Promoting Unity and Learning through Student Exchange (PULSE) 2025 was successfully held from 4 to 6 July 2025 at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. Spearheaded by the University of Malaya Medical Society (UM MedSoc), the large-scale initiative brought together medical students from across Southeast Asia to strengthen cross-cultural understanding, academic collaboration, and professional development. The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Wilayah Persekutuan proudly supported the event through sponsorship and educational engagement.
Objectives and Scope
PULSE 2025 was designed to provide a dynamic platform for intercultural exchange, fostering holistic development among participants—academically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Its key objectives included:
- Facilitating the exchange of ideas and experiences across diverse medical and cultural contexts.
- Enhancing academic and interpersonal skills through direct international interaction.
- Supporting institutional collaboration and knowledge sharing to elevate the quality of medical education.
- Generating support for future UM MedSoc initiatives through targeted fundraising efforts.
Regional Participation
The programme welcomed students from ten leading institutions across three Southeast Asian nations:
Malaysia
- Universiti Malaya (UM)
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
- Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
- Monash University Malaysia
Indonesia
- Universitas Indonesia (UI)
- Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)
Thailand
- Mahidol University (Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital)
- Chulalongkorn University (Faculty of Medicine)
This extensive participation underscored the programme’s regional significance in advancing collaborative medical education and future healthcare leadership.
MMA Wilayah’s Contribution
On 5 July 2025, MMA Wilayah Persekutuan conducted a dedicated one-hour session that focused on the importance of early professional engagement. The session provided participants with insights into the benefits of joining professional bodies, mentorship opportunities, and leadership development pathways. It facilitated open dialogue between students and MMA representatives, encouraging future involvement in the broader medical community.
The session was delivered by Dr. Loke Xi Mun, Chairperson of the Junior Doctors Network (JDN), who emphasised the value of global exposure and early leadership cultivation, and Mr. Yew Ze Yan of the Malaysian Medical Association’s Standing Committee on Medical Students (SMMAMS) who delivered a compelling address on student empowerment and collaborative healthcare initiatives.
In support of PULSE 2025, MMA Wilayah also sponsored the official event T-shirts and operated an informational booth throughout the programme, further demonstrating its commitment to student empowerment and professional development.
Conclusion
PULSE 2025 marked a significant milestone in regional student collaboration, successfully bridging academic and cultural boundaries. The event reinforced the importance of nurturing leadership, fostering institutional cooperation, and building a cohesive Southeast Asian medical community. MMA Wilayah’s involvement served to highlight the value of early integration between student initiatives and professional networks—an essential element in preparing future healthcare leaders.
