On May 5, 2025, the Faculty of Engineering at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) invited YBhg. Professor Dr. Siti Raudzah binti Ghazali, an expert in Psychological Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, to deliver a special talk entitled Student Mental Health Matters: Practical Strategies for University Lecturers. The session was held at the Main Meeting Room, Level 3, Faculty of Engineering, and was attended by lecturers dedicated to enhancing their role in addressing the growing mental health challenges among university students.
The main objective of this program was to raise lecturers’ awareness of the importance of safeguarding students’ mental well-being and to equip them with practical, realistic, and easy-to-implement intervention strategies within the context of daily teaching. The talk explored a range of critical issues, including the alarming rise in stress, anxiety, and depression among university students, as well as the role of lecturers as front-liners capable of identifying early signs of emotional and psychological distress.
Key aspects emphasized included the need to establish open, empathetic, and respectful communication between lecturers and students in order to foster a safer, friendlier, and more supportive learning environment. The talk also encouraged inclusive and responsive pedagogical practices that consider students’ psychosocial needs, highlighting that a flexible and understanding teaching approach can significantly impact student motivation and mental well-being.
In addition, Professor Dr. Siti Raudzah stressed the importance of social support networks—including family members, peers, and the campus community—in providing emotional and moral support to students facing psychological stress and challenges. She also outlined the need for a holistic and collaborative approach between higher education institutions and external communities to develop a sustainable, effective support system that can have a long-term impact on student mental health.
