After graduating from the Griffith University Master of Pharmacy program, Saneil Chand bought his own pharmacy at the age of just 25 and worked every day for two years to establish a respectable business and quality service to the people of Buranda.
The recipient of the Griffith University 2016 School of Pharmacy Outstanding Alumnus of the Year and 2015 Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Multi-Cultural Business Award, Saneil embodies the concept of working hard and working smart.
By his 26th birthday he had purchased three more pharmacies and also went on to grow an impressive investment portfolio. Saneil’s business sense and determination to succeed is driven by a love for family.
“I took inspiration from both my grandfathers; Mr Mani Ram who was a successful sugarcane farmer in Fiji, and Mr Thakur Prasad who had a successful taxi business.
“The courage and hard work from these important people made them the main breadwinners for our extended family even in the very hard times.
“My parents and siblings are all in science-based professions and have always worked in hospitals, so I wanted something that combined science and business.
“Pharmacy was the best option for me because it’s a niche market and with the right skills and knowledge I knew I could do well.”
Buying his first pharmacy in 2010 and more than doubling its value since then has been a major accomplishment.
(Image: Pro Vice Chancellor (Health) Professor Sheena Reilly presenting Mr Saneil Chand with the ‘2016 School of Pharmacy Outstanding Alumnus’ award.