IMU University successfully hosted the IMU Chiropractic Study Tour 2025 from 14 June to 12 July 2025, welcoming chiropractic students and faculty from Teesside University (UK), CQUniversity (Australia), and Murdoch University (Australia). The month-long programme provided a dynamic blend of cultural exchange, clinical exposure, research immersion, and academic collaboration, solidifying IMU’s commitment to global engagement and interprofessional education.

A total of 18 international chiropractic students and 2 faculty members participated in the tour, guided by IMU’s Chiropractic faculty team, alongside student ambassadors from the IMU Chiropractic Club. Designed to provide participants with a holistic learning experience in Malaysia’s unique healthcare and cultural landscape, the tour focused on five key themes: cultural immersion, educational integration, clinical observation, interprofessional learning, and personal exploration.

The programme began with a vibrant introduction to Malaysia. This early cultural immersion laid the groundwork for meaningful exchange, encouraging respect and appreciation for diversity.

The academic component featured integrated sessions in chiropractic assessment, diagnosis, palpation techniques, physical examination, and even introductory psychology. Visiting students had the opportunity to learn alongside IMU students, observe teaching styles, and reflect on chiropractic education in a multicultural context.

A key highlight of the programme was the Chiropractic Education Research Project, where participants engaged in introductory research training. Students were introduced to the SeDia Project, research interviewing skills, data analysis, and culminated their learning with a group presentation.

The tour also facilitated meaningful exchanges with the Association of Chiropractic Malaysia (ACM), including a special address by Newell Tan Soen Aik, ACM Vice President and an alumnus of IMU’s pioneer cohort from the chiropractic programme that began in 2010. These interactions highlighted the development of chiropractic regulation and professional identity in Malaysia.

The tour concluded with student presentations and a heartfelt closing session, reflecting on the shared experiences and academic growth achieved throughout the journey.

“This study tour is a true testament to IMU University’s vision for global partnerships in health professions education. We hope this experience will inspire future collaborations that enhance both student learning and the chiropractic profession globally,” said Wong Yi Kai, Chiropractic Mobility Coordinator at IMU University.

Faculty members from the participating institutions also reflected on the value of the study tour.

“Our recent New Colombo Plan-funded student mobility trip to Kuala Lumpur was an extraordinary testament to the power of global collaboration in chiropractic education. Witnessing the seamless exchange of knowledge and culture, while building lifelong connections among students and staff spanning three continents, has been both inspiring and personally meaningful. Through the hard work of dedicated faculty and enthusiastic students at IMU University, CQUniversity, Murdoch University, and Teesside University, this invaluable experience will undoubtedly contribute to shaping the future of our profession and the next generation of chiropractic health professionals.” said Dr Omar Pervez, Chiropractor, Academic Lead, Clinical Education at CQUniversity.

Dr Shane Sutherland, Lecturer, Unit Coordinator of Capstone Unit and Supervising Clinician at Murdoch University, added, “Having supervised a variety of clinical placements and student outreaches during my career, the IMU study tour of Malaysia offered a unique and unprecedented learning experience for my students and myself. The rich cultural immersion coupled with the variety of clinical placements and classes offered allowed each student an opportunity to learn and grow that they would never have experienced at home.“

The IMU Chiropractic Study Tour is a signature initiative under the School of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (SACM), reinforcing IMU’s leadership in chiropractic education in the region. As the tour concludes, it leaves behind strengthened international ties, enriched student experiences, and a renewed commitment to global learning and collaboration.

Written by Wong Yi Kai, Chiropractic Mobility Coordinator at IMU University.

Get a glimpse of the cultural highlights of this student mobility programme at Unlocking Malaysia, A Journey Through Culture and Language