To deepen international exchanges and cooperation and broaden students’ academic horizons, a delegation of more than 20 faculty members and students from Southwest Medical University, led by Professor Zhang Dan from the School of Pharmacy, embarked on a 10‑day study‑and‑exchange programme at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Malaysia, from July 26 to August 4. Centred on the theme of “AI Empowering Medicine and Pharmacy”, the programme integrated hands‑on laboratory practice, innovation and entrepreneurship training, cultural immersion and youth forums, delivering an academic journey featuring in‑depth integration of knowledge and practical experience for participating faculty and students.
On the opening day of the programme, the study tour group visited teaching buildings, laboratories, libraries and the university hospital on UTAR’s Kampar Campus to gain insights into the operation of Malaysia’s healthcare system and the integration of traditional and modern medicine. Afterwards, the group proceeded to a livestock‑breeding zone for hands‑on B‑ultrasound practice, where they observed foetal heartbeats in pregnant ewes to deepen their practical understanding of medical experimental techniques in real‑world scenarios.
In subsequent teaching sessions, under the guidance of Dr. Teh Lai Kuan, students completed experiments on chicken embryo fibroblast cell culture and observed cell morphology under microscopes. In the controlled experiment on mouse blood glucose and hypoglycaemic agents hosted by Dr. Tan Gim Cheong, participants were divided into three groups treated with vildagliptin, glibenclamide and distilled water respectively. They dynamically monitored post‑administration blood‑glucose changes to gain direct insights into mechanisms of drug action.
In addition, faculty from UTAR delivered systematic lectures on fundamental principles of artificial intelligence and its applications in healthcare, and organised simulated entrepreneurial pitch sessions. Working in teams, students designed AI‑related projects based on over 20 cutting‑edge topics covering environmental conservation, medicine and healthcare. They demonstrated technical uniqueness, analysed market barriers and projected return on investment, and responded to questions posed by mock “investors”. This immersive exercise effectively enhanced their interdisciplinary integration capabilities and skills for commercial translation of research outcomes.
Beyond academic sessions, students took part in psychological‑healing painting workshops, where they freely expressed themselves through colours and lines to relieve emotions and achieve inner peace. The group later visited a stingless‑bee farm to learn about the ecological value of Malaysia’s endemic bee species, attended briefings on the antibacterial and anti‑inflammatory properties of honey, and took part in hands‑on honey‑harvesting activities. They experienced the distinctive charm of tropical agriculture and gifts from nature first‑hand.
During the study tour, students were invited to attend the 2026 Global Youth and Artificial Intelligence Forum hosted by UTAR. A project titled “Intelligent Chip Tracking System for Wild Animals”, designed by students from the School of Pharmacy, won second prize at the forum. The system adopts smart chips to monitor wildlife physiology and migration trajectories in real time, supporting ecological conservation efforts. Through observation and learning, participants reshaped their preventive‑medicine thinking for medical AI, and gained profound understanding of global collaboration and sense of responsibility in scientific innovation.
Many students commented that this study tour exposed them to UTAR’s experiential classroom model and full‑English learning environment. Hands‑on experiments, project pitches and an international forum helped them sharpen professional expertise, innovative thinking and teamwork skills. The inclusiveness and hospitality of Malaysia’s multicultural society also enabled them to build sincere cross‑border friendships, making the trip highly rewarding.
This short‑term study programme was tailor‑made by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman for students of the School of Pharmacy. It was jointly organised by the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, the Student Affairs Department and the School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University. The successful event further consolidated the profound friendship between the two universities. It also played a positive role in building a diversified international exchange platform and cultivating high‑calibre pharmaceutical talents with global competitiveness.
As an ancient saying goes, “Read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles”. This study tour, bonded by the Belt and Road Initiative, has not only built a bridge connecting the hearts of Chinese and Malaysian youth, but also sounded the prelude to in‑depth scientific and innovation cooperation in the future.
