May 2-9, 2025
by Muhammad Farhan Mahmud & Dr. Haliza Hasan
Location: Malang, Indonesia
The Kulliyyah of Nursing, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), continues to advance its internationalisation mission through the successful implementation of the 3-in-1 Visiting Professor Programme in Malang, Indonesia. Held from 2nd to 9th May 2025, this flagship academic initiative was led by Dr. Haliza Hasan and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Mariam Muda. The programme was jointly hosted by Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), Universitas Negeri Malang (UM), Universitas Brawijaya (UB), and Hospital Kanjuruhan, showcasing a holistic engagement that combined academic lectures, research collaboration, institutional partnerships, and community outreach.
Departure and Arrival: Setting the Stage for Regional Impact
On 2nd May 2025, both lecturers departed from Kuala Lumpur to begin their academic mission in Malang. This marked the beginning of a week-long engagement designed to foster regional collaboration, enrich nursing education, and address shared healthcare priorities between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Community Engagement at Puskesmas Bantur
The programme’s first major activity took place on 3rd May 2025, through a meaningful community engagement at Puskesmas Bantur, a local community health clinic. The session served as a platform for Dr. Haliza and Dr. Siti Mariam to share their knowledge and experiences in managing community mental health, maternity health, and healthcare services for individuals with special needs. Discussions with Indonesian health practitioners revealed common challenges and sparked mutual understanding, reinforcing the importance of cross-border collaboration in strengthening primary healthcare delivery and supporting vulnerable populations.
Cultural Exposure and Local Immersion
On the next day, the the delegates participated in a cultural visit organised by the host institutions. The excursion provided insights into local customs, traditions, and heritage, enriching the understanding of the social context in which Indonesian healthcare services operate. This cultural exchange highlighted the importance of respecting local values in delivering effective and empathetic care.
Guest Lectures at Universitas Brawijaya and Joint Publication Writing
The academic agenda advanced significantly on the 5th May 2025, when both KON academician delivered guest lectures at Universitas Brawijaya. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Mariam Muda presented on “The Essential Role of Nurses in Postpartum Care: Promoting Maternal Health and Well-being,” stressing the importance of nursing leadership in maternal care, particularly in the postnatal period. Dr. Haliza Hasan, in her lecture titled “The Essential Role of Nurses in Community Empowerment: Promoting Collective Health and Well-being,” explored the transformative role nurses play in advocating for public health at the grassroots level. These sessions were attended by undergraduate and postgraduate students and facilitated vibrant academic discourse. Later that day, the delegates also engaged in a joint academic writing session with faculty members from the host universities, initiating a collaborative manuscript for peer-reviewed publication that reflects shared expertise and research priorities.
Guest Lectures at Universitas Brawijaya and Hospital Collaboration
The academic exchange continued the next day with guest lectures at Universitas Brawijaya. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Mariam delivered a lecture titled “Advances in Lactation Management: Promoting Optimal Breastfeeding Practices in the Modern Era,” where she highlighted the latest evidence-based strategies in lactation support. Meanwhile, Dr. Haliza’s lecture, “Current Trends in Research on Special Needs: Fostering Planetary Well-being,” focused on inclusive healthcare research and its alignment with global sustainability goals. In the afternoon, the delegation visited Hospital Kanjuruhan to explore clinical collaboration opportunities. Discussions centred around student placement for the Master of Advanced Practice (MAP) programme, particularly in Emergency and Midwifery specialisations, and explored future joint initiatives in public health campaigns and research. The visit marked a promising step toward hospital-academic integration for workforce development and service improvement.
Establishment of MoUs with UMM and UM and Cultural Visit
On 7th May, the Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM formalised strategic academic partnerships through meetings to establish Memoranda of Understanding with Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang and Universitas Negeri Malang. These agreements will facilitate student and staff exchanges, collaborative research, academic training, and mobility programmes. The MoUs will reflect a shared commitment to elevating nursing education, research capacity, and cross-border institutional collaboration, particularly in the ASEAN region. The next day, for their last activity, the delegates had chance to join a cultural visit to Petik Apel offered the IIUM delegation an opportunity to experience rural life and community-based sustainability practices. The visit symbolised unity with nature and served as a meaningful cultural closure to the academic and institutional engagements of the past week.
Conclusion
The 3-in-1 Visiting Professor Programme has successfully demonstrated the potential of academic diplomacy in addressing regional health issues through knowledge-sharing, research partnerships, and community engagement. With five expert lectures delivered, a joint research publication underway, one rural community programme completed, and three institutional collaborations established, the programme has laid the groundwork for sustainable and impactful international cooperation. This initiative reflects the Kulliyyah of Nursing IIUM’s unwavering commitment to global health equity, academic excellence, and the advancement of nursing leadership in Southeast Asia.
