On 12 June 2024, the Student Services Department organised the first session of the ‘Peer Counsellor Programme’ entitled ‘Introduction to Peer Counselling’. The session was led by Ms. Teh Chia Li, a registered and licensed counsellor at First City University College. Nine students from various faculties participated in the event.

The session commenced with an introduction to peer counselling. Ms. Teh Chia Li explained the roles and responsibilities of both professional and peer counsellors. She demonstrated how to effectively use verbal and non-verbal communication, attentive listening, and empathetic communication skills in counselling.

Following this, the programme incorporated a role-play session, during which two students volunteered to assume the roles of a peer counsellor and a client. This interactive exercise provided an opportunity for participants to learn through observation. Additionally, the students engaged in exploring and discussing the importance of self-care and coping strategies.

Ong Kai Jie remarked, “I never knew that counselling was so important to us as humans. Through proper, neutral, and non-judgmental communication and listening, we can positively impact those around us or those in need of counselling.”

At the end of the programme, the students shared that they learned a lot throughout the workshop, particularly about becoming attentive listeners. The day concluded with a group photograph.