Reflecting its commitment to building a more comprehensive student well-being ecosystem, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) recently brought together 200 students from 20 public universities nationwide for a three-day convention that employed psychological, artistic, and nature-based approaches as mediums for well-being support.

The I-PEERS Convention 2026: Healing with Nature was held from 17 to 19 September at UMT and Bidong Island.

“Student well-being encompasses not only academic aspects but also emotional health, social relationships, environment, and their capacity to seek support when facing challenges,” said UMT Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Dr. Mohd Izani Mohd Zain.

Throughout the three-day event, participants engaged in various activities, including an Innovation Competition for Peer Student Leaders (PRS) and Psychological Officers, alongside creative therapy workshops utilizing the R.E.S.T. Art Therapy Module, AD-HTP, Green Sustainability (Lestari Hijau), and Sand Therapy, combining helping skills with art and nature-based approaches. These sessions were conducted by UMT experts.

The convention also featured the presentation of the Healing with Nature Icon Award, recognizing individuals who demonstrated outstanding commitment and contributions in promoting well-being approaches centered on the relationship between human beings and nature.

The recipient of the Healing with Nature Icon Award, Redzmin Bin Mohamed from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), said that the recognition serves as a motivation to continuously champion well-being approaches that connect emotional health with the natural environment.

“I view this recognition not merely as a personal achievement, but as a trust to continue spreading awareness that nature can be an integral part of our journey in building peace of mind, inner strength, and overall well-being,” he said.

The Healing with Nature Pocket Module was also launched during the event as a symbol of the participants’ commitment toward reinforcing student well-being agendas and psychosocial support approaches in higher education institutions.

The convention also served as a platform to empower the role of Peer Student Leaders (PRS) in establishing more effective peer support networks across higher education institutions.

by Nur Fadhilah Malek, Student Affairs and Alumni