By UOW Malaysia 

Connectopia 2024, held from 1 to 5 October at UOW Malaysia’s Glenmarie Campus, was a groundbreaking event aimed at raising mental health awareness, attracting approximately 300 attendees comprising of students, staff and community members throughout the 5-day event. Initiated by the Student and Alumni Centre in collaboration with the Human Resource Department, School of Nursing and Allied Health, School of Social Sciences (Early Childhood Education), and the Teaching and Learning Centre, this initiative created a vibrant and inclusive space for vital discussions around mental health challenges and community connections.

A key feature of the event was the Mental Health Hub. This dedicated area provided students and staff access to essential resources and information from prominent organisations, including the Centre for Children & Families Enhancement (CFE), the Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA), and Therafriends. Attendees received invaluable guidance on mental health issues, support systems, and therapeutic services.

The event commenced with a powerful panel discussion titled “Speak Up, Speak Out: Empowering Conversations Around Mental Health.” Esteemed professionals, such as Ms Cheong Sue Jen from MMHA and Ms Syahida Binti Johan from UOW Malaysia, shared insights on reducing stigma and enhancing community support. UOW Malaysia’s Student Council President, Ms Aqmar Nisa Binti Raffly, emphasised the importance of open conversations, leading to an engaging Q&A session that highlighted student perspectives.

One of the most unique offerings was the Connectopia Mystery Room activity, designed to promote self-reflection and emotional mindfulness. Participants navigated through five themed rooms—Career, Values, Illness, Death, and Interpersonal Relationships—each presenting thought-provoking questions to foster gratitude and self-awareness.

Other exciting activities included:

• Sculpting Emotions with Art: A workshop where participants expressed their feelings creatively under the guidance of counsellors Ms Cindy Wong Hui Yean and Ms Sammie Lim Sin Ming.
• Finding Your Zen: A meditation session offering mindfulness techniques to help relieve stress.
• Zumba: Dance Your Way to Wellness: An energetic session promoting physical and mental well-being through dance.
• Mind Diet Nutrition Talk: An exploration of the link between nutrition and mental health.

In addition to student-focused events, Connectopia 2024 featured staff-centred initiatives. The Positive Wellbeing at Workplace workshop, facilitated by corporate trainer Ms Fatin Syazanna Rahmat, equipped staff with tools to manage workplace stress and enhance communication. Following this, The Connectopia Journey: Uniting Through Play encouraged staff to engage in team-building activities, fostering unity and connection among colleagues.

Connectopia 2024 not only raised awareness about mental health but also empowered participants to build a supportive community. This transformative event showcased UOW Malaysia’s commitment to nurturing mental well-being for students and staff alike.