Sunway University Master of Counselling Students Earn Globally Recognised Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Certification

Master of Counselling students from the Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences (FMLS) at Sunway University have successfully completed the internationally recognised Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certification.

Organised by the Sunway Psychology and Counselling Centre (SPCC) and officially licensed by the Malaysia Mental Health Association (MMHA), this certification equips our future mental health professionals with critical skills for early intervention and community support. Upon completion, all participants officially became certified Mental Health First Aiders under the globally respected MHFA framework.

Equipping Graduates with Global Mental Health Competencies
Implemented across 28 countries worldwide, the MHFA programme is designed to elevate clinical training by strengthening essential competencies, including:

  • Mental Health Literacy: Deepening understanding of diverse mental health challenges.
  • Crisis Response: Providing immediate, effective support during mental health emergencies.
  • Early Intervention: Identifying early warning signs to prevent escalating crises.
  • Community Support: Building resilient networks to assist those in need.

Experiential Learning and Real-World Application
Facilitated by certified MHFA Instructor and Sunway University Psychology Lecturer, Chloe Wong, the workshop moved beyond standard lectures by adopting a highly experiential, practice-oriented approach.

Students gained meaningful exposure to real-world scenarios commonly encountered in clinical and community mental health settings through:

  • In-depth case discussions
  • Role-play simulations
  • Reflective exercises
  • Applied helping responses

A Collaborative and Multicultural Cohort
The programme’s success was amplified by the diverse professional and multicultural backgrounds of the participating cohort. The classroom became a rich, collaborative learning environment, bringing together perspectives from practising counsellors, healthcare administrators, mindfulness practitioners, hypnotherapists, and international students.

Commitment to Industry-Ready Professionals
This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of the Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences (FMLS) to develop industry-ready, culturally responsive graduates. By providing internationally recognised certifications like the MHFA, Sunway University ensures its Master of Counselling students graduate with the practical competencies necessary to support and uplift diverse communities in any mental health setting.

Discover more about our programmes: Explore the Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences at Sunway University