The Future of Pharmacy: Mentorship from a Triple Licensed Pharmacist

Kevin Ben Laurence is a multilingual, multi-licensed pharmacist and entrepreneur with a unique focus on the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. He holds triple licenses from the Ministry of Health in Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, making him the first ASEAN pharmacist with such qualifications. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, including a boutique consulting firm and a medical clinic, Kevin is deeply committed to empowering professionals and fostering advancements in the industry. His leadership roles extend to several prestigious international, regional, and local non-governmental organizations, where he drives initiatives aimed at developing future leaders in the pharmaceutical field. Notable positions include Director of the FIP Foundation for Education and Research, Global Lead for Development Goal 6 at FIPHub, and Honorary Advisor of the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore.

Kevin’s academic achievements reflect his dedication to excellence, having received a Master of Pharmacy scholarship from STARmeds, a collaborative research project involving renowned institutions such as Imperial College London and Erasmus University. Additionally, he was awarded the Tsinghua-INSEAD Executive MBA Scholarship for Entrepreneurship. Kevin's professional accolades include being the first pharmacist in Indonesia and Malaysia to achieve the Board Certified Medication Therapy Management Specialist (BCMTMS) title from the National Board of Medication Therapy Management (USA). He has been recognized with numerous awards, including the "Local Heroes" award by the Indonesian Pharmacist Association, for his significant contributions to the pharmacy community.

Pharma Now: Your career spans diverse roles in pharmacy, from clinical practice to investment and asset management. What inspired you to enter the pharmaceutical field, and how has your journey evolved over the years?

Mr. Kevin: I have always been fascinated by the intersection of business and healthcare/pharmaceuticals. As a healthcare professional, the number of patients you can help is inherently limited by the number of hours you can dedicate to direct patient care. However, when healthcare professionals create or lead healthcare and pharmaceutical organizations, their impact is exponentially greater. By building innovative healthcare solutions, developing pharmaceutical products, and driving industry-wide advancements, we can improve access to quality healthcare on a much larger scale. At the height of my career in a Global Fortune 500 company (Mitsui &Co.), my team and I managed USD6 billion dollars worth of assets including (Apollo Hospital, Fortis Hospital, Global Hospital, Columbia Asia Hospital, Claris-Otsuka, Keimed and many more). My journey has evolved from clinical pharmacy to leadership roles in non-governmental organisation, industry, and multinational healthcare ventures, always with the goal of making a broader, more sustainable impact on patient care and public health. Today, my focus remains on empowering the future of pharmacy through leadership, education, and digital transformation.

Pharma Now: You’ve held leadership positions in various healthcare settings. What leadership philosophies or strategies have guided you in managing teams and driving innovation?

Mr. Kevin: My leadership philosophy revolves around empowerment, adaptability, and purpose-driven innovation. I believe in fostering a collaborative environment where individuals feel valued and motivated to contribute. In an ever-evolving industry, adaptability is key—leaders must be open to change and inspire their teams to embrace new opportunities. I also prioritize mentorship, as nurturing the next generation of professionals ensures sustainability and continuous progress in pharmacy and healthcare.

Pharma Now: As someone certified in both pharmacy and professional training, how do you see the role of mentorship and continuous education in shaping the next generation of pharmacists?

Mr. Kevin: Mentorship is fundamental to professional growth. Pharmacy is evolving rapidly, and continuous education is essential to keep pace with emerging trends. I actively mentor young pharmacists and students through various initiatives, including the NUS Uplift Mentorship Programme and INSPIRxE mentorship. By sharing knowledge, providing guidance, and fostering a learning culture, we can ensure that pharmacists are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare.

Pharma Now: Can you share a significant challenge you faced in your career and how you overcame it?

Mr. Kevin: One major challenge was leading large-scale healthcare projects across multiple countries with vastly different regulatory landscapes and market dynamics. Navigating these complexities required resilience, cultural intelligence, and a deep understanding of healthcare policies. By building strong stakeholder relationships, leveraging data-driven insights, and maintaining a patient-centric focus, I was able to drive impactful solutions that balanced commercial success with public health needs.

Pharma Now: With your expertise in clinical pharmacy, business development, and medication therapy management, how do you see the role of pharmacists evolving in patient care?

Mr. Kevin: Pharmacists are becoming more integral to patient care, transitioning from traditional dispensers to healthcare providers who optimize medication therapy and improve health outcomes. With the rise of chronic diseases and polypharmacy, pharmacists play a crucial role in medication management, patient education, and adherence monitoring. The future will see more pharmacists in collaborative healthcare teams, offering specialized services such as pharmacogenomics, telepharmacy, and digital health counseling.

Pharma Now: The pharmaceutical landscape is rapidly changing with the integration of AI and digital health. How do you see technology influencing pharmacy practice in the next five years?

Mr. Kevin: Technology will revolutionize pharmacy by enhancing efficiency, precision, and accessibility. AI-powered drug discovery, personalized medicine, and predictive analytics will refine treatment approaches. Digital health tools, including telepharmacy and smart medication adherence systems, will improve patient engagement. However, while automation will streamline processes, the human touch remains irreplaceable—pharmacists must balance technology with personalized care.

Pharma Now: You are certified in Lean Six Sigma. How do process improvement methodologies like Six Sigma impact efficiency in pharmacy and healthcare services?

Mr. Kevin: Lean Six Sigma enhances healthcare efficiency by eliminating waste, reducing errors, and improving workflow optimization. In pharmacy, these principles help streamline medication dispensing, enhance supply chain management, and improve patient safety. By adopting data-driven decision-making, healthcare organizations can achieve higher quality standards while reducing costs and inefficiencies.

Pharma Now: Having worked in both regulatory and industry roles, what are some key differences in regulatory approaches between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore?

Mr. Kevin: Singapore has a highly structured and globally recognized regulatory framework, emphasizing innovation and stringent compliance. Malaysia maintains a strong balance between regulation and market access, supporting the growth of local and international pharmaceutical firms. Indonesia, with its vast population, has a complex but evolving regulatory landscape that prioritizes accessibility and affordability. Understanding these differences is critical for navigating market entry and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Pharma Now: Biosimilars and biologics are gaining traction worldwide. What challenges and opportunities do you foresee in their adoption?

Mr. Kevin: Challenges include regulatory hurdles, physician and patient acceptance, and pricing dynamics. However, the opportunities are immense—biosimilars offer cost-effective alternatives to expensive biologics, improving patient access to life-saving treatments. Regulatory bodies are increasingly recognizing the importance of fostering a competitive biosimilar market, which will drive innovation and affordability.

Pharma Now: Personalized medicine and precision healthcare are becoming more prominent. How can pharmacists play a role in ensuring effective implementation?

Mr. Kevin: Pharmacists will be instrumental in applying pharmacogenomics and tailoring drug therapy based on individual genetic profiles. They will need to collaborate closely with physicians to optimize treatment plans and educate patients on personalized medicine. Continuous training in genomic data interpretation and integration into clinical practice will be crucial.

Pharma Now: With the rise of digital therapeutics and telepharmacy, how can pharmacists maintain a balance between digital convenience and personalized patient care?

Mr. Kevin: The key lies in hybrid care models—leveraging digital tools for efficiency while preserving human interaction where needed. Pharmacists should use technology to automate routine tasks but prioritize direct patient counselling for complex cases. Ethical considerations and data security must also be addressed to build trust in digital therapeutics.

Pharma Now: What are the biggest gaps in pharmacy education today, and how can they be addressed to prepare pharmacists for the future?

Mr. Kevin: Current pharmacy curricula often lack sufficient training in digital health, AI, and business acumen. Universities must integrate interdisciplinary courses covering health informatics, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. Practical exposure to evolving healthcare models will also better equip pharmacists for future challenges.

Pharma Now: What advice would you give to young pharmacists looking to advance their careers in both clinical and corporate settings?

Mr. Kevin: Be adaptable, proactive, and open to continuous learning. Gain diverse experiences across clinical, regulatory, and industry roles to broaden your skill set. Networking is also crucial—connect with industry leaders, join professional organizations, and seek mentorship to accelerate career growth.

Pharma Now: Given your experience as a certified trainer and preceptor, what are the top three skills every aspiring pharmacist should develop to stay competitive?

Mr. Kevin: Strategic Thinking – Understanding healthcare trends and market dynamics to make informed decisions.

Digital & Technological Proficiency – Leveraging AI, telehealth, and digital tools to enhance pharmacy practice.

Leadership & Communication – Effectively managing teams, advocating for pharmacy's role, and engaging patients.

Pharma Now: Finally, looking ahead, what personal or professional goals are you most excited about in the next phase of your career?

Mr. Kevin: I am excited about expanding my work with SingMed Clinic, leveraging digital health solutions to enhance patient care accessibility. Additionally, I aim to drive more impactful collaborations in the healthcare sector, focusing on improving healthcare delivery through innovation and strategic partnerships.