Recently, the School of Foundation (SoF) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) organised a health and well-being programme aimed at promoting healthier lifestyle choices and increasing awareness on important health issues.

Led by Ms Jaspreet Kaur (Lecturer, SoF at APU) and Mr Muhammad Ma’wa Abdul Aziz (Lecturer, SoF at APU), the programme; “Health Hub: Screenings and Talks,” served as a collaborative platform bringing together students, staff, and health professionals to engage in meaningful discussions and activities focused on overall well-being. 

Health screenings supporting early awareness and prevention

The programme featured a range of health screenings designed to promote early awareness, prevention, and overall well-being through collaborations with healthcare and community well-being partners.

Representatives from Malaysia’s Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) carried out general health and sexual health screenings, offering consultations, practical guidance, and tailored recommendations to encourage healthier lifestyle practices and promote early awareness of potential health concerns.

In parallel, Ruang (community mental health initiative in Malaysia founded by trainee clinical psychologists, dedicated to providing accessible well-being support and reducing mental health stigma by creating safe spaces for open and meaningful conversations), provided free mental health screening services for participants throughout the programme.

This initiative enabled participants to access accessible and confidential support, while also engaging in safe-space conversations that encouraged them to openly discuss concerns and seek appropriate guidance in a supportive environment.

Raising Health awareness through Educational talks

Educational awareness sessions were conducted to provide participants with a deeper understanding of important health issues affecting individuals and communities while promoting greater awareness of preventive care and overall well-being.

Dr Sharifah Fazlinda and Dr Jasmine Avalani, representatives from MOH, delivered engaging talks on smoking cessation awareness and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention awareness, highlighting important information on health risks, preventive measures, and responsible lifestyle choices, while encouraging participants to make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being. 

Strengthening Mental Well-being through Interactive Activities

Mental health awareness and psychoeducation formed another key component of the programme through a collaborative initiative involving the School of Psychology and the Counselling Unit.

Throughout the programme, APU Psychology student volunteers facilitated interactive stations such as the “Dopamine Menu” and “Cognitive Reframing,” to which these activities enabled participants to gain a better understanding of the brain’s reward system, while introducing healthier emotional regulation approaches and coping strategies.

The activities also encouraged meaningful conversations surrounding mental health, creating opportunities for participants to explore practical ways of managing emotions and maintaining psychological well-being.

Promoting a Holistic Approach to Community Well-being

Overall, participants responded positively to the programme, describing it as informative, engaging, and beneficial to their overall well-being.

Many appreciated the opportunity to access free physical and mental health screenings on campus, while others found the awareness talks and psychoeducation activities valuable in enhancing their understanding of important health issues and encouraging healthier lifestyle practices.

This initiative successfully fostered greater awareness of holistic well-being and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in supporting the health and wellness of the APU community.