When six students from the United Kingdom embarked on a month-long journey to Malaysia, they discovered that healthcare education transcends textbooks and lecture halls. The Malaysia Health Sciences Summer Camp 2025, hosted by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), exemplified how cross-border learning in healthcare can bridge cultures while advancing global health understanding through immersive, hands-on experiences.
Cross-Border Learning in Healthcare: UiTM Hosts Teesside Students in Malaysia
Shah Alam, 28 June 2025 – The Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) celebrated the successful completion of the Malaysia Health Sciences Summer Camp 2025, held from 1 to 28 June. Moreover, the program welcomed six participants from Teesside University, United Kingdom, offering a transformative month-long experience focused on healthcare, environmental awareness, and intercultural understanding.
Academic Foundation Meets Real-World Application
Designed to foster global learning, the initiative combined academic modules, field exposure, and cultural immersion. Participants explored diverse health disciplines including Optometry, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Environmental Health and Safety. Furthermore, the academic sessions were complemented by hands-on visits to UiTM Al-Sultan Abdullah Hospital (HASA) and participation in an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) seminar, where the students shared poster presentations on UK-based environmental initiatives.
This blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application represents a growing trend in international healthcare education programs, where students gain exposure to different healthcare systems and methodologies.
Community Outreach Strengthens Public Health Understanding
A key highlight of the camp was a field trip to Kuantan, where the participants engaged in community outreach coordinated with the Kuantan District Health Office, the Malaysian Association of Environmental Health (MAEH), and the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH). Unlike traditional classroom settings, these activities focused on public health challenges, including:
- Vector control awareness programs
- Malaria prevention initiatives in Kampung Paya Bungor
- Water quality assessment at Air Pandan waterfall
These practical experiences provided students with invaluable insights into tropical disease management and environmental health challenges unique to Southeast Asia.
Cultural Immersion Enhances Learning Outcomes
Equally impactful was the cultural segment of the camp, featuring a three-day homestay at Kampung Haji Dorani. On the flip side of academic rigor, participants also explored Malaysian heritage and ecology through excursions to Batu Caves, the National Elephant Conservation Centre in Kuala Gandah, and Ular Island in Kuantan. Meanwhile, interactive dialogues with UiTM postgraduate students added depth to discussions on global health practices and cultural contexts.
According to the World Health Organization’s guidelines on global health education, such cultural competency development is essential for healthcare professionals working in diverse environments.
Student Perspectives Illuminate Program Impact
“This program deepened our understanding not only of healthcare systems, but also of human connections and environmental stewardship. We leave with invaluable knowledge and friendships.”
This testimonial from a Teesside representative encapsulates the transformative nature of international healthcare exchanges, demonstrating how medical education benefits from cross-cultural perspectives.
Building on Two Decades of Partnership
The Faculty of Health Sciences extends its appreciation to Teesside University, marking over two decades of academic collaboration, and to all partners who contributed to the program’s success. Additionally, the camp concluded with a heartfelt farewell hi-tea ceremony, celebrating a month of learning, camaraderie, and meaningful exchange.
This enduring partnership highlights the sustained value of international cooperation in healthcare education, fostering continuous knowledge transfer and relationship building between institutions across continents. Such programs not only enhance student learning but also strengthen global health networks that can address future challenges collaboratively. As healthcare becomes increasingly interconnected, these cross-border educational initiatives serve as vital stepping stones toward more effective, culturally competent medical practice worldwide.
