KUCHING: Workplace mental health, psychological empowerment, and employee well-being will take centre stage at the International Conference on Psychological Empowerment 2026 (ICOPE2026), to be hosted by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) this October.
The biennial conference will be held at the Hilton Kuching on October 7 and 8, bringing together regional experts, academics, counsellors, industry practitioners, and students to discuss strategies for improving psychological well-being in the workplace.
Guided by the theme ‘Navigating SDG 3: Empowering Through Well-Being Practices’, the conference is aligned with National Counselling Month to strengthen efforts in promoting holistic mental wellness among Malaysia’s workforce.
Organisers said the conference aims to support the national mental health agenda by equipping counselling and psychology professionals with practical knowledge and evidence-based approaches to foster healthier and more resilient workplaces.
Returning as a fully physical event, ICOPE2026 will feature expert sessions on workplace mental health involving speakers from Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia, who will discuss regional challenges, best practices and organisational strategies for promoting psychological well-being.
The programme will also include an interactive session with Malaysian celebrity, Sherry Al-Hadad, who will share her personal experiences and perspectives on maintaining mental well-being and work-life balance.
Participants can also attend practical empowerment sessions covering areas such as education and art therapy, focusing on creative approaches to enhancing personal and workplace well-being.
An innovation poster competition will showcase research and knowledge sharing in organisational empowerment, mental health, counselling psychology, clinical psychology and educational psychology.
According to the organisers, the conference seeks to promote balanced development across physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual dimensions while encouraging innovation and practical solutions that can be applied in workplaces.
Registration is open until September 8. Fees are RM650 for local participants, RM300 for students and RM1,500 for international delegates.
Poster competition submissions must also be made by September 8, with a participation fee of RM150.
UNIMAS is inviting professionals, academics, media practitioners and students to participate in the conference.
Further information and registration details are available on the conference website.
