Okayama, Japan – The “Unhas-Okadai Exchange 2025” exchange program marks a new chapter in international collaboration. This year, initiated by the Faculty of Dentistry, the program sent 15 delegates from Hasanuddin University (Unhas) to participate in a series of academic and cultural activities at Okayama University, Japan, from December 15-19, 2025.
The Unhas delegation consisted of 12 students and 3 lecturers from four health faculties: Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health. They were warmly welcomed by their colleagues from Okayama University, including 8 students and 2 lecturers.
The main activities took place at the Faculty of Health and Science, on the Shikata campus of Okayama University. Two Unhas Nursing students, Nurul Jawhar Ilahi and Nur Nirmala Dwi Putri, along with their accompanying lecturer, Ns. Nurhaya Nurdin, S.Kep., Ns., MN., MPH, had the opportunity to visit the TSUBASA Community Clinic in Kurashiki. The visit was facilitated by Prof. Yoko Aihara and two Nursing students, Himari and Yuriko.
“We were able to observe firsthand how home-visit healthcare in Japan works in a highly integrated manner. The focus is truly on the patient’s needs and involves the family,” said one participant. This experience provided a vivid illustration of the role of nurses as a vital link between the health system and the community.
On another occasion, the Unhas Faculty of Nursing delegation visited the state-of-the-art facilities at Okayama University Hospital and the Simulation Center. “The technology here is very supportive. The system is efficient and the equipment is up-to-date, very helpful for simulation-based learning, especially for students or new nurses who are still building confidence,” said one of the student delegates.
This program represents a form of ongoing collaboration that serves as a tangible bridge that strengthens global academic networks, broadens horizons, and provides valuable experience for future healthcare leaders. The collaboration between Unhas and Okayama University is expected to continue to grow, benefiting the development of healthcare education in both countries.