On 29th July 2025, Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) officiated the 15th International Summer Medical School (ISMS) Programme.
An annual student exchange programme held in partnership with Kagawa University, Japan, it offers this year’s six participating students from the Faculty of Medicine at Kagawa University an opportunity to experience student life at UBD and the culture and traditions of Brunei while forging international friendships, and enhancing clinical and communication skills.
This year also coincides with UBD’s 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades of excellence and innovation. In line with its commitment, UBD continues to provide its students international exposure to obtain better perspectives on global issues and cultivate appreciation of other cultures and religions.
The opening ceremony at the PAPRSB IHS Extension Building, UBD, was officiated by the guest of honour, Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam His Excellency Yutaka Kikuta.
During the ceremony, Dr Poh Hui Goh, one of the coordinators of the 15th ISMS Programme, highlighted the significance of the programme in enriching exchange student experience, for both UBD and Kagawa university. She remarked, “We believe that programmes like ISMS do more than provide medical knowledge – they build friendships, deepen intercultural appreciation and contribute to the broader goal of nurturing globally minded healthcare professionals.” This year, the programme welcomed six medical students from the Faculty of Medicine of Kagawa University: Kazuki Umachi, Misaki Takahashi, Naomi Urayama, Sakurako Okumura, Yui Fukui, and Yuka Shiraishi.
In his welcoming address for the opening ceremony of the 15th ISMS Programme on, Dean of PAPRSB IHS Professor Kenneth Yuh Yen Kok highlighted the importance of this enduring partnership. “This event is a testament to the longstanding partnership between Kagawa University and UBD, a collaboration that has grown over the years through mutual respect, academic exchange and cultural understanding.” He said. “PAPRSB IHS, UBD’s long-standing partnership with Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University has been characterized by a series of enriching student and staff exchanges, research collaborations and a shared commitment to advancing medical education and healthcare.”
At the opening ceremony, Professor Dr Takashi Kusaka, Chairperson of the School of Medicine, and a Member of the International Contribution and Exchange at the Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, recognised that, “Time has seen to it that ours is a valuable relationship. Over 20 years have passed, but the value of this time has been profoundly deep for all of us.”
The 15th ISMS Programme stands as a proud continuation of the longstanding collaboration between Universiti Brunei Darussalam and Kagawa University. As UBD celebrates its 40th anniversary, this programme not only strengthens academic and cultural ties but also reflects UBD’s ongoing commitment to nurturing globally competent and compassionate healthcare professionals. With mutual respect, shared learning, and enduring friendship at its core, the ISMS Programme continues to provide meaningful experiences that enrich both institutions and prepare students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.