KUCHING: The International Conference on Psychological Well-Being in conjunction with the 2024 Public Service Psychology Conference (ICOPW2024), themed “Exploring SDG3: Towards the Well-Being of Malaysia MADANI,” serves as an essential platform for civil servants to achieve the goals outlined in the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (RMKe-12), Malaysia MADANI, and the MADANI Economy, promoting societal well-being.
This initiative aligns with the government’s priority to ensure both the mental and physical health of public servants, ultimately boosting their productivity to optimal levels.
Held from October 1 to 2, the conference resulted from a strategic partnership between the Public Service Department (JPA) and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
“The conference also benefited 15 Value Champion Officers (VCO) from various Ministries and Departments, appointed by JPA, who were able to exchange views and experiences to sustain the culture of noble values in public service,” said Director-General of Public Service (KPPA), Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, speaking at ICOPW2024 at Hilton Hotel today (Oct1) emphasised the importance of the event.
“The organisation of this conference also responds to the aspirations of Tan Sri Datuk Seri, Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN), regarding the ‘Fun at Work Culture,’ a key component of Reform Strategy 4 (SKR 4), outlined in the Public Service Reform Agenda 2024-2030. JPA is currently developing the ‘Public Service Fun at Work Culture Guideline,’ which is expected to be launched in November 2024,” he added.
He also highlighted the role of this annual conference in empowering the public service sector by leveraging psychology to enhance work performance in good environments.
“The mental well-being approach not only boosts performance but also fosters a culture of innovation in service delivery,” he said.
He further revealed insights from the Public Service Officers’ Psychological Health Digital Profiling System (MyPsyD), implemented between March 1 and September 2024.
“Over 40,000 civil servants were identified as being at high risk of psychological health issues, requiring immediate intervention to prevent the development of mental disorders. This conference is expected to address current needs in intervention, prevention, rehabilitation, and research, ultimately shaping a better mental health landscape,” he said.
For the record, this conference gathered 200 psychology experts from Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Myanmar, to discuss and share insights on promoting well-being in public service.
In celebration of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the collaboration between JPA and UNIMAS underscores the importance of consistent mental health development through ongoing education.
“This effort will promote practical emotional support, helping to translate work-life balance into a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle for public servants,” he said.
