# Global and Sustainable Health, GOSH project – experiences from the project and intensive week in Singapore > GOSH Project: Insights and Singapore Intensive Week. ## Global and Sustainable Health Context Global and Sustainable Health is a crucial theme in rehabilitation as it addresses health equity, environmental sustainability, and system resilience on a global scale. Rehabilitation plays a key role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 3, which promotes health and well-being for all ages (World Health Organization 2019). Worldwide, more than 2.4 billion people could benefit from rehabilitation services, and this need is increasing due to aging populations and chronic conditions (World Health Organization 2024). Integrating rehabilitation into universal health coverage strengthens health systems, reduces disability, and supports social and economic participation, which are essential for sustainable development (World Health Organization 2023). Furthermore, global health initiatives aim to close gaps in access, as over half of people in low- and middle-income countries do not receive the rehabilitation they need (World Health Organization 2024). ## From FUGA to GOSH The Global and Sustainable Health (GOSH) project builds on the earlier FUGA initiative, continuing its mission to foster international collaboration and innovative approaches in physiotherapy education. FUGA – Future of Remote Therapy (2021–2023) focused on developing remote therapy models and digital learning solutions to support rehabilitation. Through collaboration with Finnish universities (Turku, JAMK, and Savonia UAS) and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), the project explored innovative approaches to online course development and blended learning. This collaboration led to the new Global and Sustainable Health project. ## The Intensive Week in Singapore The intensive week was organized at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) in collaboration with Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Turku University of Applied Sciences, and JAMK University of Applied Sciences. A total of 17 bachelor’s or master’s level students attended the five-credit course, which included the intensive week as a key component. The course was built on Savonia’s Edunia learning platform and consisted of three learning assignments: * Pre-learning tasks before the intensive week * Learning and collaboration during the intensive week * Post-learning assignments after the intensive week ### Program Highlights * **Monday:** Introduction to SIT’s campus, opening of the intensive week, student presentations, and lectures on global health from Singaporean and Finnish perspectives. * **Tuesday:** Small group work on global health themes, a lecture on health promotion, and a campus tour. * **Wednesday:** Visit to Singapore’s Sustainable Gallery to reflect on sustainable development and health promotion, complemented by lectures from Assistant Professor Mark Chan on Singapore’s approach to public health. * **Thursday:** Visit to a nature reserve to discuss biodiversity and human wellbeing, followed by a visit to a senior activity center to engage with older adults. * **Friday:** Final group presentations comparing health systems and sustainability efforts between the two countries. ## Student Feedback and Outcomes Course feedback was collected via a Webropol survey (17 respondents). The median score for online course accessibility, navigation, and interaction was 4. The median score for online course contents was 4. The overall median score for the intensive week in Singapore was 4.5. Students described the experience as educational, rewarding, and culturally enriching. They appreciated the relaxed learning environment and the opportunity to practice English and engage in cross-cultural discussions. Future improvements suggested by students include more time for team-building and additional field visits to healthcare organizations. The project fostered international contacts and resulted in several student-led blog articles, including works by Seppänen & Äijö, Lydman & Äijö, Manninen & Äijö, Klemetti & Äijö, and Rutanen & Äijö. ## Future Outlook The consortium aims to continue cooperation by applying for new funding and exploring additional short-term exchange programs. These initiatives seek to strengthen international relations and promote global health and sustainability through diverse intercultural opportunities. ## Authors * **Marja Äijö**, PhD, principal lecturer of gerontology and rehabilitation, Savonia University of Applied Sciences * **Niina Katajapuu**, PhD principal lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences * **Sanna Sihvonen**, Institute of Rehabilitation, School of Health and Social Studies, Jamk University of Applied Sciences * **Armi Hirvonen**, Senior Advisor, Institute of Health, School of Health and Social Studies, Jamk University of Applied Sciences * **I-Ling Yeh**, Assistant Professor, Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology * **Mauricette Lee**, Assistant Professor, Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology ## References * Klemetti M, Äijö M. 2025. Singapore – A Nation of Healthy People: What Finland Can Learn. * Lee-Moling M, Katajapuu N, Sihvonen S, Äijö M. 2024. Overseas Exchange Programme on Global and Sustainable Health. * Lydman S, Äijö M. 2025. Environmental Friendliness in Physiotherapy Education – Thoughts on a More Sustainable Path. * Manninen S, Äijö M. 2025. Encounters and insights in Singapore. * Rutanen M. Äijö M. 2025. What does sustainability mean in health context? * Seppänen M, Äijö M. 2025. Active Aging through rehabilitation: Lessons from Singapore and Finland. * United Nations n.d. Sustainable Development Goals. * World Health Organization. (2019). Rehabilitation: fact sheet on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): health targets. * World Health Organization, WHO. (2023). Strengthening rehabilitation in health systems (WHA76.6). * World Health Organization, WHO. (2024). Rehabilitation fact sheet. * Äijö M, Laukkanen V. 2023. Developing Future of Remote Therapy in Finland and Singapore. * Äijö M, Sihvonen S & Katajapuu N. 2022. FUGA project – Promoting cooperation in Singapore.