GEORGE TOWN: Fifty school counselling teachers in Penang will undergo training to better support students’ mental health and understand the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) under a new pilot programme.
The initiative will kick off with a workshop covering mental health awareness, AI literacy and practical guidance strategies for educators.
State health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said children today face challenges that many adults never experienced.
“There is academic pressure, social expectations, cyberbullying, digital influence and the rapid emergence of AI.
“All of these have become part of their everyday lives. That is why trusted adults who can Ârecognise when something is wrong and schools where students feel safe seeking help, are so important,” he said.
Gooi spoke to reporters before witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the 88 Captains Charity Association, Penang Care Society (PgCare) and the Intangible Asset Commercialisation and Strategy Association (IACSA) at Komtar yesterday.
He noted that the programme brings together schools, healthcare workers, parents and community groups.
The state Education Department will help identify participating schools, while the Institute of Teacher Education (Penang Campus) will train educators to spot and address student mental health issues.
PgCare will coordinate community mental health support, while IACSA handles AI awareness initiatives for teachers, students and parents with backing from 88 Captains and healthcare experts.
Gooi said the programme supported the aims of the Anti-Bullying Act 2026 by encouraging early intervention and creating safer schools.
IACSA founding president Prof Patricia Chung said teacher training and related programmes were expected to begin in the coming months.
“We want to help children build better communication skills and learn to make good decisions.
“As educators and community leaders, we can guide them and help them become emotionally resilient,” she said.
88 Captains chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ooi Eng Hock said the Âcollaboration was intended to build long-term support for schools.
