Six second-year medical students from Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak (UniKL RCMP), led by Senior Lecturer Dr. Khairil Azwan Malim Jaafar, participated in the USU SPIRIT Summer Course 2025 at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), Medan, Indonesia, from 18 to 22 September 2025.
Organised by USU’s Faculty of Medicine, the programme carried the theme “Promoting Physical Activity and Diet in Combating the Triple Burden”, focusing on undernutrition, overnutrition, and non-communicable diseases in Asia.
This collaboration, initiated by Prof. Dr. Noorzaid Muhamad, has become an annual academic exchange for UniKL medical students.
The five-day course featured online and offline learning, project work, practical classes, and networking activities.
Participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, and Spain took part in discussions, aerobic sessions, and dietary consultations.
Beyond academics, students joined cultural and community service activities in Berastagi, engaging with local communities on nutrition awareness and physical health while experiencing Batak culture.
They also explored Tangkahan National Park for jungle trekking, river tubing, and field-based physical challenges.
The programme concluded with a cycling tour around Medan city, visiting local landmarks including the Masjid Agung Medan.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Khairil Azwan said, “The summer course combines learning, cultural understanding, and fun — a valuable exposure that builds global-minded medical professionals.”
