NIHR SPCR Research Placement in Malaysia

ALI HINDI SPCR Post Doctoral Fellow The University of Manchester

Networking often feels like a buzzword in academia, but I’ve realised it’s one of the most rewarding parts of this career. My recent placement in Malaysia, supported by the NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR), was an opportunity to build international connections that went far beyond research. It gave me the chance to collaborate with new teams, share knowledge, and build meaningful relationships with academics and students.

Here’s how I approached it and what I think might help others looking to do the same.

Start early: building relationships before you arrive

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this experience, it’s that preparation makes all the difference. Before flying out to Malaysia, I set up several virtual meetings with Professor Long and their team. These meetings were a way to understand what everyone brought to the table and what we wanted to achieve together. By the time I arrived, we’d already agreed on a research question and search strategy. It made everything smoother, and it set the tone for real teamwork.

If you’re planning to work abroad, I’d say this: don’t wait until you’re on-site to start connecting. Reach out, show genuine interest, and start building trust early.

Collaboration in action

The main project focused on whether integrating AI and machine learning models into primary care could improve diagnostic accuracy, clinical efficiency, and patient outcomes. By the end of my visit, we had reached the full-text screening stage, marking significant progress.

I also mentored one of Professor Long’s PhD students as they developed their systematic review and meta-analysis. My role was to guide them in clarifying their study’s contributions and ensuring their work added value without duplicating existing research. This included helping them refine their objectives and create a clear structure for the background section. These discussions highlighted the importance of aligning research with gaps in the literature, even if the differences in focus seem small at first.

Sharing expertise

I also had the opportunity to present my research at Monash University as part of a "Research Insights Sharing Session." This led to engaging conversations with academics and postgraduate students, particularly around measuring the quality of community pharmacy services which is an area that’s still developing in Malaysia. They were particularly intrigued by how I secured buy-in from different stakeholders, as well as strategies for acquiring funding and collaborating with UK researchers.

Another highlight was giving a literature review masterclass for medical students at Sunway School of Medicine and Life Sciences. The 90-minute session was packed with activities and demonstrations, covering everything from search strategies to analysing papers. The students’ enthusiasm was clear, and it was rewarding to see how much they appreciated the practical approach. This experience even resulted in an offer for an adjunct associate professor role to help support their research unit.

These kinds of sessions are great ways to connect with people, so if you ever get the chance, I’d recommend it: you’ll learn as much as you teach!

Cultural connections

Outside of work, my colleagues and I spent evenings exploring Malaysian culture. From sharing meals to visiting local attractions, these moments helped us bond and gave me a deeper understanding of the culture. It also showed me how important it is to connect with people on a personal level to build trust and strengthen professional relationships.

Long-term perspective

The placement wasn’t just limited to the work I completed during my time there. It laid the groundwork for future collaborations. The systematic review will continue remotely, and I’ve been invited to contribute to other projects. These ongoing connections are a testament to how valuable international placements can be for fostering long-term partnerships.

For me, the key to building an international network is thinking long-term. What matters isn’t just the time you spend in a place, but the connections and opportunities that follow. Keep the conversations going, stay involved, and let those connections grow organically.

Reflections

This placement gave me new insights into research and collaboration. It showed me the importance of being open to different ways of working, sharing expertise, and finding common ground with others. It also reinforced how essential it is to prepare thoroughly, engage actively, and make the most of the time you have.

For anyone considering a similar experience, I’d encourage you to take the leap. Opportunities like this can lead to meaningful collaborations and personal growth in ways you can’t fully anticipate.