JOHOR BAHRU, November 4—The 15th Asian Post-Disaster Counselling and Psychological Support Conference was held from October 26 to 28, 2024, at the KSL Resort Johor Bahru City Centre. This event was organized by the School of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in collaboration with the Asian Society for Studies on Disaster and Trauma. It brought together experts and practitioners from across Asia to address the urgent challenges in post-disaster psychological support.
This year’s theme, “Culturally Sensitive and Responsive Interventions,” highlighted the importance for mental health professionals to acknowledge and incorporate the diverse cultural contexts of affected communities in their work. Dr. Tan Joo Siang, the conference chairperson, noted that this was the first time the conference was hosted in Malaysia. The event featured renowned keynote speakers, forum panellists, and presenters from Japan, China, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Malaysia.
The conference highlighted that understanding cultural nuances is crucial for effective counselling. Various sessions explored how cultural beliefs, values, and practices influence coping mechanisms and help-seeking behaviours in post-disaster scenarios. Participants engaged in workshops that demonstrated the implementation of culturally tailored interventions, emphasizing community resilience and empowerment.
“In a world increasingly challenged by natural and human-made crises, our work in post-disaster counselling and psychological support is more critical than ever,” stated Professor Takahashi Satoshi, President of The Asian Society for Studies on Disaster and Trauma. The conference provided a unique opportunity for meaningful dialogues aimed at enhancing our ability to address the complex psychological and emotional challenges faced by those impacted by trauma.
Key discussions focused on the importance of integrating local knowledge and practices into psychological support frameworks. This ensures that interventions are not only effective but also respectful of cultural identities. Case studies from various countries showcased successful models of culturally responsive practices, fostering an environment of learning and collaboration among attendees.
Strategic partners such as the Board of Counsellors of Malaysia (LKM), the International Counselling Association of Malaysia (PERKAMA), and the Johor State Education Department (JPNJ) played vital roles in organizing and ensuring the success of the event. Their involvement emphasized the collaborative spirit essential for effective post-disaster response efforts.
The organizing committee extended sincere congratulations and appreciation to all participants, whether presenters or attendees and to the sponsors who contributed to the conference’s success. The insights gained from this gathering are expected to influence future practices in post-disaster counselling across the region.
As the conference concluded, attendees left feeling inspired and equipped with new strategies and knowledge to enhance their work in post-disaster counselling and psychological support. This fosters a commitment to culturally sensitive practices to better serve communities in need.
Author: Nur Arinna Athirah Abdul Rashid