Date: January 15, 2024

by Dr. Lee Siew Pien and Br. Muhammad Farhan Mahmud

Location: Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM; Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre @IIUM (SASMEC @IIUM), & Dar al-Hikmah Library IIUM Kuantan, Kuantan, Pahang.

The Kulliyyah of Nursing was honored to host a benchmarking visit from the distinguished delegation of 20 participants from Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto (UMP). The success of this visit is credited to the Department of Special Care Nursing, Kulliyyah of Nursing, led by Dr. Lee Siew Pien, which made it happen. The primary objective of this event was to engage in benchmarking activities with the Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM, and foster discussions on potential collaborations in the areas of research, publication, inbound, and outbound activities.

Engaging Academic Sessions:
The visit kicked off with an insightful lecture on medical-surgical and emergency nursing at the Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM. The lecture, presented by respected KON lecturers Dr. Ayuni Asma’ Baharudin and Dr. Nurul’Ain Ahayalimudin, provided a platform for knowledge exchange and stimulated discussions on best practices and innovations in nursing education and practice. The delegates also had the chance to explore the high-class facilities and simulated mannequins offered by the Clinical Skills Centre (CSC) accompanied by Sr Rusilawati Abd Rahman.

Exploration of Cutting-edge Facilities:
A comprehensive tour followed, offering the UMP delegation a firsthand experience of the Dar al-Hikmah Library, IIUM Kuantan. This immersion provided valuable insights into the resources available to nursing students at IIUM, showcasing the commitment to creating a conducive learning environment.

Practical Training Facilities at SASMEC @IIUM:
Another crucial aspect of the benchmarking visit was the exploration of the teaching hospital of SASMEC @IIUM. Delegates focused on understanding the hospital facilities utilized for the practical training of nursing students at the Kulliyyah of Nursing, with specific visits to the medical-surgical ward and emergency department. This hands-on experience highlighted the commitment to practical education and skill development.

Collaborative Publication Efforts:
In addition to these activities, the visit included a thoughtful discussion on collaborative publication efforts. Delegates explored opportunities for co-authored research papers, joint publications, and various scholarly works. This emphasis on shared dissemination of knowledge underscores the commitment to advancing the field of nursing through collaborative research endeavors.

Fostering Dynamic Relationships and Mobility: The discussion extended to the imperative prospect of facilitating staff and student mobility, emphasizing the dedication to fostering dynamic relationships. This comprehensive approach ensures that the visit is not merely a benchmarking exercise but a strategic attempt to establish enduring collaborations and partnerships. The commitment to creating an environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and expertise is evident, highlighting the transformative potential of such partnerships.

In conclusion, the benchmarking visit from UMP to KON, IIUM, served as a platform to exchange ideas, explore collaborative opportunities, and strengthen the ties between the two institutions. The diverse delegation of 20 participants, including 7 lecturers, 10 undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing, and 3 students in the Ners Profession program, exemplifies the commitment to creating a collaborative and global impact in the field of nursing education and practice.