ADVANCING GLOBAL HEALTH COLLABORATION: PPSK USM & UBU THAILAND FORGE STRATEGIC ACADEMIC SYNERGIES

USM, KUBANG KERIAN, KELANTAN, 18 May 2026 – The School of Health Sciences (PPSK), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) officially launched its International Research-Based Academic Mobility Programme today, organized in close partnership with Ubon Ratchathani University (UBU), Thailand.

Running from 17 to 23 May 2026, this week-long initiative is spearheaded by PPSK Environmental and Occupational Health Programme. It aims to spark vibrant bilateral research, foster deep cultural exchange and elevate academic standards in public and environmental health between the two (2) neighboring nations.

The opening ceremony, held at the Conference Room, School of Health Sciences, brought together senior leadership from both universities to mark the formal commencement of an intensive itinerary that seamlessly blends high-level academics with industrial and cultural immersion.

In his welcoming remarks, Dean of the School of Health Sciences USM, Professor Dr. Wan Rosli Wan Ishak, emphasized that cross-border academic synergy is vital for addressing modern environmental challenges. He stated that this mobility programme is more than a standard academic exchange, describing it instead as a collaborative ecosystem where knowledge meets culture.

By combining the unique strengths of both institutions, the programme aim to empower students to think critically, innovate passionately, and tackle global environmental health challenges together.

The initiative also received strong support from Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation and Industry-Community Network), Professor Dr. Hamid Jan Jan Mohamed and Chairperson, Environmental and Occupational Health Programme, Dr. Nurul Izzah Abdul Samad, highlighting USM’s strategic focus on integrating academic research with robust industry and community networks.

The bilateral programme features a diverse curriculum designed to give the Thailand delegates a comprehensive look into Malaysia's health sciences sector. Over the course of the week, participants will engage in specialized academic modules, including intensive sessions on environmental health with a specific focus on food safety, hygiene and water quality, alongside knowledge-sharing seminars led by postgraduate students.

Experiential learning forms a core part of the itinerary, featuring institutional and industrial site visits to review healthcare history at the Interactive Gallery for Medical Sciences (SPICES) museum and conduct occupational safety assessments at a local matchstick factory.

To round out the experience, delegates will also participate in socio-cultural immersion activities such as a Malaysian cuisine preparation workshop, an exploration of the An-Nahl Bee Farm and a cultural visit to the historic Nordin Batik center.

As an APEX university, USM's hosting of this international programme directly aligns with its ongoing mission to drive sustainable development and cultivate global networking frameworks for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Text: Amyrulhan Azhari/ Photo: Photography Unit UKAST