SEGi recently held an inspiring workshop titled Knowing Thyself Through Expressive Art, championing student and staff mental wellness through the power of creativity. The session, held on 15 January 2025 at MB603, brought together nine participants for an afternoon of self-exploration, artistic expression, and emotional reflection guided by a licensed counsellor. Through the use of expressive art techniques combined with evidence-based mental health assessments—PHQ-9 for depression and GAD-7 for anxiety—participants were given a safe, interactive space to reconnect with their inner selves.
Mental health remains a pressing concern in higher education settings. According to the World Health Organization, one in seven 10–19-year-olds globally experiences a mental health condition, with depression and anxiety among the leading causes. In Malaysia, the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey reported that approximately 424,000 children experienced mental health issues, a figure that continues to rise. In light of this, SEGi College Penang is actively integrating wellness and psychosocial support into its student engagement strategies to create healthier learning environments.
The workshop was more than an afternoon of drawing and discussion—it was a step towards promoting emotional literacy and building resilience among students and staff. Through structured creative activities and reflective sharing, the session cultivated mindfulness, empathy, and self-awareness—critical components of social-emotional development. Feedback collected post-session showed strong engagement, with participants describing the experience as “eye-opening”, “calming”, and “deeply personal”.
This initiative aligns with SEGi’s broader vision to produce not only academically competent graduates, but also emotionally intelligent individuals who can navigate today’s complex and demanding world. Workshops like this serve as early intervention platforms, helping to destigmatise mental health while equipping the SEGi community with tools to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional pressure more effectively.
With plans to enhance future sessions—such as longer durations, greater participation, and expanded materials—SEGi aims to scale this programme across departments, potentially reaching a wider audience and embedding wellness as a core institutional value. Follow-up workshops and longitudinal tracking are also being explored to provide continuity of care and support.
This event is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
