if u r really interested in research work, my advise is study till phd..after degree, try to get scholarship to abroad and work there...m'sia sad to day, we dunno how to appreciate scientist...

s'pore will be a good place to do ur msc or phd as well..as it's near to m'sia and quite a no. of pharmaceutical companies there too...

if after degree, ur choices will b quite narrow..either ends up in pathlab..or hosp's medical lab if u r interested lah...salary should be around 1.5k to 1.8k i guess...last time i heard pathlab can offer up to 2k..but mayb got OT lah..

good luck!