EJAsia launches internationally accredited psychosocial wellbeing OSH certification
December 23, 2025
(Sixth from left) Adjunct Professor Dr Sangeeta Kaur with (centre) Dr Nurashikin Ibrahim, Director of NCEMH; Dato’ Dr Abdul Halim, President of PERKAMA International; Dato’ (Dr) Kanagaraja Raman, President of MOSHPA; and (first from left) Justin Victor, Chairman of The Befrienders KL, together with CelcomDigi employees who were awarded PW-OSH Level 1 certificates for successfully completing the program.
Emerging Journey Asia (EJAsia) has officially launched the Professional Certification in Psychosocial Wellbeing on Occupational Safety and Health (PW-OSH), a proprietary program internationally accredited by the Institute of Training and Occupational Learning (ITOL), United Kingdom. The launch took place in conjunction with the Mental Health Experiential Conference (MHEC) 3.0, marking a significant step forward in structured, competency-based psychosocial training.
The certification reflects the growing global recognition of psychosocial wellbeing as an integral component of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), equipping organizations with practical skills to manage psychosocial risks and provide meaningful workplace support. CelcomDigi recognized as pioneer organization During the conference, CelcomDigi employees were awarded PW-OSH Level 1 certificates, making the organization the first to successfully complete the program. Held under the ASEAN Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025, the two-day conference was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health (NCEMH), Persatuan Kaunseling Malaysia (PERKAMA), and the Malaysian Occupational Safety and Health Practitioners’ Association (MOSHPA) as NGO partners. The event brought together speakers and delegates from across ASEAN to advance OSH through a psychosocial wellbeing lens. Driving ASEAN human capital through mental health Themed “Advancing Psychosocial Wellbeing for Occupational Safety and Health Across ASEAN”, MHEC 3.0 featured thought-provoking panel discussions addressing mental health as a key driver of human capital excellence across borders. Key discussions explored the intersection of money, mental health and fair work, alongside sessions on workplace relationships, mental–physical health connections, scamming risks, psychological safety, and expressive art-based wellbeing activities. Bridging the skills gap in organizations Calling on delegates to translate conference learnings into workplace action, Adjunct Professor Dr Sangeeta Kaur, Organizing Chairperson of MHEC 3.0, highlighted the urgent need for structured training. “Many organizations are learning that psychosocial wellbeing matters, but lack the structured training to act on it,” she said. “PW-OSH, with its international accreditation from ITOL UK and strong competency-focused design, was developed to fill this skills gap.” She added that psychosocial wellbeing goes beyond policy frameworks. “Psychosocial wellbeing is the heartbeat of our shared humanity. When we nurture our minds and support each other, we create spaces where people can grow, heal, and thrive.” A long journey toward mental health awareness MHEC 3.0 marks the third instalment of the conference series, following earlier gatherings in 2019 and 2023. Reflecting on the journey, Dr Sangeeta noted that conversations around mental health were limited before the COVID-19 pandemic. “Before COVID, mental health was rarely discussed. Organizations and individuals didn’t realise that when mental and emotional strength is compromised, it affects work performance and every other aspect of life — not just the workplace.” Since 2011, Emerging Journey Asia has championed psychosocial wellbeing and personality assessment, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity and creating psychologically safe workplaces led by empathetic leadership. Alarming workplace mental health statistics Recent data from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) indicates that nearly 50% of workplace accidents are linked to mental health factors, based on 2023 reports from DOSH. Meanwhile, findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) reveal that approximately 4.6% of Malaysia’s adult population experiences depressive symptoms, underscoring the widespread impact of mental health challenges. Stress, burnout and the need for proper intervention National studies show that 53% of working Malaysians experience high work-related stress, with two in three employees reporting burnout. Common stressors include heavy workloads, management pressure, long working hours, job insecurity and financial concerns. Dr Sangeeta cautioned against stigma and self-diagnosis. “Mental health exists on a spectrum. We must stop judging, stereotyping and overusing labels. Proper diagnosis should always come from licensed counsellors, doctors, clinical psychologists or psychiatrists — not self-diagnosis or internet searches.” PRISMA guidelines and the way forward In response to these challenges, DOSH Malaysia introduced the Comprehensive Guidelines on Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Management at the Workplace 2024 (PRISMA). The guidelines provide a structured framework for employers to identify, assess and manage psychosocial risks, promoting healthier and safer working environments. “Every organization, regardless of size, should have at least one trained individual with the competency to address mental health challenges at work,” Dr Sangeeta emphasized — reinforcing the relevance of programs such as PW-OSH in building resilient workplaces. |
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