Taylor’s University’s Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences (Honours) programme offers four specialised tracks – genetics, embryology, neuroscience, and nutrition – designed to address public health challenges while enhancing students’ expertise and readiness.—CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
In 2025, an estimated 17.8% of Malaysia’s population will be aged 55 and above.
This aging demographic, coupled with the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and an increasing emphasis on mental health services, underscores the urgent need for skilled healthcare professionals to address these pressing health challenges.
In response to this need, Taylor’s University has launched its Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences (Honours) programme.
Addressing public health needs
The introduction of the programme aligns with Malaysia’s rapidly expanding healthcare sector, which is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5%, reaching US$48.41bil by 2028, according to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).
This growth further highlights the demand for skilled professionals capable of addressing critical healthcare challenges.
The three-year undergraduate programme by Taylor’s University, offered under the School of Biosciences, provides students with a solid foundation in applied health sciences.
The curriculum is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge, practical expertise, and research skills to thrive in Malaysia’s dynamic healthcare landscape.
Students will engage in full-time classes, with an overseas transfer option to the University of Sydney in Australia.
The programme’s curriculum emphasises practical applications, nurturing healthcare professionals who are adept at meeting the complexities of modern healthcare landscape.
Specialised tracks in health sciences
The Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences (Honours) programmehas four specialised tracks, eachfocused on addressing critical public health challenges while strengthening the students’ expertise and readiness: > Genetics: Exploring the genetic basis of diseases and advancements in genetic technologies.
> Embryology: Examining embryonic development and innovative reproductive technologies.
> Neuroscience: Understanding the complexities of the human brain, including neural pathways, brain-behaviour relationship and neurological disorders.
> Nutrition: Analysing the impact of diet on health, metabolism and strategies for disease prevention.
The programme also 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 tackle the evolving healthcare landscape.
Innovative curriculum and industry partnerships
In addition to these tools, students benefit from the university’s Virtual Online Future Technology and Extended Reality (VORTEX XR) lab, which offers immersive learning experiences through augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality.
This facility enhances students’ understanding and practical skills in a simulated healthcare environment.
Additionally, Taylor’s University is one of Invest Selangor Bhd’s nine strategic partners in the Selangor Lab Partnership Programme, providing students access to advanced research facilities and expert consultation, thereby further enhancing their employability.
“This programme is designed to produce highly skilled graduates who not only address gaps in Malaysia’s healthcare workforce but are also proficient in advanced healthcare technologies and capable of driving innovation in the sector,” said Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences (Honours) programme director Dr Lee Sau Har.
“By integrating state-of-the-art tools, our students gain the expertise needed to tackle the complexities of modern healthcare.
“Additionally, our curriculum integrates scientific knowledge with entrepreneurial skills, offering personalised learning journeys and focused research projects aligned to their specialisations.”
She emphasised that these elements will empower them to tackle disease-specific challenges and support the development of sustainable healthcare solutions both in Malaysia and internationally.
During the launch of the programme, a panel of industry experts comprising Invest Selangor - Selangor Biotechnology Coordination Office (S-BIOCO) director Arieff Aaron Abdullah, AGTC Genomics founder Prof Dr Leong Chee Onn and Lee discussed the evolving healthcare landscape in Malaysia, emphasising the relevance of applied health sciences in addressing the need for sustainable and innovative solutions.
“The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023 revealed that over two million adults in Malaysia live with three major NCDs – diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.
“The need for innovative healthcare solutions has never been more urgent,” stressed Arieff Aaron.
Adding to the dialogue, Prof Leong stated, “The healthcare industry is undergoing transformative changes, driven by advancements in technology especially in genomics, artificial intelligence and precision medicine.
“These innovations are revolutionising diagnostics and treatment, but they also highlight the urgent need for a skilled workforce capable of leveraging these technologies to address complex healthcare challenges and improve patient outcomes.”
The programme is also aligned with key policies, including the Malaysia Health White Paper and the National Policy for Quality in Healthcare 2022-2026, preparing 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 this year, with subsequent intakes every April and September annually. The inaugural April intake offers a 10% bursary.
For more information on Taylor’s University’s Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences (Honours) programme, click here.