Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) hosted a forum titled “ENDxiety: Halt the Storm” on Wednesday, 16th October 2024, at the Pro-Chancellor Arts Centre. The event, held in conjunction with World Mental Health Day 2024, was a collaborative effort by the UBD Counselling and Special Learning Needs Unit, the Student Affairs Section, the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, and the 2024/2025 UBD Student Representative Council.
The forum featured esteemed speakers, including Yang Mulia Ustaz Muhd Yussof bin Haji Abdul Majid, Deputy Head of Special Tasks, Counseling and Guidance Section, Ministry of Religious Affairs; Yang Mulia Pengiran Dr. Hajah Fariza Suryani binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani, Head of Psychiatric Services at RIPAS Hospital; and Yang Mulia Dr. Syahmun binti Haji Matassan, Clinical Psychologist and Health Counselor. Moderating the event was Dr. Deeni Rudita binti Idris, Assistant Professor, Lecturer in Nursing at UBD.
Present as the guest of honor was Yang Mulia Hajah Maudena binti Haji Abdul Hamid, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UBD, along with key UBD officials, staff, students, and members of both the public and private sectors, who contributed to the success of the event.
The forum aimed to provide early exposure and preparation for students and raise public awareness on how to recognize, manage, and cope with anxiety using effective methods. It also emphasized the importance of community support in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Discussions encouraged open conversations about anxiety in families, workplaces, and communities.
The event concluded with an important call to action, advocating for the prioritization of mental health to foster a healthier and more supportive environment for all.