Kota Samarahan, January 30, 2024 – The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) UNIMAS has recently concluded a significant visit to Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia, from January 24 to 29, 2024. Led by Dean Prof. Dr. Asri bin Said, the delegation aimed to rejuvenate and enhance bilateral ties in medical education and healthcare with local institutions, notably Institut Teknologi dan Kesehatan (ITEKES) Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Barat (KALBAR), and Fakultas Kedokteran at Universitas Tanjungpura (UNTAN).
A significant highlight of the visit was the discussion of a matching grant proposal aimed at bolstering the research collaboration between FMHS and the Pontianak institutions. Furthermore, FMHS is committed to providing students with an exceptional educational experience by exploring the potential for increased student mobility and global classrooms at both of its campuses.
The decade-long partnership with ITEKES Muhammadiyah KALBAR has been marked by student mobility, staff exchanges, and the annual three-week Basic Wound Care Education Programme for FMHS’s nursing undergraduates. This year’s visit included a mini graduation ceremony for students completing the programme. Additionally, the faculty participated in a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative at ITEKES’s Muhammadiyah Health Care Centre that focused on diabetic foot and wound care. Prof. Dr. Kamarudin Kana delivered a health talk on diabetes care during Ramadan, emphasising the visit’s community engagement aspect.
The faculty has also collaborated with UNTAN via joint research initiatives. Previously, they sent their academic staff to pursue PhDs under the supervision of the Malaria Research Centre, UNIMAS. The recent visit aimed to elevate the relationship even further, highlighting the commitment of both institutions to further research collaboration and promising prospects in areas like ethnomedicinal research and immunomodulatory studies. UNTAN has a facility for drug formulation and is experienced in conducting clinical trials.
On another note, the FMHS delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Malaysian Consulate in Pontianak, where they were welcomed by Encik Azizul Zekri Abd Rahim, the Malaysian Consul and a UNIMAS alumnus. The meeting highlighted the consulate’s role and functions in Kalimantan and reinforced the cultural and educational ties between Malaysia and Indonesia.
This visit not only strengthens existing partnerships but also paves the way for future collaborative opportunities, promising to enhance the stature of FMHS and UNIMAS in the region. The initiation of this collaborative proposal marks a significant step forward, symbolising the dedication of both parties to nurture a partnership that promises enduring and meaningful advancements.