Innovative digital empowerment: a cross-border health promotion on dementia awareness led by medical undergraduates

This project showcases an innovative, student-led approach to community empowerment through digital health promotion, bridging Malaysia and Indonesia in a shared mission to raise dementia awareness. Organised by the medical undergraduates from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, in collaboration with Yayasan Rumpun Nurani, Indonesia, the initiative leveraged digital platforms to reach 150 elderly individuals and caregivers via an interactive Zoom-based webinar. The program featured expert talks, personal caregiver stories, a student-created e-book, and a live chairobic demonstration delivering accessible, culturally relevant health education. Post-event data revealed a significant increase in dementia knowledge (mean score from 33.63 to 45.08), underscoring the impact of digital tools in enhancing community health literacy. Uniquely, this initiative moved beyond traditional bedside learning, empowering students to become proactive health educators while developing leadership, communication, and digital competencies. By combining innovation, cross-cultural collaboration, and technology, the project exemplifies a scalable model for empowering underserved communities and redefining undergraduate medical education through real-world public health engagement.