SIBU: University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) Psychology and Counselling Unit has successfully launched Counselling Month 2025 with the theme, “Your Mind Matters”, alongside the Sinergi Kaunselor & Sinergi Peer Counsellor – Stand United, Stop Bullying programme, at its campus here recently.
The event drew an encouraging turnout of over 250 participants, including 23 secondary school counsellors, Pembimbing Rakan Sebaya (PRS), prefects, UTS students, staff and members of the public.
The launching ceremony was officiated by UTS Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Mohammad Shahril, who was also the guest of honour.
In his speech, Mohammad Shahril underscored the importance of mental health awareness and highlighted the responsibility of institutions and communities to create safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for young people.
“Mental health is as vital as physical health. By supporting one another, raising awareness, and standing united against bullying, we can nurture a culture of care, respect, and resilience among our students and the community,” he said.
Meanwhile, organising chairman, Kevin Wong Kiung Kion stressed the significance of addressing bullying in both schools and higher learning institutions.
He explained that the Sinergi Kaunselor & Sinergi Peer Counsellor initiative was designed to unite professional counsellors, peer counsellors, and the wider community in a collaborative effort to confront bullying, raise awareness, and encourage bystander intervention.
“Through this collaboration, we aim not only to respond to cases of bullying but also to empower students to act as allies, reduce stigma, and foster a culture of kindness and empathy,” Wong stated.
Two speakers, namely, Boston Ho Teck Howe, who is a legal practitioner and Head of the Criminal Court Practice Committee of the Advocates’ Association of Sarawak, and ASP Caesar Oster Peter from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) delivered their respective anti-bullying awareness talks on “Legal Perspective: Students’ Rights and Responsibilities”, and “Bully and the Role of Bystander: Intervention in Bullying Cases.”
In addition to the anti-bullying campaign, the Counselling Month 2025 will continue throughout October with activities such as Podcast Series – “Mind Talk: Hot Topics, Honest Voices”; We Write but We Do Not Judge Campaign; and Assessment Test Corner – “Know Yourself, Grow Yourself”.
The event concluded with a strong message of unity and commitment to creating a bully-free and mentally healthy environment for all.
