Global Nursing Exchange • Malaysia × Philippines

IIUM Nursing Expands Global Collaboration Through GCNEP 2025 in Davao City

28th February 2025   |   by Muhammad Farhan Mahmud & Dr. Nurasikin Mohamad Shariff
IIUM delegation at Global Care Nursing Exchange Programme 2025 in Davao City
Location: University of the Immaculate Conception, Davao City, Philippines
The Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM participated in an outbound mobility programme at the College of Nursing, University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC), Davao City. The five-day programme provided a platform for academic collaboration, research sharing and community engagement, fostering international partnerships in nursing education.

Opening Programme and Institutional Engagement

The Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM delegation joined the Opening Program of GCNEP 2025 on the first day of the programme, where they were warmly welcomed through institutional visits.

The programme included a courtesy visit to the University President’s Office, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Consulate General of Malaysia in Davao City. A tour across UIC’s three campuses also allowed the delegates to gain valuable insights into the university’s nursing education, academic environment and facilities.

Community Immersion in Davao City

During the second day, the delegation took part in a Community Immersion Program at Barangay Buhangin and Zonta Village, Davao City.

This engagement allowed the IIUM delegates to observe and experience firsthand the community healthcare system in the Philippines, while exchanging ideas on how nursing interventions can improve healthcare services at the grassroots level.

Special Lecture and Research Sharing

The programme continued with the Special Lecture and Research Sharing Day, featuring insightful presentations. These sessions created opportunities for participants to explore contemporary issues in nursing practice, mental health, community care and research.

Dr. Nurasikin Mohamad Shariff delivered a lecture on “Spirituality and Spiritual Care as Preventive Measures in Mental Health.”
Dr. Amirah Fatin Ibrahim shared her research on “Community-Based Participatory Research” to enhance healthcare accessibility for the elderly.

The session was followed by Networking and Engagement Activities, where the IIUM delegates connected with faculty members and students from UIC and other participating institutions. These interactions strengthened professional networks and opened opportunities for future academic and research collaboration.

Research and Joint Publication Meeting

On the following day, IIUM delegates participated in the Research and Joint Publication Meeting, where they collaborated with UIC researchers to brainstorm research ideas, establish methodologies and discuss potential joint publications.

The session aimed to develop high-impact nursing research and strengthen academic collaboration between the participating institutions.

Guest Lecture and Research Sharing with Invited HEIs

In the afternoon, the delegation attended the Guest Lecture and Research Sharing Session with Invited Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The programme brought together nursing scholars to share knowledge and perspectives on important contemporary healthcare issues.

Dr. Ashikin Atan discussed “Ethical Issues in Nursing Education.”
Dr. Lee Siew Piern presented on “Children’s Voice in Healthcare: Enhancing Participation in Nursing Care Decisions.”
Dr. Siti Hazarah Abdul Hamid addressed “Adolescents’ Sexual and Reproductive Health: Dual Responsibility for Family and Health System.”
The presentations provided valuable perspectives on nursing ethics, child participation and adolescent health , supporting wider professional discourse and knowledge exchange.

Through community immersion, academic lectures, research sharing, institutional visits and professional networking, the programme provided IIUM delegates with meaningful exposure to nursing education and healthcare practices within an international and cross-cultural environment.

Closing Programme of GCNEP 2025

The programme concluded on 28th February 2025 with the Closing Program of GCNEP 2025 (Phase 2), where key takeaways were summarised and future research collaborations were outlined.

A Final City Tour allowed delegates to explore the cultural and historical heritage of Davao City, providing an enriching cultural experience while fostering stronger international camaraderie among participants.

Programme Impact

Strengthened academic networking between IIUM, UIC and participating international institutions.
Expanded opportunities for collaborative nursing research and joint academic publications.
Enhanced understanding of community healthcare delivery through direct immersion in Davao City.
Provided international exposure in nursing education, research and cross-cultural professional engagement.

Advancing Global Nursing Education Through Collaboration

The outbound mobility programme proved to be an enriching experience for the Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM delegation, providing valuable exposure to international nursing education, research collaboration and cultural exchange. The programme successfully strengthened academic networks and opened doors for future collaborative initiatives between IIUM and the University of the Immaculate Conception in advancing global healthcare education, professional nursing development and meaningful international partnerships.