The CIFA Regional Symposium 2026 will debut in Malaysia amid rising mental health concerns across the region, driving calls for coordinated action and stronger support systems.
KUCHING: Malaysia will host the Consortium of Institutes on Family in the Asian Region (CIFA) Regional Symposium for the first time this November, as concerns grow over rising mental health challenges across the region.
The CIFA Regional Symposium 2026 will take place from Nov 18 to 20 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, bringing together more than 500 delegates from across the Asia Pacific.
The event comes amid increasing pressure on families, with rising cases of anxiety, loneliness and digital dependency among young people reported across Southeast Asia.
In Malaysia, mental health concerns have also intensified. Official data shows that suicide cases rose to more than 1,000 in recent years, reflecting a broader need for early intervention, stronger support systems and reduced stigma around mental wellbeing.
CIFA platform to drive regional action
Co-organised by the National Coalition for Mental Wellbeing (NCMW) Malaysia and CIFA Hong Kong, the symposium aims to move beyond awareness towards practical, coordinated solutions.
Held under the theme “Building Bridges: Mental Health and Resilience Across Generations in the AI Era”, discussions will focus on strengthening resilience among children, adolescents and parents in an increasingly digital environment.
Key areas include improving access to affordable mental health services, expanding community-based support, and exploring financial assistance mechanisms, insurance coverage and workplace protections.
Kuching chosen as host city
Kuching’s selection underscores Sarawak’s growing role as a hub for business events that prioritise long-term social impact alongside economic value.
Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said hosting the CIFA symposium reflects the city’s commitment to inclusive development and community wellbeing.
“Addressing mental health stigma and strengthening suicide prevention must remain key priorities through education, open dialogue and compassionate community responses,” he said.
Call for multi-stakeholder collaboration
CIFA Regional Symposium 2026 co-chair Siti Subaidah Mustaffa said meaningful progress will require collaboration across sectors.
“Policymakers, researchers, corporate partners and communities must work together to shape policies, invest in mental health and create environments where families are supported to build resilience,” she said.
Turning dialogue into real outcomes
Business Events Sarawak acting chief executive officer Jason Tan Chin Foo said the symposium highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing mental health and family-related challenges.
He noted that Sarawak offers a platform where discussions can be translated into actionable outcomes aligned with broader development priorities, including social wellbeing and human capital development.
Focus on resilience in a digital era
At the soft launch, speakers highlighted how resilience is shaped by early life experiences and parental influence, as well as the growing impact of digital platforms on emotional wellbeing.
They noted that while technology presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for support and connection, underscoring the need to bridge generational gaps in communication and coping strategies.
The CIFA Regional Symposium 2026 is part of a series of regional engagements and biennial Asian Family Summits, with additional pre-event programmes planned ahead of November. – NMH
Datin Hasnah is the co-founder and CEO of New Malaysia Herald based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
With an extensive background in mass communication and journalism, she works on building up New Malaysia Herald and it’s partner sites. A tireless and passionate evangalist, she champions autism studies and support groups.
Datin Hasnah is also the Editor in Chief of New Malaysia Herald.
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