South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, participated in the GPH – SEACO – OUCRU Vietnam Study Tour: Public & Community Engagement

South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, participated in the GPH – SEACO – OUCRU Vietnam Study Tour: Public & Community Engagement, held from 1 to 6 December 2025 at the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Vietnam

The study tour provided an opportunity for participants to gain first-hand exposure to public and community engagement approaches in health research, particularly through community-based and participatory practices implemented by OUCRU. Throughout the programme, participants engaged in knowledge exchange sessions, discussions with subject matter experts, and observations of real-life community engagement activities within local settings.

The programme was hosted by the OUCRU Public and Community Engagement team, led by Dr Mary Chambers, whose leadership and commitment to community engagement greatly enriched the learning experience. The team, comprising Thanh Vu Duy, Huong Van Thuy Qui, Anh Duong Van, Dr Thanh Phạm Ngọc, Bill Long Phạm Ngọc, Giang Nguyen Quoc, Chi Vo Thi Que, Thu Phan Thi Thanh, Huong Nguyen Thi Lan, and Ragil Dien, provided valuable insights, guidance, and warm hospitality throughout the study tour.

The study tour aimed to strengthen understanding of effective community engagement strategies and to highlight the importance of community voices in shaping equitable, sustainable, and impactful health programmes. It also served as a platform to foster cross-institutional learning and collaboration.

South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, extends its sincere appreciation to the OUCRU Public and Community Engagement team for their generosity in sharing knowledge and experience. It is hoped that this meaningful collaboration and partnership will continue to grow in the future.