PolyU Hosts Rehabilitation Sciences Students and Staff from Mongolia

From 10 to 22 January 2025, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy at the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS) organised the 2025 Rehabilitation Sciences Student–Staff Exchange Programme. This is an inaugural event of the University Alliance of the Silk Road Sub-Alliance of the Engineering Medicine Facilitated Technology Innovation. During their visit, 12 students and two faculty members from the MNUMS interacted with PolyU’s international cultural ambassadors to learn about their study and living experiences. They toured various rehabilitation centres and hospitals in Hong Kong. They also attended the 65th Conference of the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation. The MNUMS staff also participated in specialised training sessions to further develop their skills in rehabilitation practices.

The participants provided overwhelmingly positive feedback after the visit. “This exchange programme has been a profoundly transformative experience. Through visiting rehabilitation centres and hospitals in Hong Kong, I was introduced to advanced technologies and equipment in the field of rehabilitation,” one student shared. “These experiences, coupled with the in-depth interactions I had with students and faculty members from PolyU, have significantly broadened my understanding of rehabilitation sciences. Their insights and expertise have not only enriched my knowledge but also inspired me to pursue my studies with greater dedication and enthusiasm.” 

Another staff member from the MNUMS added, “The visit provided us with invaluable opportunities for learning and exchange. By participating in specialised training sessions, I further enhanced my skills in rehabilitation practices. Moreover, interacting with colleagues from PolyU deepened my understanding of the latest advancements in the field of rehabilitation. I am confident that this experience will have a positive impact on our rehabilitation education and practice in Mongolia.” 

In January 2024, PolyU and the MNUMS signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their collaboration, signifying an important step forward in contributing to the Nation’s Belt and Road Initiative. During the summers of 2023 and 2024, the RS organised two study trips for 32 PolyU students to visit the MNUMS to learn about occupational therapy, with the support of the PolyU Belt and Road Funding Scheme (now integrated into the PolyU Short-term Non-local Study Fund) administered by PolyU’s Global Engagement Office. PolyU will continue to strengthen its collaboration with the MNUMS in the future and looks forward to forging closer bonds with other universities in the Belt and Road Initiative.