Connectopia 2024: Enhancing Mental Health Awareness at UOW Malaysia

Connectopia 2024, held from October 1 to 5 at the Glenmarie Campus of the University of Wollongong Malaysia (UOW Malaysia), focused on increasing mental health awareness among students, staff, and community members. The event attracted approximately 300 participants and was organized by the Student and Alumni Centre in collaboration with several departments, including the Human Resource Department, the School of Nursing and Allied Health, the School of Social Sciences, and the Teaching and Learning Centre.

Mental Health Hub

A central feature of the event was the Mental Health Hub, where participants accessed essential resources and information from various organizations such as the Centre for Children & Families Enhancement, the Malaysian Mental Health Association, and Therafriends. This hub provided guidance on mental health issues, support systems, and therapeutic services.

Panel Discussion

The event included a panel discussion titled “Speak Up, Speak Out: Empowering Conversations Around Mental Health,” which featured insights from professionals like Ms. Cheong Sue Jen of the Malaysian Mental Health Association and Ms. Syahida Binti Johan from UOW Malaysia. The discussion included a Q&A session that allowed attendees to share their views on mental health stigma and the importance of community support.

Connectopia Mystery Room

An innovative feature of Connectopia 2024 was the Connectopia Mystery Room, intended to promote self-reflection and emotional mindfulness. Participants navigated five themed rooms—Career, Values, Illness, Death, and Interpersonal Relationships—designed to provoke thought and encourage gratitude and self-awareness.

Additional Activities

Additional activities included:

• Sculpting Emotions with Art: A workshop where participants expressed their emotions creatively under the guidance of counselors Ms. Cindy Wong Hui Yean and Ms. Sammie Lim Sin Ming.
• Finding Your Zen: A meditation session that focused on mindfulness techniques aimed at reducing stress.
• Zumba: Dance Your Way to Wellness: A lively session promoting physical well-being through dance.
• Mind Diet Nutrition Talk: A discussion addressing the relationship between nutrition and mental health.

Staff Initiatives

The event also catered to staff with initiatives such as the “Positive Wellbeing at Workplace” workshop, led by corporate trainer Ms. Fatin Syazanna Rahmat, which provided strategies for managing workplace stress and enhancing communication. An activity titled “Connectopia Journey: Uniting Through Play” was implemented to foster team-building among colleagues and strengthen workplace unity.

Conclusion

In summary, Connectopia 2024 served to increase awareness of mental health issues and encourage the development of a supportive community, reflecting UOW Malaysia’s commitment to promoting mental well-being among students and staff.

(Source: UOW Malaysia)