MORE than 1,700 students, university staff and community partners are taking part in a two-day mental health initiative led by Monash University Malaysia to strengthen awareness, support and inclusion across higher education.
The Thrive Together 2026 programme brings together Monash University Malaysia, Sunway University and Taylor’s University under the Triple Alliance, combining expert discussions, practical workshops and interactive activities to promote mental well-being on campus.
Held at Monash University Malaysia, the initiative focuses on early help-seeking, suicide prevention awareness, emotional resilience and creating more supportive environments for students.
Malaysian Mental Health Association president Prof Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj Chandrasekaran, who delivered a keynote address on youth mental health in Malaysia, said an internal survey found that 16% of respondents reported experiencing cyberbullying.
He said social connections and supportive environments were important in helping young people manage challenges and seek assistance before their difficulties escalated.
“Resilience is not about simply enduring difficulties or trying to cope on our own. It is about recognising and accepting when we are struggling, having the confidence to set boundaries and say no to what is affecting us and understanding that it is okay to ask for help,” he said.
He added that young people should be encouraged to seek and accept support early, while stronger support networks could help them recover from adversity.
The initiative is among the first major programmes following the formal launch of the Triple Alliance earlier this month, translating the three universities’ collaboration into activities focused on student welfare.
For university staff, the mental health symposium includes sessions on supporting neurodivergent students, creating trauma-sensitive environments and developing effective listening and helping skills.
Representatives from the three universities are also participating in a dedicated forum to discuss ways to strengthen mental health support across their respective campuses.
Student activities include mental health screening, mindfulness, self-care and emotional awareness programmes, alongside suicide prevention awareness initiatives conducted with community partners.
Skills-based workshops cover art therapy, emotional resilience and ways to support friends experiencing distress.
Monash University Malaysia president and pro vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman said universities had a responsibility to make mental health support accessible and reduce stigma surrounding help-seeking.
“Just weeks after launching the Triple Alliance, Thrive Together demonstrates that commitment in action. Mental well-being directly drives how students learn, thrive, and build community,” she said.
She said universities needed to look beyond crisis intervention by developing proactive support systems, inclusive spaces and evidence-based approaches to mental well-being.
Other speakers include counselling psychologist and neurodivergent and special needs specialist Jovial Teo of Singapore’s Joyful Soul Psychology Centre, HEAL Systemic Therapy Centre clinical director Dr Nicole Chen, and Malaysian Mental Health Association representative Nadzreen Hakimi Mohd Yazid.
Through the collaboration, the three universities aim to equip their communities with practical skills to recognise mental health needs, encourage early intervention and provide more inclusive support for students.