ISSUP Malaysia

20/08/2026

Strengthening Collaboration in Addiction Science and Care

ISSUP Malaysia recently met with Assoc. Prof. Dr Fairrul Bin Masnah @ Kadir, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, together with members of the Faculty leadership.

The discussion explored potential collaboration in evidence-based prevention, early intervention, treatment, recovery support, professional training, research and community engagement. It also highlighted the value of bringing together medicine, family medicine, psychiatry, psychology, social work and community-based services to strengthen responses to substance-use concerns in Sabah and the wider Borneo region.

Beyond the proposed ISSUP Borneo Conference 2028, the meeting opened possibilities for a longer-term UMS–ISSUP Malaysia partnership to build knowledge, strengthen the addiction workforce and support healthier communities.

Our sincere appreciation to Assoc. Prof. Dr Fairrul and the Faculty leadership for their warm welcome and encouraging support.

19/08/2026

Building Momentum towards ISSUP Borneo Conference 2028

ISSUP Malaysia recently held highly productive discussions with academic and clinical leaders at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) towards the proposed ISSUP Borneo Conference 2028 in Kota Kinabalu.

The visit brought together expertise from Medicine and Health Sciences, Family Medicine, Psychiatry, Psychology and Social Work—creating a strong multidisciplinary foundation for a conference with regional relevance and lasting impact.

Exciting ideas emerging from the discussions included:
🔹 A “Road to ISSUP Borneo 2028” series of webinars, podcasts and smaller professional events
🔹 A pre-conference capacity-building workshop for school counsellors as a contribution to the host community
🔹 International outreach through the professional networks of UMS academics and ISSUP members
🔹 Participation by postgraduate students as conference associates and undergraduates as conference volunteers
🔹 Potential collaboration on interventions addressing alcohol-related problems
🔹 The inaugural Asia-Pacific Excellence in Drug Demand Reduction Awards & Gala, recognising outstanding individuals and organisations across the region

We extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Mohd Nazri Mohd Daud, Head of Family Medicine, for coordinating the visit and to the leadership and academics of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Faculty of Psychology and Social Work for their warm welcome, thoughtful contributions and enthusiasm.

This emerging partnership reflects our shared aspiration to make ISSUP Borneo 2028 more than a conference: a regional process of learning, connection, capacity-building and recognition for the drug demand reduction workforce.

22/07/2026

Don’t miss out! Register now using the link provided and secure your spot today.

Family United: Family-Based Prevention Training

We are excited to announce the Family United: Family-Based Prevention Training, conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with OAPTAR and ISSUP Malaysia supported by Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development.

If you are passionate about implementing Family Based Prevention Program, join us in this 3 day training on Family UNited by UNODC.

📅 Date: 25 - 27 August 2026
📍 Venue: Serapi Hotel, Kuching Sarawak.
💰 Fee: RM380.00
For any enquiries, please contact us at: +60122411288

🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/FprAKnjXS1q1mmc88

🗓️ Registration Deadline: 15 August 2026

Please note that the fee already includes trainers, the training package (materials, lunch and two tea breaks) and supplementary items. Also, kindly note that accommodation, flights, and visas are at your own expense. Thank you ☺️

13/07/2026

Building Resilient Schools Through Social and Emotional Learning

ISSUP Malaysia is pleased to support the implementation of the Wellness Champion Program (WCP) in Lawas, Sarawak, bringing together students from four secondary schools for an engaging Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) workshop.

The programme focused on strengthening self-awareness, emotional regulation, positive decision-making, stress management and resilience through interactive, experiential learning.

A special appreciation to the Lawas District Education Office (PPD Lawas), Yayasan MySDG, and the dedicated school counsellors whose leadership, commitment and creativity made today's programme a success.

One of the most encouraging outcomes was witnessing the strong ownership demonstrated by the counsellors, who confidently facilitated the sessions and continue to strengthen local capacity for sustainable school-based prevention initiatives.

Sustainable prevention begins by empowering local professionals and communities to lead.

23/05/2026

Connection Before Correction.

Tonight, ISSUP Malaysia in collaboration with the Asian Recovery Network (ARN) and Serenity in the Steps successfully conducted a meaningful webinar on “Trauma-Informed Parenting: Connection Before Correction.”

The session explored how trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), emotional pain, and stress can shape behaviour — not only in children, but across families and generations.

One important reminder from tonight’s discussion:
👉 Behind difficult behaviour, there is often an unmet emotional need, hurt, fear, or unresolved trauma.

The webinar highlighted key components of trauma-informed care:
✨ Creating safe environments
✨ Building trust and connectedness
✨ Supporting emotional regulation
✨ Responding with compassion instead of punishment

We are grateful to all participants, speakers, moderators, and partners who joined us in this important conversation on strengthening families, healing relationships, and building resilient communities.

Because healing often begins not with correction… but with connection. 💜

06/05/2026

Come and join us for an insightful knowledge sharing - a collaborative effort of ISSUP Malaysia, Serenity in the Steps and ARN

📌 Trauma-Informed Parenting: Connection Before Corrections
🗓️ Friday, 22 May 2026
⏰ 8:00 PM (Malaysia Time)
Meeting ID: 998 5738 1268
Passcode: 667196
Link: Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/99857381268?pwd=jqS8jJVOylvbBvqdhpvhgkTxPbGS0k.1

This knowledge sharing session will explore how trauma impacts a child’s brain and how caregivers can respond with empathy, safety, and skill‑building.

✨ Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community member, this is a chance to gain insights that empower families and heal hearts.

👉 Save the date, invite your friends and we look forward to seeing you there!

23/04/2026

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to share an interesting podcast from ISSUP – The ISSUP Exchange.

The 5th episode features Ashwin Thind, a Clinical Psychologist and International Certified Addiction Professional (ICAP II), who shares insights on substance use, behavioural addictions, and trauma-related mental health.

It’s a very informative session, especially for those interested in prevention and recovery work.

🎧 Listen here: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6f99008d-045f-4a07-b06a-512da8531413

22/04/2026

Community Engagement in Action

Recently, an ISSUP Malaysia member, Dr. Mohd. Nazri participated in a community programme in Tambuluran Village, Kudat, focusing on health, smoking, and alcohol education.

The programme brought together medical students, healthcare professionals, and the local community through health screenings, dialogue session, and educational booths on prevention.

The strong community response reflects the importance of continued collaboration in promoting health awareness and building healthier, more resilient communities.