July 28 – August 1, 2025
by Dr. Siti Hazariah Abdul Hamid
Location: Jember, Indonesia.
A delegation from the Kulliyyah of Nursing, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), led by Dr. Siti Hazariah Abdul Hamid and Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Kamil Che Hasan, recently completed a meaningful academic visit to the University of Jember (UNEJ), Indonesia, marking a new chapter in international collaboration between the two institutions. The delegations are Assoc Dr Azlina Daud, Dr Wan Hasliza Wan Mamat, Dr Nur Ain Mahat, Dr Shidqiah Abdul Hamid, Dr Patimah Abdul Wahab, Dr Hasanah Pairoh together with three postgraduate students Sr Suliza Sulaiman, Sr Nurin Syafiqah Mohd Jaias and Sr Shahuzaan Anwar.
The five-day visit was held in conjunction with the 6th International Agronursing Conference (IANC) 2025 in conjunction with 2nd International postgraduate nursing students conference 2025 hosted by Faculty of Nursing UNEJ and served as a platform to explore research collaborations, student engagement, and cross-border academic partnerships.
Engaging in Dialogue and Research Collaboration
The IIUM team was warmly welcomed by UNEJ’s Dean, Vice Deans, and faculty members. A series of fruitful discussions were held between lecturers from both universities, focusing on shared research interests such as community health, geriatric, child and adolescent, maternal-child care, and nursing education. Both institutions expressed interest in developing co-supervised postgraduate projects, joint publications, and multi-institutional research proposals.
A Historic Milestone: MoA Signing Ceremony
One of the key highlights of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between both deans of IIUM and UNEJ. The MoA formalises strategic cooperation in various areas including joint research and publications, staff and student exchanges, academic seminars and conference collaborations and community health initiatives. This historic signing signals both universities’ commitment to strengthening academic ties and contributing to the advancement of nursing and public health education in the ASEAN region.
Showcasing Expertise at IANC 2025
The visit also included active participation in the 6th International Agronursing Conference, where Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Kamil Che Hasan took part in plenary sessions and IIUM delegates delivered oral presentations. The conference gathered scholars and practitioners from across Southeast Asia, promoting academic dialogue and knowledge exchange in the field of agronursing. Dr Hasanah Pairoh won the best article award.
Cultural Engagement and Lasting Friendships
Beyond academic discussions, the IIUM delegations also scholar form Vietnam and Thailand experienced East Javanese culture, including a visit to Papuma Beach and shared dinners with UNEJ hosts. These informal moments further enriched the experience, deepening relationships and strengthening the spirit of regional academic solidarity.
Looking Ahead
This visit marks a significant step forward in IIUM’s internationalisation efforts and commitment to impactful academic diplomacy. With the MoA now in place, both IIUM and University of Jember are set to embark on collaborative projects that will benefit students, researchers, and the broader community.