USM PENANG, 18 January 2026 – Students from the Master in Counselling programme at the School of Educational Studies (PPIP), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), successfully organised a programme titled “Looking into Crisis from Different Lenses: A Multi-Agency Sharing Session on Crisis Management and Intervention” on 10 January 2026 at the USM main campus.

The programme offered an interactive platform for students to explore crisis management, trauma, and grief intervention through counselling, non-governmental organisations, and research perspectives.

The programme aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of different types of crises and to highlight the roles and responsibilities of various agencies in managing them.

By combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, it promoted interdisciplinary collaboration and equipped students with practical skills to respond effectively and ethically to real-world crises.

A key component of the programme was the multi-agency sharing session, held in collaboration with Dr. Siti Nordarma Ab Rahman from the Department of Integrity and Compliance, Penang Contingent Police Headquarters; Ng Soo Peng from Befrienders; and Fauziah Abdullah from the Counselling Unit, Student Development Affairs & Alumni Division (BHEPA), USM.

During this session, speakers shared their experiences and insights into crisis management, bridging theory with practice; and enhancing students’ understanding of the different roles and approaches in responding to crises.

 

During the workshop, Siti Nordarma introduced mental health and her Module MAM-P, a structured crisis intervention module designed to address mental health crises in Malaysia.

She highlighted the growing mental health challenges in the country and explained how unmanaged crises can lead to long-term psychological impacts.

Soo Peng shared insights into Befrienders’ role in supporting individuals in crisis, emphasising emotional validation, active listening, and non-judgmental support.

Fauziah discussed her experiences in managing student-related crises, highlighting common challenges faced by university students and effective strategies for early intervention and support within the campus environment.

Throughout the programme, participants gained practical knowledge and skills in crisis management and mental health intervention.

The discussions provided a deeper understanding of multi-agency collaboration, preparing students to act as empathetic and competent agents of psychosocial support in schools and communities.

By connecting academic theory with professional practice, the sharing session helped students build the confidence and competence needed to manage crises and support mental well-being.

Overall, the organisation of “Looking into Crisis from Different Lenses: A Multi-Agency Sharing Session on Crisis Management and Intervention” reflects USM’s commitment to equipping future counsellors with the knowledge, skills, and ethical awareness necessary to support individuals and communities facing crises.

The programme also demonstrated the importance of collaboration between academic institutions, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations (NGO) in promoting mental well-being and resilience in society.

Text: Assoc Prof. Dr. Nor Shafrin Ahmad & Master in Counselling Students (Crisis specialisation), School of Educational Studies, USM