A group photo of Ngee Ann Polytechnic Singapore students and the Unpad team at Unpad Hospital Jatinangor, Monday, 24 February 2025 (Photo by: Jalasenastri Saprala)

Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) once again hosted the Overseas Immersion Programme (OIP), involving 31 students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore. As part of the programme, the participants visited Unpad Hospital on Monday, 24 February 2025, to gain insights into Indonesia’s healthcare system.

OIP provided students with a week-long overseas exposure in Indonesia, aimed at enhancing their global readiness and intercultural understanding. “OIP offers participants the opportunity to experience global readiness preparation, fostering intercultural competence and providing practical experiences,” stated Anggia Utami Dewi, S.IP., M.IS., Ph.D., Head of Unpad’s International Affairs Office.

This initiative is a testament to Unpad’s commitment to global collaboration. Ngee Ann Polytechnic has been a pioneering partner in this programme, which is tailored to meet the needs of both institutions. “The programme aligns with Unpad’s goal of becoming a globally recognised university and ranking among the world’s top 300 institutions,” Anggia added.

Now in its second year, this batch of OIP participants had backgrounds in health sciences. Their activities included lectures on Indonesian culture, cuisine, and traditions, as well as industry visits. As part of their healthcare and pharmaceutical exposure, they visited Unpad Hospital, Unpad’s Dental and Oral Hospital, Bandung Eye Center, and Sanbe Farma.

During the visit to Unpad Hospital, Ahmad Faried, MD., SpBS(K)., Ph.D., FICS., DABRM, a neurosurgery and neuroscience expert from Unpad’s Faculty of Medicine, delivered a lecture on Stem Cells and Their Metabolites in Trauma at Unpad Hospital. He highlighted the potential of stem cell therapy in treating medical conditions such as brain trauma and spinal cord injuries. “Unpad is continuously conducting research to advance this therapy for trauma and metabolic diseases,” he explained.

Faried further expressed Unpad’s ambition to become a leading research and therapy centre for stem cells in Indonesia, contributing to more innovative and effective medical treatments.

Through OIP, Unpad continues to strengthen its global collaborations, providing international students with cultural experiences while expanding its academic and research exposure at an international level. The university hopes to sustain and further develop such partnerships to foster a more inclusive and globally competitive educational environment.

Source: Universitas Padjadjaran