by KT Leong
The 520 Youth Mental Health Day 2026, which was held on 23 May, successfully drew 130 participants to the National Department For Culture And Arts (JKKN) Perak Auditorium, aiming to alter how families approach emotional wellbeing. Organised by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ipoh and supported by Simpang Pulai State Assemblywoman YB Wong Chai Yi, the event gathered youth, parents, and children from the Ipoh Salvation Army Home, An Ning Children’s Home, and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Berjasa Kinta.
JCI Ipoh President Oscar Low Jun Xiang noted that the younger generation faces academic, social media, family, and peer pressures, making communication bridges essential. Organising Chairman Dr. Thong Ming Hang of Goodwill Dental Ipoh shared a personal account of losing three out of four individuals he knew to suicide, emphasising that ignored emotions persist and that healing begins by allowing oneself to feel sadness.
Guest of Honour YB Wong Chai Yi encouraged youths to acknowledge negative emotions, stating, “It’s okay to not be okay.” Wong, who has championed youth education and mental health initiatives since 2022, expressed hope for greater school participation in future programmes to expand mental health education across Perak.
The event addressed adolescent development with Dr. Sandy Lee, a sexual and reproductive health medicine specialist trained in Sydney. Lee normalised curiosity about body changes and sexuality, providing guidance on locating reliable information.
Addressing substance abuse, YEG Co-Founder Trisen Tan shared his journey of overcoming childhood financial and emotional adversity through education. He delivered a strict anti-drug message, citing a friend currently imprisoned after a single drug experience.
Interactive sessions included a Coffee Grounds Art Therapy Workshop led by 2024 JCI Ipoh Past President Jasmine Liew Xue Wen, who utilised recycled coffee grounds and wastewater to facilitate emotional expression and stress reduction. Participants also viewed Pixar’s Inside Out, followed by a psychological discussion on how sadness facilitates deep interpersonal connections.
The event received school support from SJKC Bandar Seri Botani Principal Ching Guek Khim, alongside corporate backing from Platinum Sponsors YEG, Kawan Renergy Berhad, IDEX Hair Professional, RT Petroleum Sdn. Bhd., Public Packaging Group Sdn. Bhd., AMalaysia Will & Trust, and Leader Safety Glass International Sdn. Bhd. Gold Sponsors included YB Wong Chai Yi, JCI Senator Chou Joe Tuck, and JCI Senator Tai Siew Jin, with additional support from Goodwill Dental Ipoh, Sunrider Holdings Sdn. Bhd., Artisan Orchard & Marketing, RPS Corner, and Mohd Chan Restaurant.
