JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 14 – The Faculty of Science at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), in collaboration with the Psychiatry Department of Hospital Sultan Ismail (HSI) Johor Bahru and the Office of Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) UTM, organized MindVenture: The Amazing Race 2025 as part of the Faculty of Science Fiesta OSHE 2025. This event was held in conjunction with World Mental Health Day and National Counseling Month, emphasizing the vital importance of accessible mental health services in times of crisis.
This year’s theme, “Access to Services: Mental Health in Crisis and Disaster,” highlights the crucial need for support systems that are available to everyone, especially during emergencies, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises. The race attracted about 90 participants, including staff and students from UTM as well as staff from HSI. Their active engagement demonstrated a shared commitment to raising awareness, fostering empathy, and building a supportive community.
The race itself combined physical activity with mental challenges, encouraging teamwork and critical thinking. Participants faced puzzles, tasks, and obstacle stations that simulated real-life scenarios encountered during crises, effectively breaking down stigmas around mental health topics. The lively, fun-filled atmosphere helped normalize conversations about mental health, making the issues more approachable and understood.
Beyond the physical and mental challenges of the race, an additional checkpoint was included to expand the community’s ability to respond effectively during crises. A psychological first aider training session aimed to equip participants with basic skills on how to react and provide initial support to individuals suffering from trauma and mental distress. This activity emphasized the importance of understanding how to handle sensitive situations with empathy and confidence, empowering community members to act appropriately when faced with someone in distress.
Through this interactive experience, attendees learned not only about the importance of mental health support but also about how to respond compassionately to those affected by trauma. The event also served as a reminder that access to mental health services is a fundamental right and that collective efforts can strengthen resilience and compassion across society. As part of the Faculty of Science Fiesta OSHE 2025, MindVenture successfully demonstrated the power of community participation in promoting mental well-being. It fostered a culture of care and understanding, inspiring many to continue advocating for mental health in their daily lives.
In a world filled with uncertainties, initiatives like this remind us of the importance of accessible mental health support and that everyone has a role to play in nurturing collective resilience and compassion during challenging times.
Source: UTM NewsHub