The students — Mr. Pang Tsz Yin (Ivan) and Ms. Chau Chui Ying (Candy) — were warmly received by members of the KON academic staff and student body. The session introduced them to IIUM’s vision and mission, its multicultural academic setting, and the integral role of nursing in delivering holistic and compassionate care within Malaysia’s healthcare system.
Clinical, Academic and Community Exposure
Over the course of two weeks, the exchange programme offered the students an enriching blend of clinical immersion, academic exploration and cultural learning.
Their journey began with a clinical visit to the Hemodialysis Unit at SASMEC @IIUM and the IIUM Dialysis Centre, Kulliyyah of Medicine, followed by structured rotations through key hospital departments, including the ICU, CCU, Paediatric Ward, Emergency Department, Endoscopy Unit and medical-surgical wards.
The students were also exposed to specialised services in maternal and child health through visits to the Halimatussaadia Mother’s Milk Centre, Fertility Clinic and Mobile Clinic.
The visit took place during the clinical posting period of Kulliyyah of Nursing students, providing meaningful opportunities for interaction. The students were able to meet on-site, exchange ideas and foster new friendships throughout the programme.
Academic activities at KON included an in-depth tour of the Clinical Skills Centre (CSC) and several interactive sharing sessions with IIUM students and lecturers.
Outside the clinical and academic settings, the students enjoyed a cultural excursion which included celebrating Eiduladha with local students at the renowned Sate Zul restaurant in Kuantan. They also participated in a community blood donation campaign in Gambang and visited Klinik Kesihatan Beserah, a local school, PAWE and PDK.
Media Engagement through KON’s ODL Studio
A particularly memorable highlight of the programme was the students’ visit to the KON Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Studio, where they participated in a special podcast recording session entitled “Nursing Without Borders.” The session demonstrated how digital platforms can support meaningful intercultural dialogue and connect future nurses across borders.
A Holistic Programme of Clinical, Academic and Community Exposure
The podcast session was hosted by Sr. Nurul Balqis, a Year 2 nursing student from the Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM, and provided a platform for intercultural dialogue.
What made this engagement especially meaningful was that both Ivan and Candy were interviewed in their native language, Mandarin, allowing them to express their thoughts and reflections with depth and authenticity.
They shared their views on the nursing profession, their experiences of student life in Hong Kong and Malaysia, and the value of cultural diversity in healthcare. The session fostered a sense of solidarity and nursing unity across borders, underlining the universal values that connect the profession globally.
Cultural Immersion and Service Learning
The programme concluded with a formal closing ceremony on 20th June 2025, marking the successful completion of the exchange. Words of appreciation and reflections were shared, encapsulating the spirit of mutual learning and friendship that had blossomed throughout the visit. The programme achieved its core objectives by providing real-world clinical experience, fostering academic dialogue, promoting cultural understanding and strengthening ties between IIUM and HKU. The inclusion of the “Nursing Without Borders” podcast served as a testament to the power of student-led initiatives in bridging global perspectives through digital platforms.
Additional Programme Highlights
Deputy Dean
Student Development & Community Engagement
Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM
Strengthening IIUM–HKU Global Nursing Collaboration
With the success of this initiative, both IIUM and HKU are optimistic about strengthening their collaborative ties in the near future. This fruitful engagement has not only enhanced mutual understanding but also highlighted the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing nursing education through global partnerships.
Moving forward, IIUM and HKU aim to further expand their student mobility programmes, offering more opportunities for academic exchange, cross-cultural learning and professional development. Such efforts are expected to contribute meaningfully to the promotion of excellence in nursing education across borders and to the cultivation of future nursing leaders with a global perspective.