On February 17-18, 2025, a team from the Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University, visited the Faculty of Nursing (FKep), Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) to explore possible academic and research partnerships. The group, led by Professor Satoshi Hirohata, included Professor Yoko Aihara (Nursing Department), Professor Toshihiro Iguchi (Radiology Technology Department), and Ms. Kaori Yajima (Coordinator of the Global Network Project to Promote Study in Japan).

The visit started with a warm reception from rom Professor Ariyanti Saleh, Dean of FKep at UNHAS, in the Senate Room. Discussions covered opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, collaborative research with the TRG (Thematic Research Group), and co-authored publications. As part of the agenda, Professor Yoko Aihara, a specialist in Community Health Nursing, gave a lecture on Community Health Nursing in Japan & How Health Literacy Influences Chronic Disease Management to undergraduate and master’s students focusing on Community Nursing. The session was held at the UNHAS Institute for Research and Community Services (LPPM) Building.

On the second day, Professor Aihara visited the Antara Public Health Center (Puskesmas Antara). She met with staff members to discuss digital literacy in healthcare and observed Posyandu (community health post) programs, which included services for infants, young children, and older adults facilitated by volunteers and local residents.

Dr. Takdir Tahir, Vice Dean for Partnership, Research, and Innovation, expressed appreciation for the collaboration, noting that FKep was chosen as a partner by Okayama University, ranked among Japan’s top 20 universities. He highlighted that this initiative would contribute to nursing education and research through international engagement, reinforcing connections between the institutions and creating shared academic and scientific benefits.