August 10, 2025
by Dr. Alif Abdul Hamid, Dr. Nurul Akma Jamil and Muhammad Farhan Mahmud
Location: Prince of Songkhla University, Pattani, Thailand.
The Kulliyyah of Nursing, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), successfully conducted a five-day Staff and Students Mobility Program at the Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Pattani Campus. The visit, which involved four lecturers and twelve IIUM nursing students, marked another important milestone in strengthening international academic collaboration and cross-cultural understanding. The IIUM delegation arrived on 3rd August and was warmly welcome by the Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, PSU, Miss Nantiya Khoynueng, together with faculty members and students. Our students checked into PSU dormitories while lecturers were hosted at Blue Lapan Hotel. The evening featured cultural immersion activities, including a visit to the Green Market with PSU student buddies, followed by a welcoming dinner with the PSU leadership team. These activities provided a warm introduction to the local culture and hospitality.
Academic Discussions and Knowledge Exchange
Formal academic sessions began on 4 August with a welcome address, group photography, and discussions on enhancing collaboration between IIUM and PSU. The key areas included:
- Research Collaboration and Publications — Exploring opportunities for joint projects, grant applications, and co-authored works in journals and books.
- Student Mobility — Identifying pathways for undergraduate and postgraduate mobility, credit transfer, and clinical attachment programmes.
- Teaching and Learning Exchange — Discussing opportunities for joint seminars, conferences, and collaborative teaching across postgraduate and undergraduate courses.
These discussions laid a strong foundation for future academic partnerships.
Public Lecture and Sharing Sessions
A key highlight of the programme was a public lecture on Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) in Malaysian Emergency Settings, delivered by Dr. Alif Abdul Hamid to PSU final-year students and lecturers. The lecture provided valuable insights into addressing trauma in healthcare, enriching participants’ knowledge and sparking dialogue on adapting TIC models in the Southern Thailand context. Additionally, Dr. Nurul Akma Jamil conducted a sharing session with PSU students, focusing on academic experiences and nursing perspectives in Malaysia. These sessions offered students an enriching opportunity to learn directly from IIUM experts, deepening academic exchange and cross-border understanding.
Visit to Nongjik Hospital
On 5 August, the delegation visited Nongjik Hospital in Pattani to exchange knowledge on community-based mental health initiatives. The team was introduced to the “Nongjik TAHU” project, which unites healthcare providers, religious leaders, and schools to empower mental health awareness across all age groups. This visit highlighted the importance of grassroots health empowerment and offered inspiration for future cross-border collaborations in mental health care
Public Lecture and Sharing Sessions
A key highlight of the programme was a public lecture on Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) in Malaysian Emergency Settings, delivered by Dr. Alif Abdul Hamid to PSU final-year students and lecturers. The lecture provided valuable insights into addressing trauma in healthcare, enriching participants’ knowledge and sparking dialogue on adapting TIC models in the Southern Thailand context. Additionally, Dr. Nurul Akma Jamil conducted a sharing session with PSU students, focusing on academic experiences and nursing perspectives in Malaysia. These sessions offered students an enriching opportunity to learn directly from IIUM experts, deepening academic exchange and cross-border understanding.
Visit to Nongjik Hospital
On 5 August, the delegation visited Nongjik Hospital in Pattani to exchange knowledge on community-based mental health initiatives. The team was introduced to the “Nongjik TAHU” project, which unites healthcare providers, religious leaders, and schools to empower mental health awareness across all age groups. This visit highlighted the importance of grassroots health empowerment and offered inspiration for future cross-border collaborations in mental health care
Strengthening Institutional Ties
On 6 August, the IIUM delegation was officially welcomed at the Pattani Pirom Meeting Room by Asst. Prof. Dr. Warapark Maitreephun, Assistant President for Research and Social Mission, PSU Pattani. The engagement involved administrators, lecturers, and students from both institutions, reinforcing mutual commitment to long-term academic cooperation. The discussions were held in a warm, collegial atmosphere, with both sides reaffirming their dedication to advancing nursing education, healthcare research, and student development.
Outcomes and Impact
The mobility programme produced significant outcomes, including:
– Establishing the groundwork for joint research collaborations, grant applications, and co-publications.
– Expanding opportunities for student mobility, credit transfers, and clinical attachments.
– Creating avenues for teaching and learning exchanges through shared seminars and conferences.
– Disseminating expertise through public lectures and sharing sessions by IIUM delegates.
– Strengthening community health partnerships through engagement at Nongjik Hospital.
Lasting Benefits
This Staff and Students Mobility Programme has enriched academic experiences, strengthened cross-border ties, and set the stage for impactful collaborations. By fostering research, cultural understanding, and professional exchange, the initiative stands as a testament to the transformative power of international academic engagement in advancing nursing education and healthcare practices.
