Monash, Sunway and Taylor's unite to move youth mental health from surviving to thriving
From left to right: Serena Chow Mun Lay (Senior Manager at Student Support and Development, Student Life), Janaronson Nagarajah (Senior Director, Student Experience), Professor Stephen Boyle (Vice President (Education) Monash University Malaysia), Dr Deana Leahy (Professor at the Faculty of Education, Monash University), Professor Dato' Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman (President and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Monash University Malaysia), Ronald Lee (Head of Counselling and Student Welfare, Sunway University), Professor Dato’ Dr Andrew Mohanraj Chandrasekaran (President, Malaysian Mental Health Association), Roshana Nanayakkara (Chief Operations Officer and Registrar), and Joann Toh (Head of Counselling, Health and Wellness, Monash University Malaysia).
Mental health is not a private burden to be carried in isolation, but a collective priority that demands shared commitment and action, said Professor Dato' Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Malaysia, as the Triple Alliance officially launched Thrive Together 2026 on 29 September 2026.
Speaking at the Thrive Together Mental Health Symposium 2026 at Monash University Malaysia today, Professor Adeeba said the event reflected the Alliance's belief that real, transformational change happens when institutional boundaries are broken down. "Thriving is not a solo endeavour. We do not build resilient academic communities or healthier societies in isolation. We do it together," she said.
The symposium brought together mental health practitioners, researchers, academic leaders and student advocates. The launch was held alongside partner institutions in the Triple Alliance, comprising Monash University Malaysia, Sunway University and Taylor's University. The three universities represent a community of more than 70,000 students and staff. Supported by a joint Governing Council and dedicated working groups, the partnership brings together complementary strengths across five strategic pillars: education, research, shared resources, student life and community impact.
From left to right: Angela Rendall (First Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade), Professor Stephen Boyle (Vice President (Education) at Monash University Malaysia), Janaronson Nagarajah (Senior Director of Student Experience at Taylor’s University), Professor Dato’ Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman (President and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Malaysia), Ronald Lee (Head of Counselling and Student Welfare at Sunway University), and Roshana Nanayakkara (Chief Operations Officer and Registrar of Monash University Malaysia).
Professor Adeeba said there was no challenge more urgent or deeply human than the wellbeing of young people, and that initiatives such as the symposium showed the Alliance could achieve far greater societal impact together than any single institution could alone.
She also explained the thinking behind the symposium's title, noting that institutional responses to mental health had for too long focused on crisis intervention. "While rapid crisis care remains essential, true wellbeing requires so much more. It requires proactive support systems, inclusive spaces free of stigma, and evidence-based strategies that allow every individual to thrive genuinely," she said.
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Dato' Dr Andrew Mohanraj Chandrasekaran, President of the Malaysian Mental Health Association, who highlighted the importance of connection in supporting young people. "Our internal survey found that 16% of respondents reported experiencing cyberbullying, underscoring the importance of building supportive environments where young people feel connected, heard and able to seek help," he said.
Professor Dato’ Dr Andrew Mohanraj Chandrasekaran, President of the Malaysian Mental Health Association, sharing insights on the state of youth mental health in Malaysia during his keynote address.
Professor Andrew said social connection was fundamental to mental wellbeing, and that resilience should not be mistaken for simply enduring difficulties alone. "It is about recognising and accepting when we are struggling, having the confidence to set boundaries and say no to what is affecting us and understanding that it is okay to ask for help," he said.
He added that young people should be encouraged to seek and accept support early, before challenges escalate into more serious concerns: "By equipping young people with these skills and fostering stronger support networks, we can help them recover from adversity, move forward and thrive.”
From left to right: Janaronson Nagarajah (Senior Director of Student Experience at Taylor’s University), Professor Dato’ Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman (President and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Malaysia), and Ronald Lee (Head of Counselling and Student Welfare at Sunway University).
The program bridged research and practical action. Morning sessions offered insights into Malaysian youth mental health, neurodiversity inclusion and trauma-sensitive campus practices. The afternoon focused on practical helping skills, followed by a panel discussion featuring student welfare leaders from the three partner universities.
Students were central to the event. Alongside the main plenary sessions, participants took part in student-led workshops designed by students, for students, reflecting the Alliance's view that students are not merely recipients of support, but the heart and drivers of the movement. Participants also visited an interactive exhibition booth in the foyer during the morning break, where they connected with colleagues from the three universities.
Also, as part of Thrive Together, Mind Games brought students together to explore mental health and wellbeing through interactive play. The activities included colourful block-stacking challenges called Mind Stack, a mental health-themed board game and a floor-based card activity featuring prompts about everyday challenges and sources of support. Combining fun with opportunities for reflection and conversation, the games encouraged participants to explore emotional awareness, communication, problem-solving and coping skills while connecting with others. The activities offered an engaging and accessible way to promote mental health literacy and encourage students to consider how they can support their own wellbeing and that of their peers.
Far right: Professor Dato’ Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Malaysia, visiting one of the Mind Games booth.
In her closing remarks, Professor Adeeba thanked the speakers, organisers, student facilitators and Alliance partners for bringing the vision to life, and encouraged every participant to carry the spirit of the day back to their campuses and communities.
The symposium served as a reminder that supporting mental health is a shared responsibility, and that the strongest support systems are built when institutions, educators and students work side by side.
Group photo of participants, speakers, partners and guests at the event.