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Press Release: Brunei-Japan International Summer Medical School 2024

Some of the Japanese students taking part in the student exchange programme with other students and guests at the event. PHOTO: UBD

Brunei-Japan medical student exchange programme resumes

On: 25 July 2024

In: Borneo Bulletin > National

 

Seven medical students from the Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University are in Brunei Darussalam to participate in the 14th International Summer Medical School (ISMS) Programme at Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), according to a press release.

This year, PAPRSB IHS resumes its annual student exchange programme with Kagawa University after taking a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his welcoming address for the opening ceremony of the 14th ISMS Programme on Tuesday, Dean of PAPRSB IHS Professor Kenneth Yuh Yen Kok remarked that, “The return of ISMS marks a new chapter of collaboration, resilience and continued dedication to academic and cultural exchange”. He hoped that this programme can strengthen the bonds between the medical communities in Brunei and Japan. The three-week long programme offers participants an opportunity to experience student life in UBD, the culture and traditions of Brunei while creating international friendship and enhancing their communication skills.

UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri Haji Kifle delivers his remarks. PHOTO: UBD

This year also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the collaboration between UBD and Kagawa University. At the opening ceremony, UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri Haji Kifle highlighted the strong partnership and collaborative efforts between the two institutions in those two decades. “Our long-standing partnership with Kagawa University has been characterised by enriching student and staff exchanges, groundbreaking research collaborations and a shared commitment to advancing medical education and healthcare,” he said. “These initiatives have not only enhanced the academic and professional growth of our students and faculty but have also contributed significantly to the global medical community.”

Professor Kenji Wada, the Vice President of International Affairs at Kagawa University said that “UBD is one of the most significant partner universities of Kagawa University. Since the inception of our bidirectional exchange programme in 2005, the relationship between our institutions, particularly between the PAPRSB IHS at UBD and the Faculty of Medicine at Kagawa University, has flourished over the past 20 years.”

The 14th International Summer Medical School Programme – Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Partnership between UBD and Kagawa University

Press Release: [here]

 

On the 23rd July 2024, PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) held an opening ceremony for the 14th International Summer Medical School (ISMS) Programme, after its long five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organised annually, it is a student exchange programme whereby several students from the Faculty of Medicine of Kagawa University are invited to attend PAPRSB IHS and participate in the ISMS Programme. The programme is all-rounded, encompassing social, cultural, and academic activities, which are organised outside or within campus. In attendance were the Guests of Honour, His Excellency Mr. Toru Maeda, UBD Vice Chancellor Dr. Hazri Haji Kifle, Assistant Vice Chancellors: Dr. Joyce Teo Siew Yean (Global Engagement), Dr. Haji Abdul Hanif bin Dato Paduka Haji Mahadi (Research, Innovation & Sustainability), Pengiran Dr. Mohamad Iskandar bin Pengiran Haji Petra (Education), Dr. Haji Masairol Bin Haji Masri (Industry Engagement & Enterprise Development), and Dayang Hajah Maudena Binti Haji Abdul Hamid (University Life and Governance), the Dean of PAPRSB IHS Professor Kenneth Yuh Yen Kok, the Deputy Deans of PAPRSB IHS Pg Dr. Hjh Nurolaini binti Pg Hj Muhd Kifli (Undergraduate Studies and Global Affairs) and Dr. Suwarni binti Hj Mohd Diah (Graduate Studies and Research), the coordinators of the 14th ISMS Programme Dr. Liyana Ahmad and Dr. Hanisah Sharif, and staff and students of the PAPRSB IHS faculty.

At the opening ceremony, the Dean of PAPRSB IHS, Professor Kenneth Yuh Yen Kok welcomed the delegation from the Kagawa University which included Professor Kenji Wada (Vice President, Kagawa University), Professor Kenji Kanenishi (Vice-Dean of Faculty of Medicine, Chairperson of the International Contribution & Exchange of Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University), Professor Saneyuki Yasuda (Member of the International Contribution & Exchange of Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University), and Professor Masahiro Uehara (Executive advisor to the Dean of Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University), as well as the seven medical students from the Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University: Yohei Ogita, Misaki Sugimoto, Tomoko Kaji, Hinako Seki, Sei Mitani, Naoki Mori, and Sakurako Miyatake. He remarked on the delight of resuming the programme and commented on the enduring partnership between the Faculty of Medicine of Kagawa University and PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences. He mentioned,

Our collaboration with Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing medical education, research and practice. Through this partnership, we have been able to create a unique and enriching environment that brings together students and faculty from diverse backgrounds to engage in meaningful academic and cultural exchanges.

The Vice Chancellor of UBD, Dr Hazri Haji Kifle, who was the Guest of Honour of the event, officiated the 14th ISMS programme and in his speech applauded the longstanding relationship between Kagawa University and UBD, which this year marks their 20th anniversary. He remarked,

Over the past two decades, our two institutions have fostered a relationship that goes beyond academic collaboration, becoming a symbol of friendship and mutual respect. Additionally, this event coincides with the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between Brunei Darussalam and Japan, marking another milestone in the strong ties that bind our two nations.

Professor Kenji Wada, the Vice President of Kagawa University, followed up in his speech with an acknowledgement of the persistent collaborative efforts between Kagawa University and UBD despite the pandemic, and the strong partnership between the two institutions,

“Since the inception of our bidirectional exchange program in 2005, the relationship between our institutions, particularly between the PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences at Universiti Brunei Darussalam and the Faculty of Medicine at Kagawa University, has flourished over the past 20 years. In 2006, we sent our first six students, and since then, numerous students have been exchanged between our medical faculties. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, we continued our exchange activities online and have since resumed and expanded them. I am confident that we have established a truly beneficial relationship for both parties.”

His Excellency Mr. Toru Maeda, the Ambassador of Japan Designate to Brunei Darussalam, highlighted the long-term beneficial exchange that Brunei and Japan have in his speech,

“Among these, the exchange programme between Kagawa University and UBD stands out as one of the longest-running academic collaborations between our two countries. I hope the ISMS provides a golden opportunity to further develop mutual understanding between Japanese and Bruneian youth.”

From left to right (standing): Professor Dr. Mohammad Ayub Sadiq @ Lin Naing, Dr. Haji Masairol Bin Haji Masri, Dr Haji Abdul Hanif bin Dato Paduka Haji Mahadi, Pengiran Dr Mohamad Iskandar bin Pengiran Haji Petra, Dayang Hajah Maudena Binti Haji Abdul Hamid, Pg Dr Hjh Nurolaini binti Pg Hj Muhd Kifli, and Dr Suwarni binti Hj Mohd Diah.

From left to right (sitting): Professor Masahiro Uehara, Dr Joyce Teo Siew, Professor Kenneth Yuh Yen Kok, Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle (Vice Chancellor of UBD), His Excellency Mr. Toru Maeda (Japanese Ambassador Designate to Brunei Darussalam), Professor Kenji Wada (Vice President, Kagawa University), Professor Kenji Kanenishi, and Professor Saneyuki Yasuda.

From left to right (standing): Dr Liyana Ahmad, Naoki Mori, Yohei Ogita, Sei Mitani, Sakurako Miyatake, Misaki Sugimoto, Tomoko Kaji, Hinako Seki, and Dr Hanisah Sharif.

From left to right (sitting): Professor Masahiro Uehara, Dr Joyce Teo Siew, Professor Kenneth Yuh Yen Kok, Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle (Vice Chancellor of UBD), His Excellency Mr. Toru Maeda (Japanese Ambassador Designate to Brunei Darussalam), Professor Kenji Wada (Vice President, Kagawa University), Professor Kenji Kanenishi, and Professor Saneyuki Yasuda.

The ISMS students from Kagawa University, Japan

Traditional 'Gulintangan' and Bruneian Dance Performance

The event celebrated the officiating and resumption of the 14th ISMS Programme and the 20th Anniversary of partnership between UBD and Kagawa University by hosting cultural performances: a Gulintangan performance and a traditional Bruneian dance performance called ‘Jipin Laila Sembah’, presented by the UBD student members of the Kelab Orkestra Gulintangan Varsiti (KOGV) and Dance Culture Club.

 

The event later offered a refreshment and a networking session over a mini exhibition organised at the Concourse Area of the building. The exhibit showcased the long-term relationship between PAPRSB IHS and Faculty of Medicine of Kagawa University where a slideshow of nostalgic photos from the twenty-year long collaboration was displayed. Also part of the exhibition was the topic of Rare Sugars, a theme which Kagawa University and UBD have been working together on for several years. Rare Sugars are unique to Kagawa prefecture as it manufactures and promotes them as alternative food sweeteners. Home-baked ‘Bahulu’, a traditional Malay kuih, which were made using one type of Rare Sugar called allulose were offered at the exhibition for visitors to taste test. Another exhibit was organised by the Brunei-Japan Friendship Association (BJFA)-UBD Chapter, a UBD student club that promotes Japanese culture in UBD. They offered visitors to try on ‘Yukata’, a Japanese traditional robe and take photos in it.

The success of the Opening Ceremony of the 14th ISMS Programme and the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Partnership between UBD and Kagawa University is attributed to the efforts and support from the 14th ISMS programme organising committee which was composed of staff members and students of PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences. Jadrien Lo Wei Xiang who is a member of the organising committee (BHSc Medicine, Cohort 19 at PAPRSB IHS) remarked,

“The opening ceremony was truly an eye opener for me. I felt honoured to be part of such a prestigious programme. The speeches that were delivered by the Dean of PAPRSB IHS, Universiti Brunei Darussalam and the Vice President of Kagawa University touched my heart and soul deeply. Both of them highlighted that the programme is not only just about academic learning but also to build bridges between different cultures and to create lasting connections. As the ceremony concluded that day, a sense of hope and excitement filled me, leaving me looking forward to the memories and friendships that will be created throughout this program”.

Sponsors

The 14th ISMS programme organising committee would like to express its heartfelt gratitude for the programme sponsors:

  • Treasure Cove Brunei
  • Ghanim International Corporation Sdn Bhd (BruneiHalal)
  • Milkstache Cafe
  • Superwater Marketing Sdn Bhd
  • Aewon Garment & Embroidery
  • Subbstation Restaurant & Catering Sdn Bhd
  • JAC Marketing & Services
  • IBIC Sdn Bhd (Sehat Water)
  • Sacammas Sdn Bhd

Video Highlights

Credit: These videos were created by MedCo19 in academic year 2024/2025.

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