Surakarta, October 2024 – The Public Health (Kesmas) Study Program of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting students to gain international academic experience. Two UMS Public Health students, Shonia Khoirussyifa and Assyifa Hasna Jauza, have successfully participated in the Students Mobility Summer Program entitled Food and Culture: Learn, Engage & Explore at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, from 13 to 19 October 2024.

This program is the result of a collaboration between the UMS Public Health Study Program and UiTM Malaysia in order to improve students’ insight and skills in understanding the relationship between culture and food in the context of global public health. Through various activities, participants gained an in-depth understanding of the diversity of food and culture in Malaysia, as well as the importance of nutrition in public health.

During the program, students participate in various academic and practical activities, such as public lectures from experts in the field of food and public health, interactive workshops, field visits to traditional culinary centers, and cross-cultural discussions with other international students.

These activities are expected to continue to strengthen the academic relationship between UMS and UiTM Malaysia and be the first step for students to develop global insights in the field of public health. In the future, the UMS Public Health Study Program will continue to strive to provide wider opportunities for students to participate in similar international programs.