20-KONConut @Kulliyyah

May 20, 2025Muhammad Farhan

Sustainability & Green Campus Initiative

20-KONConut @Kulliyyah: Green Growth with a Sustainable Touch

9th May 2025 | by Muhammad Farhan Mahmud and Dr. Azmir Ahmad

In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM , a unique and environmentally inspired initiative known as 20-KONConut @Kulliyyah has taken root—quite literally.

The project, which saw the planting of 20 coconut trees around the Kulliyyah's landscape over a three-month period, was spearheaded by Dr. Azmir Ahmad, a dedicated lecturer from the Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Nursing and a passionate advocate for environmental preservation.

According to Dr. Azmir, the idea emerged from his appreciation of the natural surroundings of the Kulliyyah. He envisioned coconut trees as the perfect complement to the Kulliyyah’s scenic environment, bringing both beauty and serenity to the academic setting.

The landscape around our Kulliyyah is already blessed with natural charm. Coconut trees add a tropical touch that enhances the atmosphere and provides shade, freshness, and a calming view—something our students and staff can appreciate after long hours indoors.

— Dr. Azmir

20-KONConut initiative at Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM

The planting process began in February 2025, culminating with the final tree being planted on 9 May 2025. Staff and lecturers from the Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Nursing joined hands in this meaningful initiative, turning the planting sessions into joyful team efforts.

Among the coconut varieties selected were the Mataq Coconut (Cocos nucifera var. typica – Mataq type), Gading Coconut (Cocos nucifera var. gadingensis), and Pandan Coconut (Cocos nucifera var. pandana), chosen for their aesthetic and practical value.

These trees now dot various corners around the Kulliyyah, offering not just greenery but also a lasting symbol of the faculty’s growth and unity. Dr. Azmir emphasized that beyond beautification, the initiative aligns with broader goals of campus sustainability.

This isn’t our first green effort. About three years ago, the Kulliyyah launched the Rufaydah Garden, which focused on cultivating edible and ornamental plants such as lemongrass, pandan, and calamansi lime. The 20-KONConut project is a continuation of that spirit.

— Dr. Syamsul Ahmad Arifin
Lecturer
Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Nursing, KON, IIUM

Coconut tree planting around the Kulliyyah of Nursing landscape

He further added that nurturing green spaces can significantly contribute to students’ mental well-being, offering them spaces to unwind and reflect.

A well-kept outdoor environment plays a subtle yet powerful role in reducing stress and promoting mental clarity, especially for students who spend most of their time in classrooms.

— Dr. Azmir Ahmad

The 20-KONConut @Kulliyyah initiative not only reflects the Kulliyyah’s milestone anniversary but also stands as a living testament to IIUM’s commitment to sustainability, community wellness, and environmental stewardship.

20-KONConut @Kulliyyah Photo Highlights

As the 20-KONConut trees continue to grow, they will serve as a visible reminder of the Kulliyyah’s commitment to sustainable development, collective effort, and a nurturing environment for both learning and well-being.

3 in 1 Visiting Professor Programme and Outbound Mobility to Malang, Indonesia

May 14, 2025Muhammad Farhan

International Academic Collaboration • Malaysia × Indonesia

3-in-1 Visiting Professor Programme Strengthens Regional Nursing Collaboration in Malang

2nd–9th May 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.

IIUM International Outbound Mobility Programme in Malang Indonesia

Kulliyyah of Nursing IIUM delegation at Universitas Negeri Malang

IIUM delegation visiting healthcare facilities in Malang 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 Assoc. Prof. 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 fostered 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 following day, the delegates participated in a cultural visit organised by the host institutions. The excursion provided insights into local customs, traditions and heritage, enriching their understanding of the social context in which Indonesian healthcare services operate.

This cultural exchange highlighted the importance of respecting local values and community contexts when delivering effective, culturally responsive and empathetic healthcare.

Guest Lectures at Universitas Brawijaya and Joint Publication Writing

The academic agenda advanced significantly on 5th May 2025, when both KON academics delivered guest lectures at Universitas Brawijaya.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Mariam Muda presented “The Essential Role of Nurses in Postpartum Care: Promoting Maternal Health and Well-being,” emphasising the importance of nursing leadership in maternal care, particularly during 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 participated 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 following day with additional guest lectures at Universitas Brawijaya. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Mariam Muda delivered “Advances in Lactation Management: Promoting Optimal Breastfeeding Practices in the Modern Era,” highlighting the latest evidence-based strategies in lactation support.

Meanwhile, Dr. Haliza Hasan presented “Current Trends in Research on Special Needs: Fostering Planetary Well-being,” focusing 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 on student placement for the Master of Advanced Practice (MAP) programme, particularly in Emergency and Midwifery specialisations, while also exploring future joint initiatives in public health campaigns and research.

The visit marked a promising step towards stronger hospital-academic integration for workforce development, professional training and healthcare service improvement.

IIUM delegation at Hospital Kanjuruhan Malang

Academic and hospital collaboration between IIUM and institutions in Malang

Kulliyyah of Nursing IIUM academics at Universitas Brawijaya

Establishment of MoUs with UMM and UM and Cultural Visit

On 7th May, the Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM formalised strategic academic partnerships through meetings towards the establishment of Memoranda of Understanding with Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang and Universitas Negeri Malang.

These agreements are expected to facilitate student and staff exchanges, collaborative research, academic training and mobility programmes. The partnerships reflect a shared commitment towards elevating nursing education, strengthening research capacity and advancing cross-border institutional collaboration, particularly within the ASEAN region.

On the following day, as the final activity of the programme, the delegates participated in a cultural visit to Petik Apel. The experience 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 conclusion to a week of academic, professional and institutional engagement.

Through academic lectures, community engagement, collaborative writing, clinical visits and institutional partnerships, the programme demonstrated how international academic mobility can simultaneously strengthen nursing education, research capacity, professional practice and regional relationships.

Programme Outcomes

Five expert lectures delivered across participating institutions in Malang.

A joint research publication initiated with academic collaborators.

One rural community engagement programme conducted at Puskesmas Bantur.

Strategic collaborations strengthened with UMM, UM and Universitas Brawijaya.

Clinical collaboration opportunities explored with Hospital Kanjuruhan.

New pathways established for future student and staff mobility within the ASEAN region.

Advancing Nursing Leadership Through International Collaboration

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, internationalisation and the advancement of nursing leadership in Southeast Asia.