About Us

   

The UCSI Wellbeing Research Centre (WellbeingRC) embodies UCSI University’s steadfast commitment to collaborate with government agencies, industries and communities to enhance the welfare of Malaysians. Universities, fundamentally, are established to serve society by providing viable solutions to its day-to-day challenges. As educational hubs, universities serve as powerhouses for innovation, where new knowledge is generated, tested and disseminated for the benefit of our ‘rakyat’. WellbeingRC emerges as a central entity within UCSI, dedicated to showcasing relevant research, training and advocacy efforts focused on multidimensional psychological wellbeing - a critical component of happiness and overall quality of life.

As such, this centre will actively engage in research endeavours and the dissemination of scholarly findings to society. Its primary outcomes will encompass various psycho-educational interventions designed to empower Malaysians to realise their full potential, take control of their lives and cultivate a sense of purpose. Leveraging expertise across disciplines such as FOSSLA, ICAD, Medicine, Business and others, WellbeingRC will spearhead the development of standardised training and certification programmes for frontline workers. This initiative will culminate in the establishment of Certificate of Diploma programmes in Professional Helping, as well as a Master’s programme under FOSSLA.

At the national level, WellbeingRC will serve as a driving force behind the University Consortium for Community Mental Well-being (UCCMW). This consortium will play a pivotal role in offering community mental health services to Keluarga Malaysia, complementing the efforts of the newly established National Centre of Excellence of Mental Health (NCEMH) under the Ministry of Health (MOH). Through strategic partnerships and collaborative endeavours, WellbeingRC aims to significantly contribute to the holistic well-being and resilience of Malaysian society.

Furthermore, WellbeingRC aligns its objectives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles. By prioritising psychological well-being and community mental health, the centre contributes to Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) and Quality Education (SDG 4). Additionally, its commitment to strengthen partnerships with various stakeholders underscores its dedication to (SDG 17), Partnerships for the Goals. By integrating ESG into its research, training and advocacy efforts, WellbeingRC ensures sustainability, social responsibility and ethical governance in its operations, thereby contributing to broader global sustainability goals. Through these concerted efforts, WellbeingRc will be a significant contributor in advancing both local and global agendas for a healthier, more equitable and sustainable future.

To contribute to the national positive well-being initiative through the promotion of research, training, consultancy and public advocacy.

To become one of the leading Centres of Excellence (COE) in Malaysian universities, focusing on best practices in promoting holistic positive well-being in Malaysia.

To establish itself as a premier research and community engagement centre addressing the issue of mental well-being among Malaysians. Acting as a referral centre, it emphasises diverse multidisciplinary strategies in addressing mental health issues at both national and regional levels.

WellbeingRC is built upon five crucial pillars:

Research and Innovation

Conducting strategic and collaborative research on current issues relevant to happiness, life promotion and positive well-being among Malaysians. It serves as a platform for both seasoned and emerging researchers to brainstorm ideas, develop sound proposals and conduct research pertinent to the holistic wellness of Malaysias, encompassing researchers from social sciences and sciences alike.

Community Engagement

Applying research findings to community settings, particularly targeting marginalised populations. By translating scholarly knowledge from the university into actionable and successfully tested solutions, it addresses mental health needs and concerns, promoting life to the fullest. WellbeingRC organises tailored programmes in collaboration with interested parties, utilising the quadruple-helix approach based on the community’s needs and involving relevant gatekeepers.

Digital Intervention

Normalising digital intervention as a preferred option in professional help-seeking behaviour by advocating for efficient services and easy access for all. WellbeingRC also promotes ethical guidelines and develops standards of best practices in digital intervention for mental health practitioners, particularly frontline workers.

Capacity Building

Organising various continuous professional development (CPD) programmes and certifications from highly acclaimed training provides for the community of practice (CoP), particularly mental health professionals and other supporting frontline workers. This centre collaborates with relevant agencies, industries and communities to enhance capacity.

Linkages

Developing partnerships with ministries, NGOs, and other stakeholders, WellbeingRC acts as the secretariat for the University Consortium for Community Mental Well-being (UCCMW), established in collaboration with the National Centre for Mental Health, Ministry of Health. Additionally, the centre forms alliances with similar agencies in Southeast Asia and globally, furthering regional and international cooperation in mental health initiatives.