Mental Health Support for Staff

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to demonstrate a strong institutional commitment to providing staff with access to mental health support and to the active promotion of good mental health through structured counselling, capacity-building programmes, and wellness initiatives that promote emotional resilience and a healthy work environment. In 2024, the university expanded its focus on staff well-being by combining preventive education, therapeutic support, and professional engagement.

The Human Resource Division, Registrar’s Department played a leading role in implementing wellness programmes for employees. One of the year’s highlights was Syarahan Kaunselor 15: “Mental Sejahtera, Emosi Bahagia”, an online counselling session conducted by USM’s in-house psychologist. The session focused on stress management, emotional balance, and workplace well-being, offering staff practical techniques to maintain psychological health and improve work-life harmony.

In October 2024, the division organised two major national-level events that reflected USM’s active promotion of good mental health. The Pentas Pidato Kesejahteraan Mental gathered participants from universities and government agencies to creatively express their perspectives on mental wellness, empathy, and workplace culture. The event encouraged open discussion, teamwork, and mutual understanding while reducing stigma surrounding mental health.

The Wacana Antarabangsa: Kaunseling dan Kesejahteraan Psikologi brought together international and local experts who shared professional insights on emotional intelligence, burnout prevention, and reflective self-care. This professional forum provided staff with valuable knowledge and coping strategies to manage workplace challenges effectively, supporting continuous personal and professional growth.

USM also ensures free and confidential access to professional mental health services for all employees through Pusat Sejahtera USM, MENTARI Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM), and the Psychology Unit (Unit Psikologi) of the Registrar’s Department. These centres offer counselling, psychological assessment, and referral services for staff experiencing personal, emotional, or occupational difficulties.

Through these comprehensive initiatives, USM provides a supportive and psychologically safe work environment that values staff well-being as a core component of institutional excellence. By integrating continuous access to mental health support with the active promotion of good mental health, USM reinforces its commitment to SDG 3 and the creation of a sustainable, caring, and resilient university community.