Seven IMU Pharmacy students participated in a two-week Global Mobility Programme at Guangxi Medical University and were attached to the Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Tumour Hospital (also known as Guangxi Cancer Hospital). The elective placement provided exposure clinical competencies in oncology pharmacy but also deepened their appreciation for cultural diversity and global healthcare practices.

Programme:

Global Mobility Programme

Participants:

Seven IMU Pharmacy students

Duration:

13–26 April 2026

Institution:

Guangxi Medical University

Attachment

Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Tumour Hospital

Location:

Nanning, Guangxi, China

Focus Areas:

Various aspects of hospital pharmacy in an oncology setting

As part of the Global Mobility Programme, a group of IMU Pharmacy students participated in a two-week elective placement at Guangxi Medical University in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. The students were attached to the Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Tumour Hospital (also known as Guangxi Cancer Hospital).

The 14-day programme, held from 13 to 26 April 2026, provided valuable exposure to oncology pharmacy practice and broadened the students’ understanding of cancer care in a specialised tertiary hospital setting in southern China.

• Ngue Kuan Seong

• Chin Zhi Quan

• Tee Shi Min

• Tan Yan Fei

• Cheah Weng Yan

• Ng Yan Ning

• Janice Cheng Zhi Qian

On the first day of the placement, the students were warmly welcomed by the hospital team. They were given a comprehensive hospital tour that introduced them to the facility’s

• Layout,
• Major departments, and
• State-of-the-art oncology infrastructure.

Following the tour, a structured discussion session was held where students and Chinese preceptors exchanged insights Malaysia and China’s

• Academic systems,
• Hospital management, and
• Pharmaceutical practices.

This engaging session allowed both sides to compare differences and similarities in

• Pharmacy education,
• Hospital workflows,
• Medication management systems, and
• Regulatory frameworks.

The subsequent days followed a well-structured rotation schedule that covered various aspects of hospital pharmacy in an oncology setting:

Additional sessions included

• Cultural experience classes
• Traditional Chinese Medicine integration in cancer care and
• Visits to different specialised pharmacy units

Under the guidance of experienced oncology pharmacists and preceptors, the students gained hands-on insights into the critical role of pharmacists in optimising cancer treatment outcomes, ensuring medication safety, and supporting patients throughout their treatment journey.

Beyond the intensive clinical placement, the students took the opportunity to explore Nanning — known as the “Green City” for its lush subtropical landscapes and parks. They experienced the unique blend of modern development and rich Zhuang ethnic culture in southern China.

A memorable highlight was witnessing the spectacular “Da Tie Hua” (打铁花) performance — a traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritage art form. Skilled performers hurled molten iron into the night sky, creating dazzling showers of sparks that bloomed like fiery flowers. Watching this breathtaking display along the Yong River was one of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip.

During the placement period, the students experienced the Guangxi “San Yue San” (三月三) Festival Holiday on 17 & 18 April 2026. This is a significant traditional festival of the Zhuang ethnic group. The hospital arranged a public holiday for these two days, giving the students a chance to enjoy the local festive atmosphere and cultural celebrations.

The placement was an eye-opening experience that not only strengthened the students’ clinical competencies in oncology pharmacy but also deepened their appreciation for cultural diversity and global healthcare practices.

Written by Bryan Ngue Kuan Seong BP123