From February 14th to 20th, Chen Weiying, Vice Dean of the International School of Medicine, Zhejiang University (ZJU-ISM), headed a delegation to visit Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei to strengthen bilateral exchanges in fields of talent cultivation, scientific research and healthcare services, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. Chen Xing, Director of the Office of International Affairs, was in the delegation.

On the afternoon of the 14th, the delegation visited the National University of Singapore (NUS). Professor Lim Chwee Teck, Director of the NUS-iHealthtech shared a warm welcome to the delegation. Chen Weiying briefed attendees on the development of ZJU-ISM and its efforts in talent cultivation and internationalization in medical education. Lim Chwee Teck introduced the achievements made by NUS-iHealthtech in scientific research, translation and commercialization in recent years. Both sides expressed their desire to strengthen cooperation in fields such as joint doctoral student cultivation, joint academic conferences, clinical trials, and research translation. Chen Weiying also visited the laboratories and incubation platform.

On the afternoon of the 15th, the delegation visited the Nanyang Technological University Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, where they were welcomed by Assistant Dean, Professor Yusuf Ali. Chen Weiying and Yusuf Ali spoke about the successful experience in joint education programs, faculty training, and MBBS education. Chen Weiying encouraged the two sides to further deepen bilateral cooperation in the aforementioned fields. She also visited the seminar rooms and laboratories.

The visit also brought the delegation to the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. Chen Weiying held a meeting with members of YLL’s international office and the Center for Medical Education including Prof. Koh Dow Rhoon, Ms. Lee Shuh Shing, Ms. Pearl Yin in fields of cooperation such as faculty and administrative staff training, clinical skill training, clinical electives and student exchange. She also visited the Center for Medical Simulation.

On the morning of the 16th and afternoon of the 17th, the delegation visited Tsun Jin High School, Kuen Cheng High School, and Hin Hua High School in Kuala Lumpur and Kelang. Chen Weiying held talks with the principals and learned of the history and current situation of Chinese independent high schools in Malaysia and the number of Malaysian students who have studied at Zhejiang University. She also had in-depth discussions on the MBBS program with the principals and answered questions posed by the students.

In a visit to the International Medical University Malaysia (IMU), Chen Weiying spoke with Vice Chancellor Vishna Devi Nadarajah on student exchange, faculty training, and academic exchange. The two sides agreed to initiate cooperation in these fields. She also visited the skills lab, innovative research center, library, and clinic.

During the visit to Malaysia, the delegation also met with Zhejiang University Alumni Chapter, sharing about studying at ZJU and their post-graduation career development.

On the night of the 18th, the delegation visited the University Brunei Darussalam where Chen Weiying held discussions with Assistant Vice Chancellor Dr. Joyce Teo Siew Yean and Vice Dean of UBD Institute of Health Sciences Dr. Hjh Mas Rina Wati Hj Abd Hamid on MBBS education, faculty training, and other issues, and reached a preliminary intention of cooperation.

 On the afternoon of the 20th, the delegation visited RIPAS Hospital in Brunei. Fathin Damit from the Ministry of Health of Brunei and Wu Jiong from the Chinese Embassy in Brunei also joined the visit. During the visit, Chen Weiying got a detailed understanding of clinical doctor training and medical licensing exams in Brunei. Both sides decided to initiate exchanges in medical interns and clinicians.

The aim of the visits is to expand ZJU-ISM’s influnence and call for collaboration with the institutions in southeast asian countries. The fruits will surely facilitate the student recruitment, medical education, scientific research, and healthcare services of ZJU-ISM. ZJU-ISM is marching on the road towards high-quality international cooperation.

Written by: Yang Wenqiang

Edited by: Chen Weiying