Nineteen medical students from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Indonesia, experienced Malaysia’s healthcare system, local culture and village life during a week-long International Student Mobility Programme hosted by Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak (UniKL RCMP).
Held from 9 to 16 June 2026, the programme combined clinical training, community engagement and cultural exchange. The visiting students were supported by 11 facilitators from the UniKL RCMP Medical Society (MedSoc).
A major highlight was the three-day MedSoc Prihatin Desa Programme at Kampung Ulu Chemor, where the students stayed with foster families and experienced daily life within the local community.
Together with residents, they participated in gotong-royong activities, traditional games, congregational prayers, health talks, health screenings and group cooking sessions.
The activities allowed Malaysian and Indonesian students to build closer connections with the community while developing empathy, teamwork and social responsibility, which are important qualities for future healthcare professionals.
The programme also included an educational visit to Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta, where students gained insights into mental health and psychiatric services in Malaysia.
During a separate visit to the Dementia Society Perak Centre, the students interacted with individuals living with dementia through recreational activities, helping to promote greater awareness and compassion.
Participants also attended clinical and academic sessions conducted by UniKL RCMP, including a child labour and delivery workshop, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and resuscitation training, as well as a simulated problem-based learning session.
The programme concluded with a cultural exchange session featuring traditional dance performances by students from both institutions, followed by a sing-along session celebrating the friendships formed throughout the week.
Coordinated by the UniKL RCMP International Office under the International, Industrial and Institutional Partnership Division, the programme strengthened cooperation between UniKL RCMP and Universitas Airlangga while providing students with practical learning experiences beyond the classroom.
