KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — The “Lift But Not Leave” Mental Health Well-Being Advocacy Expo 2026 on Sunday (June 7) brought together youths, mental health advocates, organisations, and community leaders in a collective effort to strengthen conversations and support systems surrounding mental well-being.

Organised by JCI Lead Tropicana at Universiti Malaya, the initiative focused on empowering youths to become active contributors in creating healthier and more supportive communities.

Founder and Organising Chairperson, Chua Qin Peng, said the initiative was created based on the belief that mental health conversations must move beyond awareness campaigns and translate into meaningful action and community support.

“Mental health should not only become a conversation after something has gone wrong. We need to create a culture where people feel safe to speak, seek help, and support one another,” he said during the opening ceremony.

The programme featured keynote sessions, youth panel discussions, advocacy booths, networking activities, and community engagement sessions focusing on mental health awareness, stigma reduction, peer support, and youth empowerment.

The event also highlighted the importance of early intervention and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) exposure among youths through collaboration with Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA), where selected participants will receive subsidies to undergo certification training.

According to global mental health statistics, over 700,000 people die by suicide every year worldwide, while suicide remains among the leading causes of death for individuals aged 15 to 29.

In Malaysia, mental health concerns among youths and young adults continue to show worrying trends, further emphasising the need for stronger community-based support systems.

Chua added that youths should not only be viewed as recipients of support programmes, but also as individuals capable of becoming the first line of emotional support within their communities.

“They may one day become the first person a friend, classmate, colleague, or family member reaches out to during difficult moments,” he said.

The initiative was supported by strategic partners and youth organisations including Majlis Belia Malaysia, Suara Siswa, and UMSU Faculty of Medicine, alongside various community collaborators and volunteers.

Among the distinguished guests present was Dr. Nurashikin Ibrahim, Director of the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health (NCEMH), together with youth leaders, mental health practitioners, and community representatives.

The organisers hope the initiative will continue to encourage more open conversations, stronger support ecosystems, and sustainable collaborations in advancing youth mental well-being in Malaysia.

For media enquiries, partnerships, or collaboration opportunities:

JCI Lead Tropicana
“Lift But Not Leave” Mental Health Well-Being Advocacy Project 2026
Email: qinpeng.jcim@gmail.com
Instagram: @cqp_7dm2