As mental health continues to be a critical priority in higher education, Monash University Malaysia is leading the Triple Alliance’s flagship mental health initiative, Thrive Together 2026, bringing together Monash University Malaysia, Sunway University, and Taylor’s University to strengthen mental health awareness, support and inclusion across higher education.
Held at Monash University Malaysia, the two-day initiative brings together more than 1,700 staff and students, mental health professionals, educators and community partners through expert discussions, practical workshops and interactive activities focused on building supportive and inclusive campus communities.
Keynote speaker Professor Dato’ Dr Andrew Mohanraj Chandrasekaran, President of the Malaysian Mental Health Association, addressed the topic on “Mental Health Amongst Youths in Malaysia”.
“Our internal survey found that 16% of respondents reported experiencing cyberbullying, underscoring the importance of building supportive environments where young people feel connected, heard and able to seek help”.
“Social connection is fundamental to mental wellbeing, while resilience is not about simply enduring difficulties or trying to cope on our own. It is about recognising and accepting when we are struggling, having the confidence to set boundaries and say no to what is affecting us and understanding that it is okay to ask for help”.
“Most importantly, we need to encourage young people to seek and accept support early, before challenges escalate into more serious concerns. By equipping young people with these skills and fostering stronger support networks, we can help them recover from adversity, move forward and thrive”.
The initiative is one of the first major programs to take shape following the formal launch of the Triple Alliance earlier this month, putting its commitment to collaboration and student wellbeing into practice. Thrive Together goes beyond raising awareness by bringing together mental health professionals, educators and students to share knowledge and practical approaches for recognising and responding to mental health needs.
The staff mental health symposium features sessions on supporting neurodivergent students, building trauma-sensitive environments, and developing effective listening and helping skills. A dedicated forum also brings together representatives from the three universities to discuss ways to strengthen student mental health support.
For students, interactive outreach activities focus on emotional awareness, mindfulness, self-care and help-seeking, alongside mental health screening and suicide prevention awareness initiatives delivered with community partners. Skills-based workshops cover areas including art therapy, building emotional awareness and resilience, and supporting friends in distress.
Professor Dato’ Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Malaysia, emphasised the responsibility universities hold in supporting student wellbeing:
“At Monash University Malaysia, placing student experience and well-being at the heart of our mission is central to what we stand for. Just weeks after launching the Triple Alliance, Thrive Together demonstrates that commitment in action. Mental well-being directly drives how students learn, thrive, and build community. By uniting the strengths of our three universities alongside external experts, we are actively fostering an environment where support is accessible, stigma is removed, and every student knows they are never facing challenges alone”.
She also highlighted the thinking behind the symposium’s title, noting that institutional responses to mental health have traditionally focused heavily on crisis intervention. While rapid crisis care remains essential, she said, true wellbeing requires a broader approach that includes proactive support systems, inclusive spaces free of stigma, and evidence-based strategies that enable individuals to thrive.
Other speakers include Jovial Teo, Counselling Psychologist and Neurodivergent and Special Needs Specialist at Joyful Soul Psychology Centre, Singapore; Dr Nicole Chen, Clinical Director of HEAL Systemic Therapy Centre; and Nadzreen Hakimi Bin Mohd Yazid of the Malaysian Mental Health Association.
The initiative also brings together counselling and student-support representatives from Monash University Malaysia, Sunway University and Taylor’s University for a dedicated forum on strengthening mental health support across their respective campus communities.
Through these discussions and activities, Thrive Together is equipping university communities with practical knowledge and skills to support students, encourage early help-seeking and foster more inclusive environments. The collaboration with external mental health partners further strengthens the initiative’s focus on practical support and shared responsibility for student wellbeing.
Thrive Together 2026 reflects the Triple Alliance’s commitment to turning collaboration into meaningful action, beginning with initiatives that support the wellbeing, inclusion and success of students across its three university communities.
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