On the 2nd of February 2026, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) welcomed 20 undergraduate students from Shandong First Medical University, marking the first collaboration between the Faculty of Medicine UKM and Shandong First Medical University. This program was established to foster academic exchange and strengthen international collaboration in medical education. 

The program was organised by the Faculty of Medicine, UKM under the leadership of the Dean, Professor Datin Dr. Marina Mat Baki, in collaboration with the Secretariat of Postgraduate Studies (SPS), led by Professor Datin Dr. Norlinah Mohamed Ibrahim, and the International Relations Unit (IRU), headed by Associate Prof. Dr. Mohd Heikal Mohd Yunus. Coordination between UKM and Shandong First Medical University was led by Dr. Lim Kuan Yee, while Dr. Fitri Fareez Ramli served as the Research Methodology Coordinator for this cohort. 

The course was structured into four key domains: Foundation of Medical Research, Qualitative and Quantitative Methods, Biostatistics and Data Management, and Scientific Writing and Publications. A total of 23 lectures were delivered, covering essential topics such as research ethics, literature review,  research design, introduction to statistical analysis, proposal writing, and article submission. Our esteemed academicians came from both clinical and preclinical departments, including Medicine, Public Health Medicine, Pathology, Physiology and Pharmacology. 

The Coordinator of International Relations Unit, Associate Prof. Dr. Mohd Heikal Mohd Yunus shared: 

“My hope is that this program will strengthen research methodology skills and global ethics among students through exposure to clinical facilities and simulations at UKM. Future directions will focus on building strategic research networks between Malaysia and China as well as dynamic curriculum evolution to attract more international medical talent.”

The Deputy Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Faculty of Medicine UKM, Professor Datin Dr. Norlinah Mohamed Ibrahim remarked: 

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Fitri Fareez Ramli and the International Affairs Unit, particularly En. Muhammad Azad Badrul Hisam and Associate Prof. Dr. Mohd Heikal Mohd Yunus, for organizing a well-curated program that delivers comprehensive lectures on research methodology. This marks the first program specifically designed for a global audience, reflecting a significant and commendable initiative. The lectures were conducted by a team of expert lecturers and statisticians, ensuring that the quality of teaching remains at a high standard.”

The program concluded successfully on 2 March 2026. UKM looks forward to welcoming more undergraduate and postgraduate students to participate in future mobility programmes, further strengthening its commitment to global academic engagement.