July 26, 2025
by Muhammad Farhan Mahmud
Location: Kuantan, Pahang
The Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM, recently concluded a fruitful academic exchange by hosting four nursing students from Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia. This collaboration was part of the International Mobility Program (Clinical Credit Transfer), aimed at strengthening academic and professional ties between Malaysian and Indonesian nursing institutions.
The visiting students—Atalie June Artanti, Annaas Firdaus Asyidiq, Nabilla Putri, and Divana Angela Citra Frilia—spent one full semester at IIUM Kuantan, beginning their journey on 1 February 2025 and completing it on 17 July 2025. During their time in Malaysia, they were fully integrated into IIUM’s Year 2 Nursing cohort (Unova Batch), studying and working alongside local nursing students. To enhance peer learning and foster cultural exchange, the Brawijaya students were grouped with Section 9 IIUM Nursing students, namely Muhammad Amar Naushad Kamal Arifin, Arisya Elyana Ahmad Fairuz, Siti Khairiah Musa, Siti Masyitah Ibrahim, and Muhammad Shah Ikmal Junaidi. This integration allowed them to collaborate closely on academic tasks, clinical postings, and various nursing-related activities, strengthening both academic and personal bonds.
Universitas Brawijaya nursing students together with their Section 9 peers, Year 2 Nursing students of the Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM.
Over the course of 18 weeks of clinical attachment at SASMEC @IIUM, the visiting students gained valuable hands-on experience through four key nursing practice modules:
1. Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary and Neurological Nursing Practice
2. Fundamentals of Medical-Surgical and Special Senses Nursing Practice
3. Hemopoietic, Musculoskeletal and Genitourinary Nursing Practice
4. Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Endocrine Nursing Practice (NURC 2324)
Under the academic supervision of the Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, they joined all clinical sessions, skill labs, and even participated in the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) together with IIUM nursing students. Their clinical training and attachment were well-coordinated by the dedicated nursing officers and staff nurses of the Kulliyyah of Nursing, namely Sr. Nurul Aisyah Safie, Sr. Wan Suraya Wan Kamarudin, and Sr. Nor Haslin Farahin Abdul Hashim, while their overall academic welfare was guided by their appointed caretaker, Dr. Haliza Hasan.
Beyond the academic and clinical aspects, the students also had the opportunity to explore the beauty and culture of Malaysia during their free time. In Kuantan, they enjoyed visits to Teluk Cempedak Beach, Balok Beach, Batu Hitam Beach, Sungai Pandan Waterfall, and East Coast Mall. They also travelled to Kuala Lumpur, where they experienced the city’s highlights including KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre), Bukit Bintang, Masjid Jamek, and Central Market. These experiences provided them with cultural insights and memorable moments that complemented their professional learning journey.
The students took part in the OSCE alongside their IIUM peers and also spent time exploring Kuantan and Kuala Lumpur.
Recently, following their participation in the OSCE examinations alongside their IIUM peers, a simple yet meaningful closing ceremony and certificate presentation was held to mark the completion of their programme. The event celebrated their achievements and the strong bonds formed throughout their stay. Certificates of completion were officially presented by the Dean of the Kulliyyah of Nursing, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamil Che Hasan, in the presence of their caretaker, Dr. Haliza Hasan, and members of the IIUM nursing community who had supported them throughout the semester. The Kulliyyah of Nursing expressed deep appreciation for the visiting students’ commitment, professionalism, and adaptability throughout the programme. They successfully integrated into the IIUM academic and clinical environment, building strong relationships with local students and faculty members.
Closing ceremony and certificate presentation, marking the successful completion of their programme.
“We are truly delighted with their dedication and the way they blended with our students and the nursing community here at IIUM. Alhamdulillah, this collaboration has been meaningful and impactful,” said Dr. Mohd Khairul Zul Hasymi Firdaus, Head, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM.
This mobility programme not only enhanced the students’ clinical competencies but also promoted cross-cultural exchange, mutual respect, and deeper understanding of nursing practices in different healthcare settings. It demonstrated the value of international collaboration in enriching nursing education and strengthening global professional networks. The successful completion of this semester-long attachment highlights the strong partnership between IIUM Malaysia and Universitas Brawijaya Indonesia. Both institutions share a commitment to advancing nursing education and fostering opportunities for students to gain international exposure.
Moving forward, the Kulliyyah of Nursing hopes to continue and expand such initiatives, creating more pathways for nursing students from both Malaysia and Indonesia to learn, share, and grow together. Through these academic exchanges, future nurses will not only develop their clinical expertise but also broaden their cultural perspectives, contributing to a more connected and compassionate healthcare community.