PENANG, 30 December 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) strengthened its commitment to student mental well-being through a series of training programmes conducted in collaboration with D’Home Mental Health Association and Befrienders Penang at SMK Chung Ling and SMK Convent Green Lane from 23 November to 19 December 2025.

The initiative, implemented under the RESILIENCE@USM Toolkits University–Community Engagement Project, was led by Associate Professor Dr. Melissa Ng Lee Yen Abdullah from the School of Educational Studies with the support of 20 undergraduate and postgraduate facilitators.

The project focused on equipping Peer Leaders (Pembimbing Rakan Sebaya, PRS) with structured, game-based mental wellness activities that enhance peer support competencies, self-care practices and resilience in managing stress and burnout.

A total of 175 Peer Leaders participated in the programme, comprising 100 PRS from SMK Chung Ling and 75 PRS, including Tokoh Sahsiah Murid, from SMK Convent Green Lane.

Using a Train-the-Trainer (ToT) model, the RESILIENCE@USM Toolkit was designed to strengthen PRS’ knowledge, skills, attitudes and aspirations through interactive, developmentally appropriate activities such as games, peer-sharing, scenario-based discussions, reflective exercises and emotional check-ins.

 

The initiative is aligned with Malaysia’s National Strategic Plan for Mental Health 2020–2025 while contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), through collaboration with the Penang State Education Department, non-governmental organisations and schools.

By adopting a multi-stakeholder approach that embeds mental health promotion within the school ecosystem, USM aims to ensure sustained impact, with follow-up programmes involving participating schools planned for 2026.

Text & Photos: Associate Professor Dr. Melissa Ng Lee Yen Abdullah, School of Educational Studies/Editing: Shafinaz Md Ismail