Our Impact
7 Years of Advocacy: Empowering Voices, Dignifying Lives
As MIASA Malaysia celebrates its 7th anniversary, we reflect on our journey as a leading mental health advocate in Malaysia. From humble beginnings, we’ve grown into a trusted pillar of support, empowering individuals and families facing mental health challenges. Our progress is a testament to our team’s dedication, community support, and shared vision of accessible, stigma-free mental health care.Our commitment to doing what’s right, not what’s easy, has driven our efforts to reduce stigma and improve access to care.
We proudly highlight seven key milestones that showcase MIASA Malaysia’s growth and impact:


Milestone #1:
Financial Sustainability & Strong Leadership
Our NGO has thrived under the leadership of Puan Anita Abu Bakar, a go-getter who embodies resilience and determination whose corporate expertise and bold personality have been instrumental in guiding our growth and propelling our NGO to success. The combined experience of our President and board members has not only steered us through challenges but also paved the way for impactful initiatives and sustainable development.
Our President’s strategic vision and leadership have been pivotal in shaping our long-term goals and ensuring maximizing impact. Under her guidance, we have expanded our reach and enhanced our operational efficiency, thereby maximizing our impact on the community we serve. Together with our board members, comprising experts in various fields offer a wealth of knowledge that strengthens our decision-making processes. The diverse perspectives have enriched our strategies in fundraising, advocacy, and program development. Through these networks and mentorship, we have fostered collaborations that have elevated our profile and enhanced our credibility within the NGO sector.
The application of corporate best practices, coupled with a deep commitment to our mission, has yielded tangible results for our NGO. Puan Anita’s unwavering commitment to the cause is matched by her courage to confront mental health stigma openly. By leveraging on each person’s expertise, we have implemented robust policies and streamlined operations, ensuring transparency and accountability at every level. This has not only attracted donors and partners but also empowered our team to innovate and adapt to emerging challenges effectively.
Milestone #2:
Continuity of Care & Community Support
This reflects our commitment to providing consistent, long-term mental health support that extends beyond isolated interventions for all levels of society, so no one is left behind. This approach ensures that individuals from all walks of life receive ongoing care and resources integrated seamlessly into their daily lives, fostering a supportive environment that promotes sustained recovery and well-being. By embedding our services within the community, we create an inclusive network of support that is accessible, familiar, and responsive to the evolving needs of those we serve, regardless of their social or economic status.


Santai Minda Sihat bersama MIASA Malaysia
In collaboration with the Axiata Foundation, we implemented a year-long program at the Chow Kit Community Learning Center, specifically tailored for the homeless population. This initiative offered: 1) Health screening sessions, 2) Brief mental health assessments, 3) Targeted mental health support services.
This program has improved the lives of homeless individuals by enhancing access to critical social and health services.

Majlis Perasmian MIASA Clubhouse Terengganu & Rumah Terbuka Aidilfitri MIASA Malaysia
The establishment of MIASA Terengganu branch, funded by Yayasan Hasanah and the joyous open house event were the first significant steps MIASA Malaysia has done in extending mental health support to individuals in the east coast region. It was an exciting milestone as it marked the first branch established outside the Klang Valley since MIASA's establishment in 2016.

MIASA's Terengganu Clubhouse: Activities and Meeting
MIASA's Terengganu Clubhouse launch connected with 20+ community leaders and organizations, benefiting over 200 individuals in just a month. Activities like Circle Time, Art-based Classes, and Counseling reached 23, 50, and 15 beneficiaries respectively, with programs impacting 150 more. Potential collaborations with Yayasan Ammirul Ummah, Yayasan Amal, schools, UNISZA, and others promise to expand support efforts further.

Free Services for B40 Group
At MIASA, we are deeply committed to providing free and affordable mental health support services to the bottom 40% of income earners, as part of our mission to make mental health support available to all. This effort is to ensure that those who are most in need have access to the care and support they deserve, helping to improve their overall well-being and contributing positively to society.

Essential Baskets
MIASA in collaboration with The Lost Food Project to assist B40 Peers who are struggling with mental health challenges and facing difficulties in obtaining necessities. We will provide food, drinks, and hygiene products to eligible B40 Peers based on the specified criteria. This involves up to 100 peers in need weekly, 400 peers in need every month.

Milestone #3:
Strong Advocacy Initiatives
Through our strong advocacy initiatives, we are driving tangible change in the mental health landscape both nationally and internationally. From empowering young advocates and promoting inclusive language to engaging in global forums and advising key organizations, our efforts amplify the voices of those affected by mental health issues. These diverse engagements demonstrate our commitment to shaping policies, raising awareness, and fostering a more supportive and understanding world.

MIASA’S Young Advocates Mental Health Program
This is a six-month program aims to build advocates for mental health designed for secondary school and university students. The program promotes mental health awareness, combats stigma, educates young people, empowers them with advocacy skills, mentorship, and leadership roles, advocating for improved mental health services and policy changes. Our ultimate goal is to build a zero-stigma generation.

MIASA’S Sports Day: Let The Games Begin!
This event has been the first OKU Inclusive sports event organized by MIASA Malaysia. 200 participants including PWDs, Mental Health Peers, Caregivers, and Mental Health Advocates with 90 volunteers. It has led to increased awareness of mental health and issues, promote inclusion of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), reduced stigma, fostered a sense of accomplishment and appreciation, and facilitated social support and community building.

Ex-Officio for Institut Penyelidikan Pembangunan Belia Malaysia (IYRES) under the Ministry of Sports and Youth
Puan Anita served as the ex-officio advisor for IYRES to provide valuable insights and strategic guidance, drawing from her extensive experience in NGO operations. Her role involved identifying potential risks and opportunities for the institute, offering strategic recommendations, and sharing perspectives gained from her mission-driven work in the non-profit sector.

Signatories' Open Letter: Using Respectful and Appropriate Disability Language
MIASA Malaysia supported the initiative by Harapan OKU, adding its voice to a significant collective effort promoting respectful and appropriate disability language. This open letter, addressed to media practitioners, editors, Members of Parliament, State Assembly members, and Ministers, garnered support from a diverse group of 104 signatories. By participating in this initiative, MIASA demonstrated its commitment to advocating for more inclusive and respectful communication practices regarding disability issues in Malaysian society and media.
International Engagement 2018-2022

- TCI Asia Pacific Plenary in Bali, 2018
- Malaysia Stakeholder Meeting 2019 x TCI AP
- TCI Global Strategy Meeting, Bangkok, 2019

- Advisor for the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Association (IFPMA) Asia Conference (2020)
- Geneva Health Forum (GHF), 2022

- Core 2022 Scientific Conference Symposium
- 11th Asia Regulatory Conference, 2022

- VIATRIS; Patient Inspiration 2022
- 4th Asia Pacific Patients Congress (APPC), Bangkok, 2022
- 22nd World Congress of Psychiatry, Bangkok, 2022
Milestone #4:
Branding & Visibility
Through strategic branding and visibility initiatives, we’re actively shaping public discourse and increasing mental health awareness across diverse platforms. Our collaborations with popular media outlets like ZAYAN Radio’s Usrah Jiwa, OhBulan!, SukeTV’s HAWA, and our own MIASA Talks and Game Changer series are reaching wide audiences with messages of support, education, and hope. By sharing lived experiences, expert insights, and engaging discussions, we’re breaking down stigma and fostering a more informed and compassionate community.


Zayan Radio: Usrah Jiwa
The collaboration between MIASA Malaysia and Zayyan Radio is centered around promoting and advocating for mental health awareness and well-being. It involves regular sessions which are likely aimed at providing support, education, open discussions, and sharing of personal experiences from people with lived experience on Mental Health topics.. Usrah Jiwa is scheduled to air every Tuesday at 12PM. Since the first episode, Usrah Jiwa has reached approximately around 100k listeners.

OHBULAN!
MIASA's media engagement with OhBulan! is a huge step forward in mental health awareness, particularly for World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) 2023. Given OhBulan!'s wide reach and narrative skills, the collaboration seeks to highlight MIASA's efforts to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. This collaboration acts as a light of hope, illuminating the route to a society in which mental health is recognized and supported by all.

SUKE TV: HAWA
"HAWA" is a weekly live program on Suke TV featuring Puan Anita Abu Bakar as a permanent guest, offering her expertise and lived experience to provide valuable insights on mental health topics. Through interactive discussions and audience engagement, "HAWA" creates a safe space for viewers to learn, share, and seek guidance on mental health issues. The "HAWA" show on SukeTV has had a significant impact on mental health awareness and destigmatization, with a combined total of 60,694 views and 1,823 likes in 2022 and 2023.

Game Changer
A talk show series hosted by MIASA's President, Puan Anita Abu Bakar, spotlighting game-changers in their fields. The talk show inspires viewers to pursue their goals and enact positive change. It increases awareness about various fields and showcases individuals making a difference, providing role models and mentors. Ultimately, it promotes positive change on a larger scale.

MIASA Talks
MIASA Talks is a dynamic morning show aimed at engaging followers and interested individuals on mental health and MIASA's initiatives. With the tagline "Let's do this together, " the show features special guests sharing practical tips and discussing current issues. Topics covered include addressing misconceptions and arising or trending issues

Milestone #5:
Meaningful Partnerships & Collaborations
We forge meaningful partnerships and collaborations to amplify our impact and reach diverse communities. By joining forces with organizations like Alaminda Healthcare, Yayasan Sime Darby, Maybank’s Cahaya Kasih, Axiata Foundation, Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor, Yayasan Hasanah, and media platforms, we’re able to implement comprehensive mental health initiatives and awareness campaigns. These synergistic relationships allow us to expand our resources, share expertise, and collectively work towards a society that prioritizes mental well-being for all.

MIASA in Johor
A comprehensive awareness programme in collaboration with Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor that highlights the topic of building mental health resilient communities. The primary goal of this one-day event is to initiate conversations about mental health and related issues, encouraging action and introducing MIASA to the Johor Bahru community, laying the foundation for MIASA's presence and impact in Johor.

MIASA Malaysia x Alaminda
The collaboration aims to share knowledge and create opportunities for effective mental health initiatives with Alaminda Healthcare Berhad. Working together will allow us to gain experience and build talents that we can apply later. We can collaborate and share our expertise and experience to improve the efficiency of business operations. This allows us to achieve faster, more efficient, more effective results through teamwork.

International Women’s Day Celebration
MIASA and Yayasan Sime Darby organized forum sessions highlighting women leaders and youth speakers discussed on the theme of ‘Transcending All Boundaries: Be Revolutionary’ . The program featured two forums: "Women Leaders Forum: Raising to the Challenges of 2023 Dare Transcend Boundaries" and "Building a Fairer World For All" Youth Forum.

Cahaya Kasih Maybank x MIASA Malaysia
Under the banner of the Maybank Program Cahaya Kasih, a collaborative half-day event marked a significant milestone, focusing on adolescent mental health. MIASA spearheaded the discourse, with notable panelists leading insightful discussions. Partners ThriveWell and Yayasan Zuriat Care provided mental health assessments, reflecting a holistic approach.

MIASA Malaysia x AFCI
Axiata Foundation and MIASA Malaysia have embarked on a transformative collaboration to spearhead a comprehensive overhaul of mental health support in Malaysia. This pioneering partnership has resulted in the implementation of four impactful programs tailored to address various facets of mental health challenges, including "Santai Minda Sihat bersama MIASA", Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Workshop, and Trauma-Informed Care and Crisis Management Training.

World Suicide Prevention Day
In commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day 2023, MIASA Malaysia held an event to symbolize our enduring dedication to community well-being, mental health advocacy, and suicide prevention. Through a diverse array of activities, we strive to foster awareness, promote empathy, and equip individuals with the tools to make a difference in the lives of those at risk in partner with Yayasan Hasanah, LivingWorks Education, National Alliance of Mental Health Advocates, Qaiser Darussalam, Radio Zayan and OhBulan.

SURIA Self-Care Campaign: Safe Space KLCC
Safe Space @ Suria KLCC, in collaboration with The Body Shop and MIASA Malaysia, facilitated open conversations about mental health during World Mental Health Month in October. The initiative, #YouMatter, provided a safe environment for the community to discuss mental health, aiming to destigmatize mental health issues. Throughout the month-long campaign, at least 1000 visitors per day, totaling over 10.000 attendees, engaged in discussions and activities.

World Mental Health Day
Under the theme 'Mental Health is a Universal Human Right' for the World Mental Health Day 2023, MIASA Malaysia and Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) launched the MIASA-YSD Helpline Service, a 24/7 integrated mental health helpline service. YSD also awarded RM1.3 million and was presented to MIASA during the relaunching of MIASA-YSD Crisis Helpline Service. This event also marked the excitement of MIASA Academy in line with the commitment to advance mental health advocacy and awareness through education. Hence, the YSD-MIASA Scholarship programme offered two postgraduate scholarships for community-oriented mental health studies.

International Conference for Youth (YOURS’23): Ministry of Youth and Sports, IYRES, and UKM
Puan Anita Abu Bakar moderated the first Forum: Sub Theme 1 on Intrapersonal Skills. Besides, in the Life Experience: Untold Story Chapters - Part 1, Puan Anita also shared her narrative delved into the challenges of coping with a mental health condition, the profound impact it had on her, and the resilience that led to the establishment of MIASA Malaysia.
Milestone #6:
Capacity Building
Empowering individuals with the right knowledge and skills is central to our mission of strengthening mental health support. Through our comprehensive capacity-building initiatives, we equip volunteers, professionals, and community members with the tools they need to make a real difference. By investing in training and education, we are fostering a more knowledgeable and responsive community that can better support those navigating mental health challenges.


Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training for Trainers (ASIST T4T)
Throughout 2023, we conducted a training program at the MIASA Orchid Clubhouse to certify our team as LivingWorks trainers in Suicide Intervention and Prevention. This initiative represents a significant step in our efforts to prevent suicide and save lives in Malaysia. Up until now, we has conducted 7 ASIST training sessions and trained over 70 suicide first aiders. These trained individuals are now equipped with critical skills to recognize suicide risk and provide immediate support, significantly enhancing Malaysia's suicide prevention network.

Crisis Management and Trauma-informed Care Training

Intentional Peer Support Specialist

Milestone #7:
Awards & Accolades
Our dedication to impactful work in mental health has been recognized through several prestigious awards and accolades. These honors reflect our commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership in advocating for mental well-being and making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities. We are proud to share these recognitions, which inspire us to continue striving for greater impact and progress in the field of mental health.

Top Healthcare Management Award 2022 (Awarded in Dec 2023)
The Health Expert Awards is a distinguished platform that assesses businesses and organizations based on various criteria, acknowledging outstanding performances throughout the year. MIASA Malaysia was acknowledged under the Top Healthcare Management category which is awarded to health businesses that demonstrated excellent performance and leadership throughout the year.

Productivitiy Champion 2023 Awarded by the Malaysian Productivity Corporation
Puan Anita has been awarded with the "Productivity Champion" award by the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) in the "Leader" category, highlighting her role in spearheading initiatives that not only advance the cause of mental health awareness but also contribute to overall productivity in the healthcare and social services sectors.

First Place, OHP Poster Competition for the Optimal Health Plan
MIASA Malaysia proudly clinched first place in the OHP Poster Competition for the Optimal Health Plan at the South East Asia Symposium and Booster Training held in 2019. This achievement underscores our commitment to advancing mental health initiatives in the region. The 1st Asia Pacific Symposium of the Optimal Health Program was successfully conducted at the Everly Hotel in Putrajaya on 15th October 2019. The event brought together esteemed trainers from St. Vincent's Hospital in Australia, along with participants from Malaysia, China, and Indonesia.

The International Metrodora Awards 2022 Winner
Puan Anita was the officially selected winner of the Patient Champion for Science and Medicine award by the International Metrodora Awards hosted by the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO) together with title sponsor Viatris. The Metrodora Awards aim to advocate and highlight the accomplishments of accomplished women in order to inspire more women and girls to pursue jobs in science and medicine in the future.