In a dedicated effort to promote mental health awareness, students and faculty from the School of Psychology (SoP) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) actively participated in the "Pillars Festival 2024" held on the 12th and 13th of October 2024.

The festival, organised in collaboration with "The Pillars," a psychological services provider, brought together individuals from various backgrounds for a two-day celebration focused on mental health and emotional well-being. Held at "A Place Where – APW" in Bangsar, the event aimed to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health by fostering open conversations and encouraging positive mental health practices.

APU psychology students played a significant role in this initiative as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project. Led by Psychology Lab Technician Ms Amirah Husna with support from Psychology Lecturer Ms Dhevaania C. Gendsen, the students designed and managed an interactive wellness booth that captivated festival-goers. 

Student volunteers, including Zarin Tasneem, Soo Hui Yuen, He FeiFan, Amiera Munjily Binti Kamal Sattia, Nur Eika Farhana Binti Hairizal, Sarra Batrisyia Binti Haelmy, Nainah Abdussamad, Man Keng Yoong, and Mariyam Thanaal Rizwee, facilitated activities aimed at promoting mental well-being, with a special focus on mindfulness, stress management, and self-care techniques. The booth was well-received, providing a creative space for visitors to engage in mental health awareness while practising stress-relief exercises.

One of the standout features was the Breathwork Station, where Nainah Abdussamad, Amiera Munjily Kamal Sattia, and Zarin Tasneem guided attendees through breathing techniques such as diaphragmatic, finger, and box breathing. 

Reflecting on the experience, Nainah shared, "At the Breathwork Station, I, along with Amiera and Zarin, learned how to quickly build rapport with participants, which was key to creating a trusting and supportive environment. Guiding attendees through effective breathing techniques was a powerful reminder of how simple practices can significantly reduce stress and improve focus. The event also highlighted the importance of mental well-being awareness, and I'm excited to apply the insights I gained to future initiatives."

Another student volunteer, Mariyam Thanaal Rizwee, shared her perspective on the event: "The mental awareness health booth at The Pillars Fest was a fulfilling experience. We had the opportunity to meet many wonderful and inspirational people who wrote sincere letters to their future selves, which will be mailed to them in a year. It was a beautiful way to promote introspection and mindfulness, creating a genuine sense of connection. The feeling of belonging and a shared purpose made it all the more meaningful." 

The APU students' participation in the festival not only contributed to its success but also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, and SDG 4: Quality Education. Their efforts in promoting mental health awareness and educating the public on well-being practices fostered a sense of community and reinforced the importance of mental health in today’s society.

Ms Vinorra Shaker, Associate Head of the School of Psychology, expressed her gratitude to the event's organiser, saying, "A special thanks to Joanne Ng for trusting APU psychology students to contribute to this important cause. Their involvement in designing and running activities at the festival was a valuable experience, and their commitment to mental health advocacy was a key part of the festival’s success." 

The Pillars Festival 2024 was a remarkable celebration of mental health awareness, made possible by the vision of Joanne Ng, Founder of The Pillars, who dedicated her efforts to creating a platform for open conversations on mental health.