UOC Mental Health Week 2026 Promotes Student Wellbeing and a Kinder Campus

Student wellbeing plays an important role in the university experience, influencing how students manage academic demands, build relationships and engage with campus life. At the University of Cyberjaya (UOC), these priorities were highlighted during Mental Health Week 2026, held from 5 to 9 October under the theme Stronger Minds, Kinder Campus.

Organised by UOC’s Student Experience and Support Department (SESD), the initiative brought students and staff together through mental health awareness activities, creative wellness experiences and opportunities for peer connection. The programme highlighted the importance of creating a supportive campus environment where wellbeing, kindness and mutual respect are part of everyday university life.

Promoting Mental Health Awareness at UOC

Mental Health Week began with an official launch ceremony featuring opening remarks by Prof. Dr. David Whitford, Vice-Chancellor of UOC. He highlighted the importance of mental wellbeing, balancing achievement with personal wellness and fostering a campus culture built on compassion and support.

The programme continued with a keynote address by Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. R. Palan, Pro-Chancellor of UOC, who reflected on empathy, kindness and looking out for others. Drawing on themes from his book Digital Detox, he encouraged students to nurture meaningful human connections in an increasingly digital world and presented copies of the book to students.

The launch reinforced the importance of recognising wellbeing as part of the student experience and encouraged the UOC community to contribute to a campus culture where people feel supported and connected.

Creative Wellness Activities Encourage Student Engagement

Throughout the week, students had opportunities to participate in activities designed to encourage creativity, self-reflection and mental health awareness.

As part of the programme, the workshop Decode Your Anxiety: Building Resilience for Success was conducted in Room 408, with sessions held from 9.00 am to 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm. The workshop focused on anxiety awareness and building resilience, encouraging students to better understand anxiety and explore ways to manage challenges as part of their personal and academic journeys.

The Creative Centre also featured activities such as Colour My…, Dear Me, With Love and Affirmation Tree – Let Kindness Grow, alongside a Mental Health Information Station. These activities encouraged students to express themselves creatively, reflect on positive messages and consider simple ways to support their wellbeing.

Mental health awareness and creative wellness booths further contributed to campus engagement, with participation from BrightPsych Psychological Services, Queen L Craft, the Psychology Club and Enah Art & Craft.

By offering a combination of learning opportunities and creative activities, SESD encouraged students to engage with mental health awareness in different ways, connect with their peers and explore wellbeing beyond their academic commitments. These experiences complemented the wider message of Mental Health Week by highlighting the importance of self-awareness, resilience and a supportive campus community.

Supporting a Positive Student Experience Beyond the Classroom

University life involves more than academic achievement. A positive student experience also includes opportunities to build friendships, participate in campus activities and develop a sense of belonging.

Through Mental Health Week 2026, SESD brought these aspects of student life into focus and encouraged students and staff to put the theme Stronger Minds, Kinder Campus into practice. Everyday actions, such as checking in on a friend, showing compassion, being kind to oneself and making time to rest, can help foster more supportive relationships.

The initiative also highlighted the role of student engagement and peer connection in creating a welcoming campus environment. By encouraging open conversations about mental health and making space for creative participation, UOC continued to promote awareness of wellbeing as a shared responsibility across the University community.

The message extends beyond the week itself: a kinder campus is built through everyday choices to listen, connect and support one another.