Sep 10 2017, 08:24 PM
QUOTE(Crucio @ Sep 10 2017, 05:06 PM)
I'm currently in Form 5 and I wish to further my studies in biomedical science (or something similar, though I am quite set on this field in particular). However, I understand that the career prospects for this field in Malaysia are slim, especially research-wise, which is what I plan to focus on. There are few recognised universities in Malaysia (local private unis are a priority since they're cheaper) and I have read up on them quite a bit.
My main option is Newcastle University, followed by Monash and Nottingham. I understand that universities may oversell their course quality to students, so I would like honest opinions on which university I should apply for. Admissions-wise I am probably eligible to apply for most unis (trials GPA 0.78) with my lowest grade being an A-. Currently NUMed seems like the most appealing option since it's cost-efficient and is recognised by Malaysia and QS rankings. My parents prefer me doing foundation because it's much quicker and more specialised that A-Levels or IB, so it's necessary I choose a university now.
I am worried about after I finish my degree as well.
I know the pay in Malaysia can be quite terrible for this field. What are my chances of obtaining a job with employers willing to sponsor my work visa outside of Malaysia (provided I graduate with reasonably good results)? Is it a smart move to study biomedical science if there's no guarantee of being able to work in a country where there is actually sufficient funding for research? 
I don't think there's anything else I would be truly content studying and doing for the rest of my life since I love and am good at Biology (and science in general) but lack the qualities and drive required to be a (good) doctor.
If anyone could help me out on this, I would really appreciate it.
For a career in biotech or biomed, you'll likely want to look at a PhD path. Of which is an extremely difficult decision for you to make at this point.My main option is Newcastle University, followed by Monash and Nottingham. I understand that universities may oversell their course quality to students, so I would like honest opinions on which university I should apply for. Admissions-wise I am probably eligible to apply for most unis (trials GPA 0.78) with my lowest grade being an A-. Currently NUMed seems like the most appealing option since it's cost-efficient and is recognised by Malaysia and QS rankings. My parents prefer me doing foundation because it's much quicker and more specialised that A-Levels or IB, so it's necessary I choose a university now.
I am worried about after I finish my degree as well.
I know the pay in Malaysia can be quite terrible for this field. What are my chances of obtaining a job with employers willing to sponsor my work visa outside of Malaysia (provided I graduate with reasonably good results)? Is it a smart move to study biomedical science if there's no guarantee of being able to work in a country where there is actually sufficient funding for research? I don't think there's anything else I would be truly content studying and doing for the rest of my life since I love and am good at Biology (and science in general) but lack the qualities and drive required to be a (good) doctor.If anyone could help me out on this, I would really appreciate it.
Industrial prospects are very slim not just in Malaysia, but anywhere in the world, with the exception of the US, Japan. There's currently eyes on Korea (South, not North), although it remains to be seen if Korea will succeed in growing its Biotech hub or not. Even the Biopolis in Singapore never really took off either, and the entire place is now mainly used as a venue for various conferences. Furthermore, if you're looking at a research based career path, pharma companies won't even look at your CV if you do not have a PhD.
What this means is that your early post grad years will be likely spent at universities as either a research assistant, or working on your postgrad research work on your PhD path.
In regards to your question about employers willing to sponsor your work visa in other countries, your best bet after your undergrad degree is still the academic path. If you can secure funding for a postgrad research degree, chances are that it'll come together with either a research assistant job role, or a teaching job role.
ps. when I mentioned secure funding for a postgrad research degree, what I mean is not secure your own funding, but more of if you can find a supervisor at a university who's interested in your research and is willing to both supervise you and help you secure funding for your research.
This post has been edited by malleus: Sep 10 2017, 08:26 PM
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