BANGI: The urgent need to prioritise mental health has never been clearer, as it plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of future generations.
This powerful message resonated during the World Mental Health Day celebration on Saturday, organised by Asia Innovative Healthcare Network Bhd in collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
The event championed the importance of breaking the silence around mental health struggles, and encouraging openness and support in addressing these challenges.
During the event, Asia Innovative Healthcare Network president Sylvia Hii Siew Hie said the event was not merely about exchanging ideas but also about shaping the future of mental health
Hii shared how her personal experience of raising a teenage daughter in an environment where open discussions about mental health were encouraged had shaped her views.
"Mental well-being is not merely the absence of mental illness. It encompasses emotional resilience, the ability to cope with stress and the capacity to build meaningful relationships.
"In a world that often feels overwhelming, prioritising mental health is essential for personal and collective growth.
"It is our commitment at Digital A Plus Healthcare Sdn Bhd and Asia Innovative Healthcare Network to pledge to build a stronger and tougher millennial," she said.
Officiating the programme was Higher Education deputy director-general (Academic and Research) Professor Dr Zainal Amin Ayub.
Hii said the community played a crucial role in mental well-being by creating safe spaces where individuals felt valued and heard.
This, in return, would build a foundation for healing and growth.
"Let's leverage technology and social media to extend our reach, ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggles.
"Together, we can create a culture that prioritises mental health."
She added that educational institutions were key in the call for more attention towards mental health issues.
"By integrating mental health education into curricula, we can equip students with the tools they need to navigate life's challenges.
"When we empower young minds, we prepare them to be the compassionate leaders of tomorrow," she said.
Meanwhile, Zainal lauded the programme, saying that it fostered understanding, and ignited support for people with mental health issues.
"In this fast-paced era, the pressures and challenges faced by individuals are increasing, and as such, awareness of the importance of mental health must be heightened within society.
"Mental health is not something to be taken lightly.
"We must always be alert to the early signs of mental health problems, whether in ourselves or those around us."