Mentoring across borders - an international collaboration

The National University of Singapore Pharmaceutical Society’s (NUSPS) International Relations Committee successfully concluded the inaugural run of Bridging Our Borders (BOB), an international mentorship programme aimed at fostering cultural exchange and collaboration in pharmacy and pharmaceutical science. The one-and-a-half-month-long programme brought together 29 mentors and 88 mentees from esteemed organizations across the globe, including the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and Interns (CAPSI), Korean National Association for Pharmaceutical Students (KNAPS), Malaysian Pharmacy Students’ Association (MyPSA), Pharmaceutical Students’ Association of Taiwan (PSA-Taiwan), and NUSPS.

BOB, launched by NUSPS, provides an exceptional opportunity for students to connect with mentors from various countries, broaden their horizons, and shape the future of the pharmaceutical profession internationally. The programme aims to bridge borders through educational exchanges and cultural sharing, facilitating the development of valuable connections and fostering friendship and collaboration between participating countries.

Group photo from opening ceremony

Throughout the programme, mentees engaged in enriching mentorship sessions, benefiting from the wisdom and guidance imparted by experienced professionals in the field. By exchanging knowledge and experiences, participants gained a broader perspective of the international arena, expanding their understanding of pharmacy and pharmaceutical science on a global scale.

Mentors and Mentees group picture

The programme’s success was attributed to the dedication and commitment of the mentors, who selflessly volunteered their time and energy to shape the next generation of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. Their invaluable contributions will have a lasting impact, propelling the field forward and promoting innovation and excellence. The closing ceremony, held on the 22nd of July 2023, marked the culmination of this transformative journey. The ceremony celebrated the achievements and experiences gained throughout the programme, highlighting the cultural exchange and collaborative efforts that took place among participants.

NUSPS IRC (International Relations Committee), the driving force behind BOB, expresses its sincere gratitude to all the mentors, mentees, and organizations involved. Their unwavering support and belief in the programme’s value were instrumental in making it a resounding success.

The organising committee behind BOB

Bridging Our Borders has laid the foundation for future endeavours in global mentorship, emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural understanding and collaboration in shaping the future of pharmacy and pharmaceutical science. NUSPS looks forward to continued support and participation from students and professionals alike, as they strive to create more opportunities for international exchange and academic growth in the field.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, initiatives like Bridging Our Borders serve as catalysts for collaboration and progress, uniting aspiring pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists from different nations in a shared pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and cultural understanding.

Article by Valerie Quek Teng Lee (NUSPS 62nd International Relations Director) and Lim Yi Ter (NUSPS 62nd International Relations Vice-Director (Internal))

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