In a collaborative effort to support youth emotional well-being, WOU engaged nearly 150 Form 3 students in an interactive “Anger Management” session, equipping them with practical strategies to channel their emotions positively. The workshop, held at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Convent Bukit Mertajam, Penang, on 7 January 2025, was facilitated by Dr Parimala Devi Dhivandram, Senior Lecturer from WOU’s School of Business and Administration (SBA), alongside colleagues from the Penang Regional Centre, Ammelia Binti Sumari and Chiew Pau Lian.
Adolescent aggression has been on the rise in Malaysia, with increasing reports of violent outbursts and behavioural issues. This underscores the importance of emotional management in young people, helping them navigate their feelings and reduce aggressive tendencies. The session aimed to raise awareness of the dangers of uncontrollable anger and depression—key contributors to stress-related issues among adolescents.
A 2023 survey by the Institute for Youth Research Malaysia (IYRES) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) revealed moderate mental health risks among Malaysian youths aged 15 to 30, with an overall index rating of 71.9 from 6,000 participants.
Dr Parimala shared valuable techniques for managing disruptive emotions, while the session also featured engaging activities such as role-playing, quizzes, personality tests, storytelling, student sharing, and a Q&A segment. Among these, the personality test stood out, offering students an opportunity to gain insights into their own traits and behaviours.
The school principal, Ng Lye Ying, expressed her appreciation during her closing remarks. “This talk has not only benefited our students but also provided valuable insights for the teachers. We look forward to collaborating with WOU on more awareness programmes in the future,” she said.
Through initiatives like this, WOU reaffirms its commitment to promoting emotional resilience and mental health awareness, contributing to the well-being of Malaysia’s youth.