Silence No More: UiTM Sabah Students Spotlight Mental Health in Professional Spaces

KOTA KINABALU, 3 January 2025 – Fifth-semester students from the Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Tourism Management program at MARA Technological University (UiTM) Sabah Branch, Kota Kinabalu Campus, successfully organized an engaging webinar titled Silence No More: Promoting Mental Health in Professional Spaces. This initiative, part of the Professional Development course (HTT644), was guided by Puan Adrianna Aziz, a senior lecturer and project advisor from the Faculty of Hotel and Tourism Management. Under her mentorship, 33 dedicated students worked collaboratively to bring the event to life, showcasing outstanding teamwork, commitment, and leadership. Their collective efforts transformed a conceptual idea into a highly impactful event. Broadcasted on both Zoom and Facebook Live, the webinar drew significant participation and interest from students, guest lecturers, and industry professionals. The widespread engagement highlighted not only the event’s success but also the students’ ability to excel in planning, organizing, and executing a large-scale professional event.

The tourism and hospitality industry are both dynamic and demanding, requiring professionals to thrive in diverse and often high-pressure environments. This webinar highlights the critical importance of prioritizing mental health within these professional settings, acknowledging that employee well-being is key to sustaining high performance, creativity, and resilience in this ever-changing field. By exploring mental health challenges unique to the hospitality and tourism sectors, this webinar aims to equip aspiring professionals with practical tools and strategies to maintain mental wellness in the workplace.

The guest speaker for this webinar is Prof. Dr. Mohammad Aziz Shah bin Mohammed Arip from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Tanjung Malim, Perak. An expert in the field of Guidance and Counseling, he has made significant contributions through numerous impactful talks. In this webinar, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Aziz Shah brings valuable insights into promoting mental health within professional settings. He discusses strategies for creating supportive workplace environments, managing stress, and fostering resilience among employees. Additionally, he addresses common challenges, shares personal experiences, and provides practical tools to integrate mental wellness practices into daily professional life. His approach not only supports individual well-being but also enhances career growth and organizational success.

This webinar empowers its audience, particularly students, by highlighting the importance of self-care and mental resilience as they prepare to transition into the professional world. Through engaging discussions and expert insights from Prof. Dr. Mohammad Aziz Shah, the session aims to boost students’ confidence and self-esteem while fostering an open dialogue about mental health. The event underscores how mentally supportive workplaces can fuel innovation, improve job satisfaction, and attract dedicated, passionate professionals. By embracing these principles, future professionals are inspired to envision careers that are not only fulfilling but also balanced and sustainable, rooted in both personal and professional well-being.