Medical students from the Faculty of Medicine at Kagawa University, Japan in a group photo. PHOTO: UBD
Exchange programme builds friendships, deepens intercultural appreciation
On: 30 July 2025
In: Borneo Bulletin > National
Six students from the Faculty of Medicine at Kagawa University will experience life as students of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) under its Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS).
Kazuki Umachi, Misaki Takahashi, Naomi Urayama, Sakurako Okumura, Yui Fukui and Yuka Shiraishi are in Brunei under an annual student exchange programme held in partnership with Kagawa University, as part of the 15th International Summer Medical School (ISMS) Programme.
Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Kikuta Yutaka officiated the opening ceremony at the PAPRSB IHS Extension Building, UBD. During the ceremony, a coordinator of the 15th ISMS Programme Dr Poh Hui Goh highlighted the significance of the programme in enriching exchange student experience, for both universities.
“We believe that programmes like ISMS do more than provide medical knowledge – they build friendships, deepen intercultural appreciation and contribute to the broader goal of nurturing globally minded healthcare professionals.”
Dean of PAPRSB IHS Professor Kenneth Yuh Yen Kok highlighting the importance of the partnership, said, “This event is a testament to the longstanding partnership between Kagawa University and UBD, a collaboration that has grown over the years through mutual respect, academic exchange and cultural understanding.
“PAPRSB IHS, UBD’s long-standing partnership with Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University has been characterised by a series of enriching student and staff exchanges, research collaborations and a shared commitment to advancing medical education and healthcare.”
The partnership this year also coincides with UBD’s 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades of excellence and innovation.