In our quest to discover trailblazers of innovation and progress in the Asian business world, we witnessed some remarkable individuals risen to the top of their field, demonstrating unwavering determination, strategic insight, and an unrelenting drive to push boundaries and create game-changing products. A North Start among them is Dr. Maryam Aziz, Founder & Director, Jardin Pharma. With her unique perspectives and a deep understanding of both the medical and pharma industry, she has been able to turn ideas into reality and revolutionize the market with halal & eco medications. It's time to take a moment and recognize the impact she has been able to foster and will continue to do, on shaping the future. Women Entrepreneur magazine presents an exclusive interview with her.

Take us through your professional journey.

I am a medical doctor with an MBBS from University Islam Antarabangsa, an MS in Medical Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine from UCSI. I embarked on my career journey by serving in a government hospital in Malaysia. Starting with two years of housemanship training and later on in a Dermatology Clinic. Eventually, I was transferred to a general clinic where I spent a few years before I ventured into entrepreneurship. I had always been driven by a desire to do more and be more. So, while working full-time, I started a successful online business selling supplements and vitamins.

This experience fuelled my entrepreneurial spirit and in 2016, I took the leap of faith and resigned from my job at the Ministry of Health to pursue my passion. Founded Jardin Beauty, my first natural skincare brand, and then Luxe Production, a GMP-certified cosmetic factory in Malaysia. Continued to grow my business by launching multiple natural skincare brands and baby product lines. With the COVID-19 pandemic, I realized the importance of focusing on the pharmaceutical industry in Malaysia as a manufacturer, rather than just importing and distributing drugs. I then founded Jardin Pharma, where we specialize in eco-friendly and Halal pharmaceutical products. Our goal is to become pioneers in this industry, offering natural and ethical options to the market. This is how I made the transition from being a medical doctor to a successful businesswoman in the pharmaceutical industry.

What motivated you to establish Jardin Pharma?

While working at a Dermatology Clinic, I noticed many patients with eczema and skin disease. These patients were suffering from long-term use of steroid creams. This led me to explore natural solutions for their treatment. After conducting some research, I realized that the demand for natural remedies was not limited to just my local area, but was a global need. However, there was a lack of scientific research and data to support the safety and efficacy of these remedies. This motivated me to find a solution that combined the best of both worlds - natural ingredients and scientific validation. I enrolled in a Master's program in Aesthetics and my thesis focused on developing a natural cream for eczema patients. This product is now available in the market and is part of Jardin Pharma, a company that I founded with the aim of producing halal and eco-pharmaceutical products. We focus on eco-pharmaceutical products that are based on natural ingredients but are also backed by scientific research and clinical data.

"Our goal is to provide halal, eco-pharmaceutical products for the future, while also being mindful of sustainability and real-world needs"

Tell us about other unique features of your brainchild.

Our research and development activities are focused on producing novel pharmaceutical drugs. We are the first and only probiotic manufacturing centre in Malaysia. In addition to research, we also have a strong focus on manufacturing and have our own pharmaceutical, cosmetic, medical device, and food and beverage factories. Our goal is to have a complete value chain that brings eco-pharmaceutical products from the lab to the market shelf. At Jardin Pharma, we believe in being both futuristic and realistic. While we aim to lead the trend of eco-pharmaceutical products, we also have a generic manufacturing plant that supplies government hospitals and clinics. Our goal is to provide halal, eco-pharmaceutical products for the future, while also being mindful of sustainability and real-world needs.

Throw some light on the different responsibilities you shoulder as the company’s primary leader.

As the founder of Jardin Pharma, my primary role is to oversee the business development and expansion of the company. I focus on the supply and value chain of the company to identify new business opportunities that complement our goal of producing eco-pharmaceutical products. Currently, my main focus is on expanding XORIX, our pharmaceutical factory. We are planning to build a pharmaceutical hub on a 25-acre land with an estimated cost of 300 million, to produce a variety of drugs, focusing on generic pharmaceuticals. This is the main focus of my work at the moment as I work to develop the entire group of Jardin Pharma into a thriving and successful eco-pharmaceutical company.

What challenges do you encounter as a leader?

One of the biggest challenges in the pharmaceutical industry is securing adequate capital. To overcome this, we have engaged in private fundraising activities and have over 200 shareholders who support our growth. Additionally, we work closely with government agencies in Malaysia to expand our reach, both locally and internationally. Our team of experts, including a former procurement officer from the World Health Organization, bring valuable experience to the table.

Dr. Maryam Aziz, Founder & Director, Jardin Pharma

Under Dr. Maryam’s leadership, Jardin Pharma has emerged as an organization dedicated to the production of natural, eco-friendly and halal drugs. With a focus on business development and expanding the corporate structure of Jardin Pharma, she has led the company to success in close collaboration with government agencies