The 2025 Alek Safarian MBA Scholarship, worth more than $70,000, has been awarded to Dr Mohamad Assoum. With a passion for leveraging innovative approaches to address critical global health challenges, particularly in high-burden regions, Mohamad dedicated his career to advancing global health outcomes.
A key driver for applying for the Alek Safarian MBA Scholarship was Mohamad’s goal to transition into a senior leadership role within the global health and pharmaceutical industries.
“The MBA’s emphasis on personal and interpersonal skills, coupled with its rigorous curriculum in strategic management, finance, and operations will equip me with the tools needed to lead cross-functional teams and drive organisational success at the intersection of pharmaceutical and global health sectors,” said Mohamad.
“I am particularly interested in how the pharmaceutical industry can enable equitable access to essential medicines in a sustainable way, especially as public health programs face increasing pressure to adapt, transform, or risk being cut entirely.”
The MBA’s emphasis on personal and interpersonal skills, coupled with its rigorous curriculum in strategic management, finance, and operations will equip me with the tools needed to lead cross-functional teams and drive organisational success at the intersection of pharmaceutical and global health sectors.
Dr Mohamad Assoum
Alek Safarian MBA Scholarship recipient
With a solid foundation in public health and a PhD in Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Mohamad says completing the University of Sydney MBA will provide him with the business acumen and leadership skills to significantly contribute to the pharmaceutical industry, which plays a critical role in global health.
“I am eager to engage with a diverse cohort of professionals from various fields, learning from their experiences and applying these insights to my work in global health. This experience will enhance my ability to think strategically and decisively, qualities that are essential for effective leadership in a rapidly evolving industry.”
From leading a portfolio of maternal and child health projects in sub-Saharan Africa while at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, to forging partnerships with international organisations to expand health programs into undeserved regions, and creating new guidelines for international adoption via the WHO, Mohamad’s experience demonstrates his commitment to making a meaningful impact to global health outcomes.
“My interest in the pharmaceutical industry stems from a desire to be at the forefront of innovation in healthcare, improving access to essential medicines, and addressing health inequalities on a global scale,” said Mohamad.
The Alek Safarian MBA Scholarship was established from the generous donation of alumnus Alek Safarian to support emerging leaders in the pharmaceutical industry complete the part-time MBA at the University of Sydney Business School.