SEGi’s Psychology Department brought warmth, care, and movement to the Malaysian Parkinson’s Disease Association (MPDA) on 11 March 2025 through an experiential outreach event titled Shake Off the Challenges: A Day of Movement & Mindfulness. Led by Valarmatdi Mathivanan, the event offered both Parkinson’s patients and psychology students a meaningful opportunity to connect through compassion, practice, and real-world application.
The highlight of the day was a mindfulness talk focused on enhancing well-being and quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s. Grounded in evidence-based practices, mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote greater body awareness among individuals managing chronic conditions. According to Parkinson’s Europe, up to 90% of those living with Parkinson’s experience non-motor symptoms like anxiety and depression, where holistic approaches such as mindfulness can make a measurable difference.
The session saw psychology students actively guide patients through seven mindful activities designed to encourage mobility, calm the nervous system, and stimulate emotional expression. Activities included breathing techniques, chair yoga, music-based movement, guided art, sensory exploration and hand coordination exercises. Each moment was crafted not only to bring comfort but to empower patients with tools to manage their symptoms through everyday awareness.
This experience allowed students to put psychological theories into practice, developing soft skills such as empathy, patience, and therapeutic communication. More importantly, it allowed them to witness the power of community-based mental health interventions—a core pillar in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.
Feedback from MPDA was overwhelmingly positive, with president Sara Lew commending the students for their dedication and impact. The day even sparked deeper interest in SEGi College Subang Jaya’s psychology programme, as guests in attendance enquired about educational opportunities for their family members.
In a world where neurodegenerative diseases are on the rise, with over 10 million people globally affected by Parkinson’s, initiatives like these reinforce the vital role of education, outreach, and psychological support in enhancing life quality and dignity for all.
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
