Azwar Kamarudin Novartis

Azwar has over 20 years of government affairs and policy experience in both public sector and biopharmaceutical/healthcare industry. She joined Novartis AG in 2019 and currently the Director Public Affairs, Asia responsible for public policy for the Asia Pacific region covering over 7 countries in the region. Prior to this, she was the Novartis Country Head for government affairs, market access and communication at Novartis Malaysia supporting pharmaceutical, oncology, branded generics and global shared services. Prior to joining Novartis Malaysia, she was Director of Corporate Affairs and Market Access at Pfizer where she headed the corporate affairs and market access for Malaysia/Brunei and Singapore. Azwar began her career in civil service with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia. During this time, she was also seconded to Asia Pacific Economic Council (APEC) Secretariat for a year. Following that she moved to the Prime Minister Department Legal Affairs and Policy Division. Azwar graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Duke University (USA), double major in Biology and Political Science. She also has a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from INTAN Malaysia and a certified Six Sigma. She also holds Public Leadership Certificate from Harvard Kennedy School of Governance. She is an active member of both local and regional trade associations such as AMCHAM, PhAMA, US PhRMA, EU-ASEAN and US-ASEAN Business Councils.