By, Sarah Jamil
GOMBAK, 17 May 2025: Peers and IIUM Counselling and Career Service Centre (CCCS) launched IIUM Mental Health Awareness Month (I-MHAM) 2025 on 16 May at the Senate Hall, Muhammad Abdul-Rauf Building (MAR Building) of IIUM Gombak.
The participants of the event included representatives and leader from various campus organizations.
The highlight of the event was the keynote address and official launch by Rector of IIUM, Honorable Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman Bakar, who offered profound insights on IIUM Mental Health Awareness Month (I-MHAM) 2025.
“Psychological well-being is not equal to total well-being it is only one dimension,” the Rector emphasized. He encouraged a more integrated approach to health, highlighting the Islamic epistemology that views health as encompassing the akal (intellect), ruh (spirit), and qalb (heart). He also challenged the conventional Western understanding of “mental health,” asserting that the term may not fully capture the depth of human well-being from an Islamic perspective.
The Rector commended the Counseling and Career Services Centre (CCSC) and Peers for their efforts in fostering a community’s support and empathy on campus. He also acknowledged the contribution of student leaders and committee in shaping this month-long mental health initiative.
Following the official launch, the summit transitioned into the first-ever IIUM Mental Health Student Leaders’ Summit to address pressing mental health concerns on campus. During this session, student representatives from various society tabled a motion engaging and constructive discussion among participants, with students offering diverse opinions and practical suggestions.
The summit also provided space for students to voice broader concerns, including the need for more mental health professionals on campus, the importance of rest and workload balance, and the improvement of Mahallah living conditions to support emotional well-being.***
