The Student Counselling Services (SCS) extends its deepest gratitude to every student, staff member, and guest who made the recent “Beyond the Canvas: Art for Mental Wellness” Art Exhibition and Prize Giving Ceremony an unforgettable success. The event, held at IMU Technology Park Campus, was a powerful and moving testament to our collective commitment to normalising conversations about mental health.

The prize-giving ceremony was held in conjunction with the Mental Health Week Opening Ceremony by the Peer Support Club (PSC), marking a powerful and collaborative start to a week dedicated to well-being.

The spirit of the event was perfectly captured by the individuals at its heart. Reflecting on the core mission, Eng Qian Jun, Lead and Main Organiser from Student Counselling Services, shared: “My vision is to normalise conversations about mental health and suicide within our community. We must move past the stigma and recognise that seeking help is a profound act of strength. Together, let’s build a supportive community where every student and staff member feels they belong.”

This vision was brought to life through art, as explained by Nyanarosheny, President of the IMU Arté and Cráft Club: “Art has the power to speak when words fall short. Through our Mental Health–themed art competition, we hoped to create a platform where creativity becomes a voice for healing, reflection, and connection.”

Our distinguished guest exhibitor, Dr Fitri Fareez Ramli, added a profound personal and professional perspective: “I believe that there is always a form of art available for anyone to express themselves. Art can be a powerful medium for healing, particularly in coping with traumatic experiences and challenging moments in life. Personally, I turn to painting and writing as creative outlets to process complex emotions and to share meaningful messages with others.”

Dr Fitri is a Medical Lecturer at UKM, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychiatry from the University of Oxford and a Master’s in Pharmacology (UKM). During his three years in the UK, he successfully organised eight exhibitions in collaboration with prestigious institutions, including the University of Oxford, the Malaysian Embassy in the UK, and TalentCorp.

The event celebrated creativity and emotional expression within our community, drawing 48 expressions of interest and culminating in 18 impactful art submissions. Each piece offered a unique perspective, powerfully highlighting the connection between art and mental health awareness, and reaffirming the role of creativity in fostering emotional well-being.

Attendees enjoyed an inspiring afternoon viewing these artworks, including the competition winners. The event was further brought to life by the invaluable partnership of the Arte and Craft Club, whose interactive booths provided a wonderful, hands-on experience for all guests.

The success of “Beyond the Canvas” highlights IMU’s shared commitment to fostering a compassionate and supportive community. The exhibition not only celebrated creativity but also sparked meaningful conversations about mental health, reminding us that art can be a powerful tool for healing, connection, and inspiration.

As the event concluded, the atmosphere was filled with gratitude and unity, reflecting IMU’s collective dedication to empathy and well-being. The Student Counselling Services (SCS) extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and supported the initiative, reaffirming their ongoing mission to nurture resilience and emotional wellness within the IMU family.

If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the Student Counselling Services — we are here to listen, care, and walk with you on your wellness journey.

Written by Eng Qian Jun, Student Counselling Services
Edited by Dr Thulasimani Munohsamy, SOPSS

Links:

https://malaysiagazette.com/2025/10/24/karya-seni-mampu-terjemahkan-emosi-kompleks/
https://www.ukm.my/beritaukm/karya-seni-mampu-terjemahkan-emosi-kompleks/