Improving and extending lives: Vicky Tse

On a mission to discover new ways to improve and extend people’s lives, Novartis uses science-based innovation to tackle some of society’s most challenging healthcare issues. A trusted leader in changing the practice of medicine, the company operates in more than 140 countries around the world, with a workforce made up of 74,000 culturally diverse and qualified staff and specialists. Over the past decade, Novartis has expanded its presence in the emerging markets of Asia, Africa and Latin America, where there is fast-growing demand for access to high-quality medicines and health care.

Having held various management roles in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry since 1991, Vicky Tse has played a leading role in driving growth for Novartis’ business throughout China. After joining the group in 2007 as Head of its Oncology Business Unit in Hong Kong, Vicky’s talents were quickly recognised and she became General Manager of Hong Kong and Marketing Head of Southern China just two years later, before being named General Manager and Country President of Novartis Taiwan in January this year.

"I studied science at university but it wasn’t until I had to care for my father, who was then suffering from a disease, that I discovered my passion for health care and helping people. I loved learning all the ways I could help him and that’s what really sparked my interest in the industry," Vicky explains.

"During my years with Novartis, I’ve gained extensive experience not only in sales and marketing, but also in specialist healthcare markets throughout China and Hong Kong."

With research and development as the lifeblood of its business, Novartis is able to deliver tangible results for customers through more effective, innovative, convenient and safer products. These range from life-saving drugs for organ transplants to state-of-the-art contact lenses and affordable generic medicines.

Novartis continues to invest in key technologies such as functional genomics while also recruiting the best talent in the industry with the help of world leaders such as Harvard Business School.

"As a top employer in Taiwan, the Novartis team is made up of professional, passionate people who are all determined to improve patient outcomes. With this mindset, every day, we transform lives by advancing the standard of patient care through the best physicians, partners and technologies – all with the intention of helping patients get the best treatment outcome," Vicky explains. "This is not a simple task, but it’s made easier by leveraging the talents of our people. We instil in them a clear vision and empower them to realise their full potential."

"Every day, we transform lives by advancing the standard of patient care through the best physicians, partners and technologies."

Novartis realises that the global healthcare industry is going through a transformative period marked by diverging trends. While new digital and biotechnological discoveries allow for the development of breakthrough therapies, ageing populations are gradually leading to an increase in the cost of care due to the rise in noncommunicable diseases. Amid this rapidly evolving environment, Vicky is confident that Novartis Taiwan will continue to keep up with the changing needs of patients.

"While the pharmaceutical industry is highly restrictive, we’re starting to see the impacts of digitalisation and the ways it’s able to enhance the patient experience. We have new products in the pipeline and their launches will give patients greater access to our products and the opportunity to be reimbursed," Vicky says. "Our long-term goal is to uphold the Novartis legacy by doing our best work to improve patient outcomes and advance the standard of care – and every day we are getting closer to that goal.

"The best part of my job is when I see that patients are able to return to a normal life because of the solutions we provide – their smiles are what energise me to come to work every day."