CEO Insights Magazine

In a world where well-being is paramount, inspiring, contributing, and educating communities about health and wellness is a noble pursuit. By combining the best evidence-based knowledge with care through both conventional medicine and complementary therapies, a holistic approach emerges. This commitment transcends traditional healthcare, fostering a comprehensive understanding of how physical, mental, and emotional factors intersect to create a foundation for enduring well-being. Adopting this principle turns healthcare into a cooperative expedition, where the dissemination of knowledge empowers communities to flourish in their quest for optimal health, aligning with the mission established by Ng Nan Lee for KDH Pharmacy.

Ng Nan Lee, a distinguished pharmacist, stands at the forefront of healthcare innovation as a vital asset to KDH Pharmacy. With an eye on the future, Ng Nan Lee envisions a pharmacy that not only dispenses medications but serves as a holistic healthcare destination, integrating technology, education, and sustainable practices. As a forward-thinking pharmacist, Ng Nan Lee is positioned at the intersection of the traditional pharmaceutical expertise and a broader vision for community well-being. Below is an excerpt of Ng Nan Lee’s exclusive interaction with CEO Insights ASIA magazine. 

Could you give a brief account of your professional background and experiences? What is the motivation that fuels your daily routines?

My professional trajectory has been a diverse odyssey marked by a relentless pursuit of holistic health. Originating as a pharmacist, my journey took root in regulatory avenues at the esteemed National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau and Eli Lilly and Company, where I honed my expertise in medication standards and compliance. In 2004, I started working at a community pharmacy in Sabah, Malaysia, while also taking care of my family. This allowed me to balance my work life with my family responsibilities, creating a good balance in my life. However, an innate thirst for deeper health understanding impelled me to diversify my skills.

Embracing roles as a certified breastfeeding counselor, proficient blood analyst, and a master's degree holder in medical nutrition, I've meticulously augmented my acumen in the realm of wellness. Recently attaining certification as an oncology nutrition consultant, I'm fervently committed to addressing health at its core, transcending mere symptom management.

Witnessing patients grapple with persistent complications despite pharmaceutical interventions propelled me toward a holistic ethos. My daily motivation stems from the profound belief that true wellness emanates from treating the entirety of an individual's lifestyle and dietary habits, not merely symptoms. I believe in 'Treat the system, and not only the symptoms'. Guiding individuals towards transformative health improvements, evidenced by tangible shifts in their blood profiles and heartfelt gratitude, serves as the cornerstone of my professional zeal. This pursuit of genuine health attainment not only fuels my daily routines but also underscores my intrinsic commitment to fostering well-being within my community.

How would you define KDH Pharmacy as an organization and its current position in the market?

KDH Pharmacy commenced its journey in 2006 as a pharmacy, expanding its horizons to include an organic shop, health, and physio center. Our corporate umbrella now shelters five entities: KDH Pharmacy, KDH Pharmacy & Organic, KDH Pharmacy & Healthmart, KDH Spine & Physio, and KDH Physio & Wellness. Our product range spans medicines, organic foods, health supplements (vitamins & minerals), nutritional drinks, organic vegetables, baby care items, educational toys, housewares, and home support equipment.

Armed with knowledge, our commitment extends beyond product offerings. We strive to assist patients in achieving healthy aging and genuine well-being. I personally pursued multiple degrees, including certification as an Oncology Nutrition Consultant (ONI, USA), a Master in Medical Nutrition (ASU, USA), a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) (UM, MAL), Live Blood Analysis Practitioner (Liveblood Online), and certified Breast Feeding Counselor (TBAN, MAL). These qualifications underscore our dedication to enhancing community health through comprehensive care and informed contributions.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?

My leadership approach is founded on sincerity and unwavering passion. I firmly believe that genuine enthusiasm is the driving force behind every success. Without passion, achieving greatness becomes an impossible challenge. Integrity is non-negotiable; prioritizing profit over purpose erodes both credibility and passion.

At the core of my leadership philosophy is a commitment to prioritizing people. I recognize that my team is the essence of our company, and as such, I invest heavily in their training and development. We share a common vision, and I empower them to take ownership, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared success. Leading by example is paramount; I understand that my actions set the tone for the entire organization. By staying engaged and informed, I ensure that our decisions are rooted in strategic planning and adaptability.

Moreover, I embrace failure as a catalyst for growth. Learning from setbacks is integral to our evolution; each failure brings us closer to success. I firmly believe that failure is not the end but a stepping stone to greater achievements. This belief fuels my relentless pursuit of excellence and drives our collective journey toward success.

What are your key milestones and success strategies that define your journey in your respective field?

Throughout my journey, I've achieved significant milestones that have shaped my approach to health and wellness. One notable accomplishment was winning the Consumer Choice Award for my company in 2022, a testament to our commitment to excellence. I transitioned from pharmacy to specialized fields like breastfeeding counseling and medical nutrition, leveraging these skills to tackle chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease with innovative dietary interventions.

My focus on cancer nutrition has allowed me to support numerous patients through their treatment journeys, aiding in recovery and prevention. Additionally, I established a physiotherapy center to address chronic pain and spinal issues, helping patients avoid surgeries and find lasting relief. These milestones reflect my dedication to holistic health and transformative care.

What is the future destination you are heading towards?

My future trajectory encompasses three distinct yet interconnected endeavors. Firstly, building upon my successful approach to managing chronic illnesses through lifestyle and dietary interventions, I'm venturing into the realm of social media to broaden our reach and impact. By harnessing the power of online platforms, we aim to provide accessible consultations and educational resources to a wider audience. Secondly, driven by a passion for sustainability and accessibility, I'm delving into indoor farming, particularly tower hydroponics. This innovative approach will not only reduce our carbon footprint but also ensure a steady supply of chemical-free, nutrient-rich produce for our community.

Lastly, my thirst for knowledge leads me toward nutrigenomics - an exploration of how food influences our genes and behavior. By unraveling the intricate interplay between nutrition and genetics, I aspire to unlock new avenues for personalized health and wellness. Through these endeavors, I seek to empower individuals to take control of their health, foster sustainability, and pioneer advancements in the field of nutrition and wellness.

In light of your strong experience within the industry, what advice would you give to budding industry leaders?

To emerging industry leaders, my advice echoes the essence of sincerity and passion in your endeavors, fostering a dynamic spirit that thrives on momentum. Strategic planning is paramount, emphasizing the significance of situational decision-making. Flexibility in adapting plans to align with market dynamics and global evolution is key. Embrace innovation, seeking your unique path, an uncharted blue ocean, instead of conforming to the crowd. This approach ensures resilience and sets the stage for impactful leadership, marking your journey with authenticity, adaptability, and a pioneering spirit that propels you beyond conventional boundaries.

Ng Nan Lee, Pharmacist & Nutritionist, KDH Pharmacy

Ng Nan Lee, a dedicated Pharmacist and Nutrition Consultant at KDH Pharmacy, brings a wealth of experience in healthcare. With a passion for evidence-based well-being, Ng Nan Lee strives to elevate community health through a holistic approach. Committed to providing personalized care, Ng Nan Lee is a trusted advocate for optimal health outcomes.