Sungai Petani, Malaysia — The Public Health Study Program (Kesmas) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) strengthened its international collaboration through the participation of one of its lecturers in the Scientist and Dr. to Be! Mentoring Program organized by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, on August 11, 2026. The activity was part of the International Symposium on Public Health with International Community Services 2.0 (ISPHICS 2026) and involved one of UiTM’s partner schools.
In the program, Kusuma Estu Werdani, S.KM., M.Kes., a lecturer from the UMS Public Health Study Program, was invited by UiTM to serve as a speaker in the Scientist and Dr. to Be! session held at Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti Sena Indah. The activity was part of a community outreach program designed to provide students with an educational experience while introducing them to health-related knowledge and careers in the health sector.
Under the theme “Think Before You Puff: Smart Choices for a Healthy Future,” Kusuma Estu encouraged students to understand the health risks associated with cigarettes and vaping and the importance of making informed decisions for their well-being. The session covered the differences between conventional cigarettes and vape products, the effects of nicotine on the development of adolescents’ brains, strategies used by the vape industry to attract young people, and the connection between health protection and Islamic values.
During the session, students were also encouraged to recognize several factors that may influence adolescents to start vaping, including curiosity, peer influence, the perception that vaping is safer than smoking, easy access, social media marketing, social trends, and the perception that vaping can reduce stress. The presentation also addressed common myths and facts about vaping, including the misconception that vape only produces water vapor and that all vape products are nicotine-free.
The health education was complemented by an Islamic perspective. Students were encouraged to understand that maintaining health is part of their responsibility to protect the body as a trust from Allah SWT. The session concluded with a message encouraging students to stay away from cigarettes and vape products while developing themselves as healthy, knowledgeable, and well-mannered young people.
The participation of a UMS Public Health lecturer in this international activity demonstrates the Public Health Study Program’s contribution to international education and community engagement. Collaboration with UiTM provides opportunities for knowledge exchange, cross-cultural experiences, and the sharing of public health practices, particularly in strengthening health literacy among young people.
Through the Scientist and Dr. to Be! Mentoring Program, the UMS Public Health Study Program contributes to nurturing a generation that is more aware of health issues and capable of making informed decisions based on reliable knowledge. This collaboration with UiTM is expected to continue developing into meaningful international partnerships that benefit institutions, communities, and young people in partner schools.
