AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused pharmaceutical company that is committed to transforming the future of healthcare by unlocking the power of what science can do, for People, Society and the Planet.
AstraZeneca, one of the world’s leading healthcare companies, is recruiting for a Corporate Affairs Manager to lead AstraZeneca Malaysia’s strategy on healthcare funding for innovation. This critical role will spearhead planning and implementation of initiatives that align with our commercial growth objectives and enhance corporate reputation, with a core focus on MOH funding mechanisms, federal budget cycles and governance, and cross-ministry engagement to strengthen AstraZeneca’s requests for expanded access. A central component of the role is government relations—building trusted, long-term relationships across ministries and public agencies to enable sustainable funding pathways and policy outcomes.
Reporting to the Head of Corporate Affairs, the role with be based in Malaysia and work as part of a cross-functional team and in partnership with local team and regional/international team to shape perceptions of AstraZeneca, building on its pandemic legacy and proactively shape our reputation in innovation, unlock sustainable funding pathways, and drive the access and sustainability agenda.
What you'll do
Funding Strategy and Access Enablement:
Develop and execute strategies to secure and expand funding for innovative therapies and solutions across MOH and related agencies.
Map and leverage MOH funding mechanisms, federal budget cycles, and budget governance processes to enable expanded patient access.
Identify and cultivate opportunities within MOH and other ministries (e.g., Finance, Economic Planning, Education/Research) and public agencies to support short-, medium-, and long-term access goals.
Policy Development and Advocacy:
Design and implement policy influence strategies that align with company objectives, focusing on innovation funding, reimbursement, and care pathway optimization.
Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and budget developments that impact healthcare funding and market access in Malaysia.
Advocate for the company’s interests in policy discussions, consultations, and regulatory forums, ensuring compliant, ethical engagement.
Government Relations:
Build, manage, and deepen institutional relationships with MOH, Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning Unit, and other relevant ministries, statutory bodies, and parliamentary committees.
Lead government engagement plans, including briefings, consultations, and joint working groups to advance funding and access priorities.
Maintain an up-to-date understanding of government priorities, budget timelines, and governance requirements, and translate them into actionable strategies and proposals.
Stakeholder Relationship Management:
Build and maintain relationships with hospital administrators, clinical leaders, industry associations, patient organizations, research councils, and public agencies.
Lead cross-ministry and public–private engagement to develop collaborative funding models and partnerships that enable expanded access.
Conduct stakeholder mapping and analysis and develop tailored engagement plans to align shared goals and address needs and constraints.
Priority Initiatives Leadership:
Lead the development of an innovative funding framework to catalyze local research, trials, and innovation partnerships in alignment with national priorities.
Create business cases, policy briefs, and implementation roadmaps for priority initiatives, with measurable impact indicators.
Reputation and Issues Management:
Strengthen AstraZeneca’s reputation in innovation, access, and sustainability through proactive narratives and partnerships.
Develop and implement issues and crisis communication plans related to funding, access, and policy changes; act as the primary point of contact during high-salience issues.
Team Leadership:
Manage and mentor a team of corporate affairs/communications professionals to deliver high-quality policy, funding, government relations, and stakeholder work.
Set performance goals, provide coaching and feedback, and support professional development and capability building.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Political Science, Health Policy, Economics, Public Administration, or a medical-related field.
Minimum of 5+ years of experience in healthcare (pharmaceutical, biotech, medtech, health policy, market access) with direct exposure to MOH funding mechanisms, federal budget cycles, and budget governance in Malaysia.
Proven government relations experience engaging cross-ministry stakeholders (e.g., MOH, Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning Unit) to advance funding and access initiatives.
Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, market access, and regulatory environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear policy narratives and executive-ready materials.
Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans across funding, policy, government relations, and stakeholder engagement.
Experience in issues/crisis management and handling media and external inquiries.
Strong leadership and team management skills in a multicultural, matrixed environment.
Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including patient organizations and research partners.
Skills and Competencies:
Strategic thinking and planning with an outcomes-focused, access-enabling mindset.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including budget process analysis and stakeholder/policy assessment.
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities and timelines tied to budget cycles.
High level of integrity and professionalism, with strong compliance orientation.
Proficiency in developing compelling presentations in PowerPoint, policy briefs, and funding business cases.
Why AstraZeneca?
At AstraZeneca we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. We’re on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.
So, what’s next?
Where can I find out more?
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AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, protected veteran status (if applicable) or any other characteristic protected by law. AstraZeneca only employs individuals with the right to work in the country/ies where the role is advertised.
Date Posted
16-Nov-2025Closing Date
27-Dis-2025AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.