Enviro News Asia, Sabah — The Faculty of Health Sciences (FIKES) of Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ) continues to expand its global collaboration network by establishing an international partnership with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). The partnership was realized through a Community Service (PKM) program and an academic visit themed “Enhancing Health Resilience in School Communities”, focusing on strengthening health resilience within school communities across the ASEAN region.
The joint program between FIKES UPNVJ and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FPSK) UMS carried the specific theme “Preventing Obesity and Anaemia through Education and Awareness in the Era of Climate Change.” Through educational and participatory approaches, both institutions are committed to raising awareness on preventing obesity and anaemia — health challenges that are becoming increasingly relevant amid climate change and modern lifestyle patterns.
The UPNVJ delegation was led by Dean Assoc. Prof. Desmawati, SKp., M.Kep., Sp.Mat., Ph.D., accompanied by lecturers and postgraduate students from the Master of Public Health program. They were officially welcomed by the leadership of FPSK UMS in Sabah. Throughout the program, participants engaged in academic sessions, thematic discussions, and student exchanges that explored cross-border health promotion strategies.
In her remarks, Desmawati emphasized the importance of cross-country collaboration in addressing health challenges in the era of climate change.
“We hope this collaboration strengthens regional networks and creates tangible impacts on public health across ASEAN,” she said.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr. Abdul Rahman Ramdzan from FPSK UMS expressed his strong support for the initiative.
“This partnership reinforces both institutions’ commitment to increasing awareness of regional health issues, particularly within school communities,” he stated.
The collaboration reflects the implementation of Indonesia’s Tridharma Perguruan Tinggi — education, research, and community service — at the international level. Beyond strengthening FIKES UPNVJ’s academic reputation as a strategic partner in the health sector, this initiative also provides opportunities for students to develop sustainable and globally relevant health promotion strategies.
Through this synergy, FIKES UPNVJ and UMS aim to make a meaningful contribution to improving public health resilience and well-being in the ASEAN region, while strengthening the role of higher education in addressing global health challenges. (www.upnvj.ac.id)
