At Sunway University, staff and students are encouraged to get involved in a variety of community projects. They do this either via providing community information, research or through skill training workshops.

The following are some of the more recent projects that staff and students have recently been involved in:

• National Institute for Youth Development Research

  The National Institute for Youth Development Research was set up by the Minister of Youth and Sports to provide professional advice on youth issues. Ms Woo Pei Jun have been involved in the development of research projects on youth which has contributed towards policy for Youth Development in Malaysia. Current projects include projects that involve youth mental health, lifestyle and attitudes. The collaboration with many government think-tanks and ministries has made development of the projects possible.
   

• Parenting at Work, Ministry of Women, Family & Community Development

  The Ministry of Women, Family & Community Development has recently launched the Parenting at Work programme aiming to assist working parents with skills to manage a healthy lifestyle at work and at home. Ms Woo Pei Jun played an active role in the development of the training modules and together with Ms Elaine Yong, assisted in running some of these training programmes for ministry staff and the participant activity modules.
   

• Emmanuel Care Centre

  The Emmanuel Care Centre was set up to assist children with learning and developmental disabilities. Ms Woo Pei Jun has assisted with services in the centre through providing expert advice in diagnosis and rehabilitation for children. Some of our students have also had their internship placement at the centre.
   

• National Autism Society of Malaysia

  The National Autism Society of Malaysia is concerned with the services that are being provided for autistic children. These services include assessments and diagnosis, training in self-care skills, motor skills, speech and early intellectual development. Ms Woo Pei Jun assists in the society through her involvement as a consultant to the National Advisory Council.
   

• Amway One-By-One Campaign for Children

  The Amway One-By-One Campaign for children was set up in Malaysia to promote positive mental health amongst Malaysian children. The campaign includes parenting workshops, social skills training for children, parent-child interaction camps, and a series of mental health education articles in the English, Malay and Chinese newspapers. The staff and students of the Department of Psychology have been regularly involved in running this programme, with the support of Amway Malaysia.
   

• IT Shared Services

  Dr. Lin Mei-Hua and colleague conducted a survey to analyse the reasons for effective performance among employees, especially in terms of increasing motivation and lowering the turnover intentions. The survey was carried out with a sample of 60 employees on various organisational concepts and employees’ reaction and well-being. Concepts which affect turnover intentions, work motivation and job satisfaction were identified and a detailed report was prepared and presented to the Director of the organisation.
   

• Wellness Project

  Dr. Lin Mei-Hua and colleague were involved in a wellness intervention programme for employees of a hospitality organisation. The client is concerned by the high medical claims and increased level of job turnover among their employees, therefore, as consultants, Dr. Lin and colleague conducted a careful, thorough observation of the work setting and conducted focus groups. To follow is a survey to be administered to all employees. Based on the survey results, a suitable intervention programme will be recommended.
   

• Diversity Awareness Programme

  Dr. Alia Azalea and colleague conducted a Diversity Awareness Programme for a major pharmaceutical organisation. An assessment and training was conducted to address the issue of stereotyping and unconscious biasness among the employees of the organisation. Such programme will help the organisation to understand the possible process of their hiring decisions.
   

• ParenThots

  Ms. Woo Pei Jun is serving in the panel of experts for this online Star Publications to answer questions about community health problems, particularly on issues related to child and parenting issues.
   

• Minute Psychology

  Ms. Grace Yap is the founder and contributor for this virtual magazine that discusses current research in Psychology and issues related to Psychology, such as women’s issues, self-help and family issues.
   

• United Daily News

  Ms. Grace Yap is a contributor for this East Malaysian Mandarin newspaper. Her articles revolve around current events related to Psychology, such as suicide, grieving process, and Post-traumatic stress disorder.
   

• Pitter Patter

  Ms. Elaine Yong is a contributor for this online column that discusses issues related to parenting.