universities: Taylor’s University with a 50% scholarship and INTI University with a 45% scholarship.

However, I am now hearing concerns that Malaysia also does not have a strong biotechnology job market, which is making me reconsider my decision.

At the same time, I am thinking about whether it would be possible or realistic to go to another country for higher studies (Master’s or further education) after completing my bachelor’s degree in Malaysia.

Given all of this, I would like advice on the following:

Is pursuing a bachelor’s in Biotechnology in Malaysia a good decision in terms of long-term career prospects? And is it a viable pathway to later pursue higher studies or work opportunities in other countries, even if the local Malaysian biotech job market is limited?

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Donna’s Answer

Arwa;

Don't make your decisions based on hear say. Do your own research. I quickly googled Biotechnology employment in Malaysia and also Pakistan. While your opportunities are limited in Pakistan they are not non existent. In Pakistan you will want to be located in one of the urban centers like:
Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.

In Malaysia on the other hand, prospects are high and rapidly growing in all sectors: Pharmaceuticals, Therapeutics, Medical Devices, Agri-biotech, Commercial and Technical Sales.

Now to the educational component of your query.
Scholarships are always a bonus, as education is expensive. The question you have to ask yourself, can I be away from family in Malaysia. If the answer is no, then that may help answer your thoughts to the above.

Remaining in Pakistan for education, means you have missed some critical deadlines and lacked the focus to meet this years requirements. Maybe look into an internship opportunity. Glaxo-Smith Kline in Karachi offers 6 - 8 week positions to see if this is really a good fit for you. It looks like Karachi is your best bet with Getz Pharma's "Next lead Summer Internship Program", Abbot Pakistan's "Student internship Program" and Lahore offers internships at Ferozson Laboratories and BF Bio Sciences

I have included a link to a support group in Pakistan for Women in Life Sciences

And also seen a college internship program called " Her Circle Pakistan" ask your advisor about it.

Good Luck! Glad to see more women interested in technical fields of study

Donna recommends the following next steps:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wilspakistan
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