Decca Sin currently works at an international pharmaceutical company. She has come to realise the importance of drug development through her family's experiences. Witnessing the transformative impact it can have on the lives of severely ill patients and their families, she was driven to embark on a career in the pharmaceutical industry. Over the years, through proactive exploration, a strong thirst for knowledge, and unwavering determination, she has steadily advanced and established herself in the field of professional pharmaceutical marketing. Driven by a deep sense of purpose, she strives to utilise her expertise to benefit more patients and their families.
Proactively Forging a Path to Success
Feeling disengaged by conventional teaching methods during secondary school, Decca felt uninspired and drifted aimlessly. After completing the HKCEE, she made the decision to pursue her interest in environmental science by enrolling in the Diploma programme at IVE. This programme emphasised practical implementation alongside theoretical knowledge, reigniting her passion for learning. She became proactive which led to a significant improvement in her academic performance. Engaging in different group projects also provided her with valuable teamwork experience and enhanced her communication skills. Motivated by clear goals and a desire to explore diverse paths, Decca took the initiative to apply for the Higher Diploma in Food Science and Technology after completing her first year in the Diploma programme. Through prudent assessment and approval from the department head, she was exempted from certain subjects and credits, enabling a seamless transition into the second year of the Higher Diploma programme. Decca expresses deep gratitude for the guidance and mentorship provided by her teachers, especially the department head Mr Domas So, which allowed her to get a head start and set her on a solid and flexible path for further education. This has truly changed her life. As anticipated, she achieved top-ranking academic performance.
Upon obtaining her graduation certificates and academic credentials, Decca applied for the Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Nutrition at Northumbria University in the UK. She became one of the pioneering IVE graduates to pursue a degree through the articulation programme with the university, indirectly fostered a lasting partnership between VTC and Northumbria University. Spending a year studying in the UK not only enriched her professional knowledge in fields such as food and nutrition science and pharmacology but also broadened her international perspective. She highlighted the impact of a particular course, medical ethics, which sparked independent thinking and deepened her understanding of social responsibility within the medical industry.
Emerging from the Haze into the Dawn
Upon returning Hong Kong from her overseas studies, Decca worked as a customer service officer in the concierge department of a chain supermarket. Her role involved addressing customer inquiries concerning food nutrition and medication labels. This opportunity enabled her to integrate her academic knowledge with practical applications and further develop her communication skills with clients, laying a crucial foundation for her future career in pharmaceutical marketing.
However, the pivotal moment that propelled her towards the pharmaceutical industry was stemmed from her personal encounter with a family member battling cancer and the transformative impact of new medications during the treatment process. Although her aunt, tragically, was unable to overcome the disease, the brief moments of improvement granted by innovative drugs allowed Decca to cherish invaluable time with her without any regrets. This experience deeply made her realise the comfort that pharmaceutical research brings to families of patients.
Achieving Professional Success in Aiding Patients
After overcoming from her grief, Decca made the decision to venture into the pharmaceutical industry, initially starting with product sales. While working, she pursued further training in marketing, and two years later, she joined an international pharmaceutical company. Over the past 15 years, she has steadily climbed the corporate ladder and now holds the position of Senior Product Manager in the marketing department. Her goal is to help patients in receiving appropriate medication treatments.
Currently, Decca oversees marketing campaigns for medications related to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In leading a dedicated team, she strategises and plans various marketing projects, establishing close connections with healthcare organisations and professionals, as well as patients and patient groups. She also conducts lectures and publishes brochures to help patients and their families better understand the effectiveness of medications and the advancement of drug development.
Throughout her professional journey, Decca has held onto a firm belief: "As long as we provide the right medication to the patients, both the patients and their families can benefit." One project that Decca takes pride in involves promoting a newly developed thrombolytic agent for stroke patients, with public education as its core. They educated citizens about recognising stroke symptoms through slogan “Act Fast” and emphasise the importance of promptly calling emergency services (999) when a family member experiences a stroke. This ensures that medical professionals can utilise thrombolytic therapy within the crucial "golden three hours", potentially saving lives. Decca mentioned that this project not only promotes medication but also significantly enhances public medical knowledge, enabling families to respond promptly and effectively during emergencies. It is a meaningful endeavour.
She also explained the drug development process, encompassing from compound discovery, laboratory assessment, quantitative production, clinical trials, and ultimately the launch of treatment, which typically takes over ten years and entails substantial costs. Serving as a bridge between the pharmaceutical industry and the public, she feels a profound sense of mission. She strives to disseminate the complex and often perplexing medical knowledge in a clear and accessible manner to patients and even the general public, supporting doctors in saving lives by employing marketing approaches.
Medical Professional Pursuing Aspirations
Looking towards the future, Decca has set her sights on engaging in volunteer work for patient groups. Leveraging her extensive network and professional knowledge, she intends to support patients with chronic illnesses and their families in understanding effective medical solutions, thus making meaningful contributions and giving back to society. With the opportunities arising from Hong Kong's advancement in high-end medical technology and biopharmaceutical development, she also hopes to facilitate opportunities for young individuals interested in joining the medical industry to gain exposure to the world of drug development.
Decca advises aspiring juniors to work in pharmaceutical marketing to set clear goals and maintain strong beliefs. She emphasises that medical technology and drug development are constantly evolving, urging young individuals to foster curiosity and cultivate an open mindset. Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial for personal growth and development in the medical field.
