The Faculty of Nursing (FKep) Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) recently hosted an inbound program in collaboration with Niigata University of Health and Welfare (NUHW) from 23 February to 4 March 2025. The program welcomed two faculty members, Associate Professor Fusayo Kobayashi, PhD, and Assistant Professor Kanako Shimbo, along with eight inbound students from NUHW.
The event commenced with an opening ceremony, marking the official start of the program. Dr. Ariyanti Saleh, S.Kp., M.Si., (Dean of the FKep), delivered the opening remarks. “It is a great pleasure to host the NUHW delegation at UNHAS as part of our ongoing partnership. We hope this exchange provides valuable learning experiences and knowledge for the students involved,” stated Dr. Ariyanti Saleh.
Following the ceremony, the group visited the Rappokalling Public Health Center, where they gained insights into public health activities in Makassar, including the Posyandu (Integrated Health Post) program.
On the following day, NUHW students participated in two nursing classes—pediatric and maternity nursing—engaging in discussions with UNHAS students. Additionally, two students attended an emergency care session to learn practical emergency skills.
The program continued with a general lecture delivered by Dr. Kobayashi, Dr. Shimbo, and Dr. Erfina Malik. The topics included “Lifestyle-Related Diseases in Japan: Specific Health Examination and Specific Health Guidance” by Dr. Kobayashi, “Maternal and Child Health and Midwifery Education in Japan” by Dr. Shimbo, and “Adolescent Mother Care: Experiences in Indonesia” by Dr. Erfina. These sessions further enriched the students’ understanding of global healthcare perspectives.
The participants also visited the Griya Afiat Health Clinic, where they observed wound care practices explained by Dr. Saldy Yusuf, PhD, a leading expert in wound care in South Sulawesi.
Beyond academic enrichment, the program provided opportunities for cultural exchange. Participants were introduced to traditional South Sulawesi dances, which became one of the highlights of the program. Dr. Kobayashi remarked, “This year’s program has been particularly memorable. We are excited to learn about South Sulawesi’s rich culture, fostering cross-cultural understanding.”
The program concluded with a presentation session, where both NUHW and UNHAS nursing students shared their experiences and key takeaways. The closing ceremony was led by Dr. Erfina Malik, Vice Dean for Planning, Human Resources, and Alumni at the FKep, UNHAS, who delivered the closing remarks and celebrated the success of the event.
This international collaboration highlights the significance of global exchange in nursing education, providing students with opportunities to broaden their academic knowledge while embracing cultural diversity. The program also strengthened the partnership between NUHW and UNHAS, fostering potential future collaborations and educational initiatives.
