Visiting Professors Program to Walailak University
March 5, 2025
by Muhammad Farhan Mahmud and Dr. Ayuni Asma’ Baharudin
Location: Thasala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand
The Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM recently had the privilege of participating in a remarkable Staff Mobility Program at Walailak University (WU), Thailand. The program, held from 24th to 28th February 2025, brought together faculty members from both institutions for a series of academic workshops, community visits, and collaborative exchanges aimed at enhancing research capacity and strengthening international partnerships.
The delegation from the Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamil Che Hasan, alongside Prof. Dr. Mohd Said Nurumal, Dr. Hasanah Pairoh, and Dr. Ayuni Asma’ Baharudin, received a distinguished and warm reception from the executives of Walailak University. The event commenced with a heartfelt welcoming remarks from Asst. Prof. Dr. Suthasinee Sangkhum, Assistant to the President, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Patnarin Supakorn, Director of the Center for International Affairs (CIA), who emphasized the importance of academic collaboration in advancing nursing education and research. This session ended with a generous lunch hosted by the President of Walailak University, Prof. Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, was also greatly enjoyed by the IIUM delegates, reflecting the warmth and graciousness of our hosts.
A Collaborative Start
The program kicked off with a video presentation from the CIA, offering an in-depth overview of Walailak University’s mission, research initiatives, and academic achievements. This was followed by an introduction to the Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM, showcasing the kulliyyah’s and university’s commitment to nursing education and its global contributions to healthcare research.
Workshops on Research Excellence and Collaboration
A core feature of the program was a series of workshops focused on enhancing academic research capacity and building international partnerships.
Workshop 1: Enhancing Faculty Research Capacity: Strategies for Success
The first workshop, led by the IIUM delegation, was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamil Che Hasan to all participants. The session focused on strategies for successful grant writing and publishing in high-impact journals. All participants engaged in dynamic discussions on enhancing research quality and visibility, with a strong emphasis on practical tools and techniques for overcoming common challenges in academic publishing.
Workshop 2: Fostering Collaborative Research Excellence
The second workshop, delivered by Prof. Dr. Mohd Said Nurumal, focused on fostering international collaboration through academic partnerships. Discussions revolved around building joint research projects and exploring new opportunities for collaboration between IIUM and Walailak University. The session provided participants with a clearer understanding of how both institutions can leverage their strengths to engage in impactful, cross-border research.
The workshop then resumed with small group discussions among all participants, where they collaborated on developing research proposals in different specializations.
A Successful Endeavor for Future Collaboration
The Staff Mobility Program was a resounding success, demonstrating the power of international academic partnerships. The Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM delegation expressed their deep appreciation for the exceptional hospitality and academic rigor shown by Walailak University throughout the program. The fruitful exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences will undoubtedly lay the foundation for future collaborations, particularly in the fields of nursing education, healthcare research, and community healthcare.
Both IIUM and Walailak University are excited about the future possibilities of their collaboration and look forward to building on the success of this program to explore further opportunities for joint research, faculty exchanges, and other academic initiatives. This collaboration serves as a testament to the importance of global partnerships in shaping the future of healthcare and nursing education.
All photos included in this article are courtesy and credited to our partner counterpart, Walailak University and Jariyatham Ruampat Krabi Hospital.
