The highly anticipated Mind Matters Rally (MMR) 3.0, co-organised by KiniEvents and IMU Healthcare, brought together a vibrant mix of mental health advocates, professionals, caregivers, and the wider community for an enriching day of dialogue, learning, and self-care at the International Medical University (IMU), Bukit Jalil, on 23 August 2025.

Building on the success of previous editions, this year’s rally proved to be more than just another event—it was a powerful, immersive experience that reflected KiniEvents’ continued commitment to creating spaces for meaningful conversations around mental health.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to IMU Healthcare for their unwavering dedication and for helping to make this event possible. Our sponsors, Intellect and Westwood Clinic, were instrumental in bringing the event to life, and special thanks to our partners, including All Women’s Action Society (AWAM), Befrienders, Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA), Mental Illness Awareness & Support Association (MIASA), Malaysian Paediatric Association (MPA), Malaysia Positive Psychology Association (MPPA), Dorothy Scents, Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL), The Body Shop, Alteryz, Entrusol, Cuckoo, Aeon Wellness, and TGV Cinema. Each organisation played a vital role in creating a space that was informative, engaging, and transformative.

A Rally Kickoff with Heart

The event was officially opened by Professor Dr Nazimah Binti Idris, Medical Director of IMU Healthcare, whose powerful message set the tone for the day.

“I am passionate about conversations around mental health. At IMU, it’s always been a priority—not just for students, but also for our staff. That is why events like this from KiniEvents are so relevant to us. Only when our students and staff are mentally healthy can we truly achieve the outcomes we aspire to,” she said during her opening speech at the Mind Matters Rally 3.0

Dr Nazimah highlighted the importance of collaboration in making mental health support more accessible and effective. She emphasised how education, research, and institutional care must intersect to create real change. IMU’s approach—integrating structured mental health processes into academic life—showcases how institutions can sustainably champion mental well-being.

Session 1: Burnout, Balance, and Beyond — Mental Health in the Hustle

The first insight session of the day, “Burnout, Balance, and Beyond: How to Keep Your Mental Health in Check While Hustling,” unpacked the complexities of mental health in high-pressure environments. The panel featured speakers from varied professional backgrounds, each offering personal strategies and institutional solutions.

Moderator Dr Kartini, who is also Outreach Director for Befrienders, reminded attendees that it is okay to take care of themselves, to acknowledge when they are not okay, and to reach out for help when they need it.

Meanwhile, panellist Arulkumar Singaraveloo, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysia HR Forum, offered insights from a Human Resource and leadership perspective, urging employers to:

Hire and promote based on real capabilities—not superficial factors.

Build employee competencies through training.
Design roles thoughtfully to match realistic expectations.

The second panellist, Eve Lim from the All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) challenged the stigma around seeking help. She said that asking for support is not a sign of weakness, and it is part of life. Everyone faces stress, and acknowledging it is a strength.

Malaysian Mental Health Association president Dato Dr Andrew Mohanraj, who is also the final panellist offered a perspective from the ground up. He said employees must be honest about their limits and take ownership of their mental health. That includes rest, exercise, and cultivating strong relationships.

Session 2: Breaking the Silence — Mental Health Support for Caregivers

Caregivers often pour from an empty cup without realising their limits. This session shed light on the mental and emotional toll of caregiving—and how to provide support for those who support others.

MIASA Founder and President Anita Abu Bakar, who is also the moderator for this session, emphasised the importance of normalising frustration and exhaustion in caregiving roles.

“Seeking help isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. You can’t pour from an empty cup,” she said.

She also highlighted useful caregiver programs like:

Workshops and HRD-Integrated Training
Suicide Intervention Training

Community Support Programmes

Amalina Davis, representing Thrivewell, expanded on the tools available in Malaysia and beyond: respite care, peer support, and practical classes that address common mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.

Intellect representative Cassandra Loh focused on tech solutions, saying apps and online services break stigma and make support accessible anytime—even at midnight, when a caregiver finally gets a moment to breathe.

The last panellist, Dr Jest from Westwood Clinic, broke self-care down into bite-sized, practical methods, such as meditation, exercise and journaling. Each, he said, brings people closer to awareness and balance.

Session 3: Screens, Social Media & School — The New Mental Battlefield

The final panel explored the world of young minds caught between school, screens and social media.

Prof Dr Ooi Pei Boon, moderator, discussed the pressure teens face in the digital age.

“It’s not about banning technology—but about using it intentionally. We need structured digital habits, not fear,” she said.

She shared a vision for Malaysia’s mental health future, which includes more accessible professionals, reduced stigma, and holistic support across life stages.

Meanwhile, Dr Rakhee Yadav from the Malaysian Paediatric Association urged parents to observe warning signs among their children. She urged parents to refrain from saying ‘you need help’; instead, she recommended saying ‘let’s get help together.’, emphasising that mental health is a family affair.

The final panellist, Dr Abdul Rasyid Sulaiman, psychiatrist from IMU Healthcare noted that early signs of anxiety or depression, when unaddressed, can evolve into more serious issues, including personality disorders, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. His call to action: identify early, treat holistically, and act compassionately.

Engaging Booths: Where Learning Meets Play

Mind Matters Rally 3.0 wasn’t just about listening—it was about doing. The event featured interactive booths where attendees could immerse themselves in wellness activities, self-expression, and health screenings:

Therapy & Wellness: Sand Tray Therapy, Flora Mindfulness, Lego Sessions by Hills and Valleys Therapy & Learning Centre
Creative Reflection: Mandala Art & I Maya Card Readings at Heart Space
Mental Health Checkpoints: MIASA assessments, Emotion Pod regulation tips
Health & Fitness: Heart screenings (CVSKL), fitness consults (Anytime Fitness), posture checks (Columbia Asia)
Self-Care & Lifestyle: Dorothy Scents aromatherapy, The Body Shop skincare, product demos from Alteryx and Entrusol

Voices of the People: Intellect & Prudence Foundation sticky-note boards to share thoughts and feelings

Whether attendees came to reflect, heal, or play, the day provided something for every individual—regardless of where they were on their mental health journey.

The event ended on a joyful note with the Mind Matters Rally lucky draw, sponsored by Cuckoo and The Body Shop. Lucky winners walked away with exciting gifts, adding a fun and festive touch to an already meaningful day.

Mind Matters Rally 3.0 left attendees feeling seen, heard, and supported. But this is just the beginning. If you missed this round, don’t worry—we’re already planning the next one.

Stay tuned for updates and follow KiniEvents on social media. For more information and event highlights, visit our official page at https://kini.events/mind-matters-rally-2025/.

Let’s continue the conversation. Because mental health matters—always.