EduCity Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd (“EduCity Iskandar”) has launched H.A.P.P.Y (Healthy, Active and Peaceful Practices for You), Malaysia first Mental Health First Aid Kit during the EduCity Educators Conference and Webinar on Mental Wellbeing of Higher Education in conjunction with World Mental Health Day 2020.
The physical event was hosted at EduCity Hub, Iskandar Puteri.
The educators conference and webinar were attended by about 200 online participants who included lecturers, students, and EduCity Iskandar’s strategic partners.
Recognising the red flags of mental wellbeing in higher education, EduCity Iskandar takes the initiative to support the global’s call with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of mental health. Most importantly, to raise awareness among EduCity Iskandar’s educators, students, support staff and the community.
“With the introduction of H.A.P.P.Y – the first mental health first aid kit in Malaysia, we aim to increase the chances for early intervention among EduCity Iskandar students and staff, which can result in a fast recovery. The mental health first aid kit contains flashcards with important information and contact numbers, eye mask, stress ball and earplugs. We have produced the first 100 kits to be distributed to higher learning institutions in EduCity Iskandar, ” said Wan Ahmad Saifuddin Wan Ahmad Radzi, Managing Director of EduCity Iskandar.
“We understand that students are having difficulty accessing mental health care despite experiencing higher rates of depression and anxiety once the pandemic began. They miss college, they miss their peers, and they miss the string of activities that keep happening on campus,” added Wan Ahmad Saifuddin.
The conference and webinar had in-depth discussions on mental health issues in higher learning institutions and covered eight topics.
“Despite these struggles, many institutions are finding ways to provide the resources and tools students need. Experts recommend that higher learning institutions incorporate social and emotional learning in classes or online classes to help students connect with who they are – their emotions, identity, values, and how that fits into the larger world,” Wan Ahmad Saifuddin concluded.
