Japan – The Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS), continues to demonstrate its commitment to global academic engagement through an international collaboration initiative involving the Thematic Research Group (TRG) Pain Management. One of its members, Aulia Insani Latif, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep., actively contributed to strengthening international partnerships with Yokohama City University (YCU), Japan. This collaboration also involved prominent global scholars, including Prof. Tomoko Akase, Ph.D., and Prof. Toshiaki Takahashi, Ph.D., reflecting a strong network of academic excellence.
This international activity was conducted through a guest lecture program held from 13 to 19 January 2026, as part of the prestigious Sakura Science Program. The initiative aimed to foster academic dialogue, strengthen institutional collaboration, and promote knowledge exchange in the field of nursing education and practice. It also served as a strategic platform for sharing Indonesia’s nursing system while exploring opportunities for future joint research and innovation.
The session was integrated into the International Nursing II course at Yokohama City University and attended by approximately 100 Japanese nursing students, 10 nursing students from UNHAS, and several academic staff from YCU. The UNHAS delegation was led by Ns. Aulia Insani Latif, who served as the main speaker. The diverse composition of participants created a dynamic academic environment that encouraged cross-cultural interaction, intellectual exchange, and mutual learning.
During the lecture, Ns. Aulia Insani Latif delivered a comprehensive and structured presentation on Indonesia’s nursing service system and educational framework. Key topics included community-based healthcare approaches, professional education pathways, and current challenges faced by the nursing profession in Indonesia. The presentation also highlighted opportunities for innovation, particularly in responding to global health demands and strengthening healthcare systems.
A key highlight of the program was the interactive discussion session, where participants engaged in comparative analysis between nursing practices in Indonesia and Japan. This exchange of perspectives enhanced participants’ understanding of global healthcare systems and opened opportunities for future collaboration, including joint research initiatives and student exchange programs.
This activity aligns strongly with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 1 (No Poverty), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through the promotion of international academic exchange, this initiative contributes to SDG 4 by expanding access to high-quality, inclusive education. It also supports SDG 1, as strengthening nursing education and healthcare systems plays a vital role in improving public health outcomes and reducing socio-economic disparities. Furthermore, the collaboration embodies SDG 17 by reinforcing the importance of global partnerships in achieving sustainable development through shared knowledge and innovation.
Through this initiative, the Faculty of Nursing UNHAS has strengthened its position within the global academic community. The involvement of 10 UNHAS students provided valuable international exposure, equipping them with the competencies needed to address global health challenges. Overall, this collaboration represents a significant step toward sustainable academic partnership, reinforcing a shared vision between UNHAS and Yokohama City University in advancing nursing education, research, and professional practice on a global scale.
