-Kaohsiung Medical University -

In support of the government's New Southbound Policy and in fulfillment of its commitment to social responsibility and citizen diplomacy, Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) once again partnered with the Kaohsiung City Humanitarian Care Society. In April 2025, they organized a joint delegation to Sumba, an island in Indonesia, to carry out educational and cultural exchanges as well as humanitarian aid efforts—demonstrating KMU’s dedication to global engagement and cross-border compassion.

Led by Professor Aij-lie Kwan of the KMU Department of Neurosurgery, the "KMU/Kaohsiung Humanitarian Care Society Indonesia Education and Culture Delegation" consisted of eleven members, including society members, international students from KMU, and alumni from Indonesia. Prior to their departure, KMU President Dr. Ming-Lung Yu personally presented the group with a flag, encouraging them to fulfill their mission by bringing hope through education and the warmth of medical care. Sumba Island, located in the southern part of the Nusa Tenggara archipelago, has long struggled with resource scarcity. As early as 2016 and 2017, KMU collaborated with the International College of Surgeons to provide medical aid in the region, forging deep bonds with the local community. This year, returning to familiar ground, the team focused on educational and cultural outreach—offering daily essentials and educational supplies while conducting language instruction and life guidance to spark the children’s enthusiasm for learning. They also engaged in meaningful exchanges with schools, churches, special education institutions, and orphanages.

Despite the fruitful results, the journey was fraught with challenges. The team departed Kaohsiung at 2:30 a.m., and due to a national holiday in Indonesia, most local shops were closed. This meant the group had to prepare and bring all necessary supplies from Taiwan, resulting in significantly more luggage than expected. Upon arrival, they faced customs inspections at the Indonesian airport due to the large volume of aid supplies. Though met with initial difficulties, the team eventually cleared customs successfully—gaining valuable experience for future overseas missions.
Their travel was further disrupted by a six-hour flight delay to Tambolaka City. Upon landing, the team had to endure a five-hour mountainous drive to reach their first stop, GAURA village. The planned 7 p.m. event was postponed to 9 p.m., concluding around midnight. Still, the moment they arrived, they were warmly welcomed by local schoolchildren who sang the Indonesian and Republic of China national anthems, along with several songs in English and Chinese. The children’s heartfelt performance deeply moved the delegation, instantly easing the fatigue of the long journey.

The team continued on to visit Wangiapu town, a special education school, and an orphanage. Adverse weather and transportation issues frequently disrupted their plans, but the emotional impact of each visit was powerful. From the warm reception of local children and residents to the touching sight of orphans moved to tears, each encounter strengthened the team’s commitment to advancing education and humanitarian work.

The delegation also visited Bali, where they met with Udayana University—a KMU MOU partner—and attended the graduation ceremony of eleven local surgical trainees. Professor Aij-lie Kwan gave a keynote address, sharing clinical experiences and expressing her commitment to deeper bilateral cooperation.

Looking ahead, Kaohsiung Medical University will continue to uphold its core values of "people-centered care and love-first philosophy." By working alongside civil organizations, KMU remains dedicated to promoting international education and humanitarian outreach, nurturing strong global partnerships, and amplifying Taiwan’s warmth and strength on the world stage.

▲KMU President Dr. Ming-Lung Yu presents the flag to the delegation before departure, encouraging members to spread hope through education and warmth through healthcare.

▲The delegation visits GAURA village, where local children warmly welcome them by singing the national anthems of Indonesia and the Republic of China, along with several songs in English and Chinese.

▲The delegation engages in in-depth exchange at a special education school in Indonesia.

▲The delegation visits a local high school to conduct cultural and educational activities and distribute daily necessities and school supplies.

▲The delegation visits Udayana University and attends the graduation ceremony of eleven surgical trainees.