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 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 emphasised the importance of academic collaboration in advancing nursing education and research.
The session concluded with a generous lunch hosted by the President of Walailak University, Prof. Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong. The warm hospitality reflected the graciousness of the hosts and set a positive tone for the programme.
A Collaborative Start
The programme kicked off with a video presentation from the Center for International Affairs, 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 programme was a series of workshops focused on enhancing academic research capacity and building sustainable international partnerships.
Enhancing Faculty Research Capacity: Strategies for Success
The first workshop 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. Participants engaged in dynamic discussions on enhancing research quality and visibility, with emphasis on practical tools and techniques for overcoming common challenges in academic publishing.
Fostering Collaborative Research Excellence
The second workshop, delivered by Prof. Dr. Mohd Said Nurumal, focused on fostering international collaboration through academic partnerships. Discussions explored joint research projects, cross-border collaboration and opportunities for both institutions to leverage their respective strengths in producing impactful research.
The workshops continued with small-group discussions among participants, allowing academics to work together on developing research proposals across different nursing specialisations and identifying potential areas for future collaborative studies.
A Successful Endeavour for Future Collaboration
The Staff Mobility Programme was a resounding success, demonstrating the power of international academic partnerships. The Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM delegation expressed its deep appreciation for the exceptional hospitality and academic rigour demonstrated by Walailak University throughout the programme.
The fruitful exchange of knowledge, ideas and experiences will undoubtedly lay a strong foundation for future collaborations, particularly in the fields of nursing education, healthcare research and community healthcare.
Both IIUM and Walailak University look forward to building on the success of this programme by exploring 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.