Yogyakarta, August 10, 2026 — The Faculty of Pharmacy at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) welcomed 28 students from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Malaya (UM) through the “University of Malaya Student Academic and Cultural Exchange to Pharmacy UGM 2026” program, which took place from August 10-14, 2026. The students were accompanied by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Chia Wei. This five-day inbound student mobility program is part of the UGM Faculty of Pharmacy’s commitment to strengthening international collaboration while providing students with a global learning experience.
This program is designed to provide students from the University of Malaya with firsthand experience of academic life, healthcare practices, developments in the pharmaceutical industry, and Indonesia’s rich culture. During the program, participants engage in various academic and interactive activities alongside students and faculty members of the Faculty of Pharmacy at UGM.
The series of activities included visits to faculties and campuses, discussions about student life, and various academic activities that provided an overview of the education system and the pharmacy learning environment in Indonesia. The interactions between UM and UGM students also provided an opportunity to exchange experiences regarding college life, student activities, and perspectives in the field of pharmacy.
In addition to academic activities, participants also gained hands-on experience in healthcare practice through a visit to the UGM Academic Hospital (RSA). This activity provided students with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment and the role of pharmacy professionals in supporting patient care.
Participants were also introduced to developments in Indonesia’s pharmaceutical and traditional medicine industries through industry visits and hands-on workshops on making herbal remedies. These experiences provided insights into the richness of Indonesia’s natural resources and the potential for developing traditional medicine and the pharmaceutical industry as part of Indonesia’s healthcare ecosystem.
In addition to focusing on academic and professional aspects, this program also offers cultural experiences in Yogyakarta. Participants are introduced to the history, traditions, and cultural richness of Yogyakarta, which play an important role in fostering cross-cultural understanding. Through various group activities, students from both institutions also have the opportunity to build networks, form friendships, and share experiences.
The University of Malaya Student Academic and Cultural Exchange Program to the Faculty of Pharmacy at UGM 2026 is expected to strengthen ties between the Faculty of Pharmacy at UGM and the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Malaya, as well as open up broader opportunities for collaboration in the future. For students, this cross-border learning experience is expected to broaden their understanding of pharmaceutical practice, enhance their cross-cultural communication skills, and foster a global perspective as future professionals in the field of pharmacy.
This initiative aligns with the UGM Faculty of Pharmacy’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the provision of international and experiential learning opportunities, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through the strengthening of cross-cultural interaction and understanding, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening academic partnerships and student mobility between the UGM Faculty of Pharmacy and the University of Malaya.
