It has been estimated that four out of every 10 Malaysians will fall victim to some form of mental health issue in the course of their lives. Psychologists have warned that the numbers will continue to rise in years to come. Noting the tendency in increase of mental health issues in our nation, First City University College organised a workshop on Expressive Arts Therapy (EAT) by United Kingdom’s life-time award winning ‘Professor of Play’, Professor Dr Sue Jennings

Prof Dr Jennings is an honorary Professor of Creative Art Therapies, from University of Derby. She is a licensed dramatherapist and author as well.

Prof Dr Jennings has pioneered dramatherapy and creative arts therapy in many countries and established training programs in plays and educational settings. She is also the forerunner of a unique method of early childhood intervention called ‘Neuro-Dramatic-Play’.

The workshop which took place at First City UC from 6-7 November 2017, was launched by Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mak Chai and Chief Operating Officer Ms Yeong Yin Cheng. Also present during the launch were Student Affairs and Services Department Head, Ms Florence Kuek and First City UC’s licensed counsellor Mr Jaff Choong Gian Yong.

The event was well-attended by mental health practitioners from around the nation, officers from Royal Malaysia Force (PDRM, group D11); representatives from Employee Provident Fund, representatives from the Ministry of Health Malaysia,  representatives from Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development Malaysia, licensed counsellors from both public and private universities, counsellors of private high schools and elementary schools; learning centers ,counselling/psychology centers and staff of First City UC.

Participants of the workshop received certificates of attendance which were jointly issued by First City UC and the Institute of Dramatherapy, UK.

“Expressive Arts Therapy and Play Therapy are increasingly being used during counselling and healing sessions to assist people in dealing with the emotional struggles, behavioural difficulties and life challenges. The participants of this workshop will benefit from an increased knowledge base of play and art therapies as alternatives to conventional behavioural practices. They will also be able to reduce their stress level,” said First City UC’s licensed counsellor Jaff.

He added that the expressive art therapy involves the use of art, music, dance/ movement, poetry/ creative writing within the context of psychotherapy, counselling, rehabilitation or medicine.

First City UC believes it is essential for its students and staff members to be in a healthy environment which cultivates good mental health. As such, the institution has its own Career and Counselling Unit under the Student Affairs & Services Department which addresses the well-being of its staff members and students.

First City UC provides the best learning experience for its students through its state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities. With its well qualified and experienced teaching force, the institution provides a wholesome education journey for its students, where First City UC graduates are hired right after their graduation and in many instances even before graduation.

Faculty of Arts and Social Science at First City UC has launched a new programme, Bachelor of Business with Psychology (Hons) which is designed for students who are curious about human behaviour. The students pursuing this programme will learn about employees and workplace behaviour and related aspects of customers and marketplace behaviour. The psychology dimensions of this programme provide deeper insights into not just how we behave but also, why behave the way we do. The managerial and business aspects of the programme allow the student to understand this behaviour more fully, within the context of organisational life and business dealings. With this balanced approach, graduates of this programme are well-positioned to play a role in and contribute to the employee wellness strategies of organisations, in line with the critical need to improve workplace wellbeing and productivity in today’s challenges in balancing work and life.

Registration is open for the January 2018 intake of Bachelor of Business with Psychology and a full range of disciplines in the field of Computing, Design & Built Environment, Engineering, Business Studies, Mass Communication and Hospitality & Tourism Management. Early Bird Waivers, Scholarships and Incentives are available.

Students can call our marketing teams for queries from 8.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. (Weekdays) and 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. (Weekends) (excluding public holidays).