Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) and Okayama University, Japan, continued their international academic collaboration through the “OKADAI: Student Exchange Program for Undergraduate Students of Hasanuddin University and Okayama University 2026.” This year marked the fifth implementation of the OKADAI Program since its initiation in 2021, reflecting the sustained partnership and commitment of both universities to expanding international exposure and interprofessional education among health sciences students.
The OKADAI Student Exchange Program was initiated through collaboration between Irfan Sugianto, drg., M.Med.Ed., Ph.D., Sp.RKG. from the UNHAS Faculty of Dentistry and Prof. Masahiro Kuroda, M.D., Ph.D. from the Faculty of Health Sciences at Okayama University. The program brings together the Faculty of Health Sciences at Okayama University and four health-related faculties at UNHAS: the Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, and Faculty of Nursing. The 2026 program attracted strong interest from UNHAS students, with 59 applicants taking part in the selection process. Following the selection, 10 students were chosen to represent UNHAS, comprising four students from the Faculty of Dentistry, two from the Faculty of Medicine, two from the Faculty of Public Health, and two from the Faculty of Nursing.
The program combines online academic activities with reciprocal in-person student exchanges. Four online meetings were scheduled throughout July and August 2026, with participants divided into four interprofessional groups. The activities involved students and facilitators from both universities, including the Medical Laboratory Science and Nursing programs at Okayama University and the Faculties of Dentistry and Nursing at UNHAS.
As part of the reciprocal exchange, the Okayama University delegation visited Makassar from Sunday, 30 August to Thursday, 3 September 2026. The delegation consisted of eight students—four Nursing students and four Medical Laboratory Science students—accompanied by two facilitators, Prof. Nobuaki Miyahara and Dr. Yuki Kajiwara. The exchange will continue with the UNHAS delegation visiting Okayama University in Japan in December 2026.
During their stay in Makassar, participants took part in a diverse range of academic, professional and cultural activities. The program included final group presentations, student bonding activities, the development of Interprofessional Health Education posters and academic visits to the Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Public Health, and Hasanuddin University Hospital. Beyond the academic agenda, participants also had opportunities to experience Indonesian and Makassar culture through a Gala Dinner and Cultural Night, a city tour and a sunset sailing activity. These activities provided an informal setting for students and faculty members from both universities to strengthen friendships, exchange cultural perspectives and build lasting international connections. The program was also supported by leaders and representatives from the participating UNHAS faculties, reflecting the university’s commitment to international collaboration and interdisciplinary education in the health sciences.
Throughout the program, the Okayama University students and facilitators expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the exchange. For many participants, the program offered valuable experience in a new academic and cultural environment while allowing them to closely interact with students from related health professions. They particularly appreciated the opportunity to build new friendships and professional connections with their counterparts at UNHAS. Through the fifth OKADAI Student Exchange Program, UNHAS and Okayama University continue to strengthen their long-standing academic partnership while providing students with meaningful opportunities to develop interprofessional collaboration, cross-cultural communication, global perspectives, and international professional networks. With the reciprocal exchange continuing in Japan in December, the program is expected to further deepen academic and cultural connections between the two universities while preparing health sciences students to work more effectively across disciplines and cultural settings.