PPSK’s SULAM Explorace Initiative Empowers Secondary School Students of SMK Tanjong Chat

KOTA BHARU, KELANTAN, 1 DECEMBER 2025 – The SULAM Programme of Explorace Emosi: Remaja Tenang, Minda Cemerlang was successfully conducted by the School of Health Sciences (PPSK), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tanjong Chat. This half-day programme, held from 8.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m., applied the Service Learning Malaysia – University for Society (SULAM) approach, in which PPSK students enrolled in the elective course GEG213 (Stress Management) served as facilitators, guiding 176 Form 2 and Form 3 students in understanding and practising a range of coping strategies.

The programme was coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Marwanis Anua, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Garry Kuan and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Geshina Ayu Mat Saat, together with other organising committees (Research Assistant, Internship student, Final Year Project and Postgraduate students). Teacher Naizatul Aissah Mahmood from the Guidance and Counselling Unit of SMK Tanjong Chat also contributed her support to the programme. The event was officiated by Tuan Haji Hafizi Mohd Saleh, Assistant Principal (Administration) of SMK Tanjong Chat.

A series of activities was conducted throughout the day, beginning with an energizing ice-breaking session, followed by a talk on Stress Management by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Garry Kuan, and an interactive quiz. The Explorace activities comprised four stations facilitated by the GEG213 students, including Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Progressive Muscular Relaxation, and Brain Break Exercises. The participants demonstrated eagerness and gratitude, having learned practical and enjoyable methods for coping with daily stress. The organisers hope that the coping strategies and skills gained during this programme will continue to benefit the students in both their academic and personal growth. Additionally, the programme enhanced skills in communication, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving. It also supported the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Good Health and Well-Being and Quality Education, creating a positive impact for both USM students and the community.