Hammond Ng is a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient from The University of Sydney. Hammond undertook the Public Health Study Tour in July 2024. Hammond is studying Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Advanced Studies.
Q:Why did you decide to undertake the ACICIS Public Health Study Tour?
As someone interested in public health and health policy implementation, I decided to undertake the PHST to gain a deeper insight into what the public health environment of our largest neighbouring country entailed. The PHST also provided me a perfect opportunity to explore parts of Indonesia that I would have never gotten the chance to, had I not embarked on the program.
Q: Did you receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant? If so, how did this contribute to your experience in Indonesia?
I did receive a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant, which covered most of my program fee. This alleviated my financial burden, allowing me to focus most finances that I allocated for the program towards food and planning trips and tours outside of the fun ones already offered by ACICIS.
Q: What did you find to be the most challenging about your experience on the PHST?
For me, saying goodbye to the staff, student buddies and fellow PHST students was the most challenging aspect after making such strong bonds over the course of the program.
Q: What public health issues in Indonesia have you become more interested in/aware of as a result of this tour?
As a result of the PHST, I have become more intrigued by the issues surrounding public health interventions that are exacerbated by the cultural and linguistic diversity of Indonesia’s geography and population. For instance, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the eastern regions of Indonesia can be attributed to a lack of effective outreach programs. Moreover, the intersectionality of factors such as socio-economic status and education has become quite consequential in key public health issues in Indonesia.
Q: What was your favourite field trip? Explain why.
For me, my favourite field trip was to the Pusat Rehabilitasi YAKKUM (or YAKKUM Rehabilitation Centre) in Yogyakarta. Prior to the trip, participants were introduced to the stigma surrounding disabilities and mental health in Indonesia, and how individuals with disabilities face discrimination—even from their families—due to the general public considering them “incapable” as a result of a lack of understanding. The visit to the rehabilitation centre allowed us to see firsthand how organizations are trying to help these individuals reintegrate into society and combat the stigma surrounding disabilities through community-led initiatives.
Q: How do you think the Public Health Study Tour will influence your future career or studies?
As someone studying a non-health related degree, the PHST definitely convinced me to change paths towards pursuing a career in health. Further, I see myself returning to Indonesia in the near future to complete another exchange program or even return for employment.
Q:What did you most enjoy about the seminar series?
It was great to have presenters who are subject matter experts in their respective fields and passionate about their work. The seminars were very educative and intriguing, due to the presenters’ interest into the topics, and their willingness to answer a wide range of questions. It was also pleasing to hear about public health issues in Indonesia from the presenters’ perspectives as well, which gave us all a better view and a deeper insight on said issues.
Q: What was your favourite aspect about visiting Indonesia?
My favourite aspect of visiting Indonesia, was visiting key attractions in Jakarta and Yogyakarta, getting to indulge in the local cuisine and having the chance to practice Bahasa with the locals – who were all very friendly.