- High demand: Mental health now tops health concerns in Singapore, surpassing cancer and COVID-19.
- New regional hub: MHIN Asia Hub, based in Singapore, aims to share innovative resources and ideas to promote mental health support across Asia.
SINGAPORE, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a significant leap forward for mental health care, the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, in partnership with the Mental Health Innovation Network (MHIN), has unveiled the MHIN Asia Hub. This groundbreaking event, a key highlight of the inaugural Global Mental Health in Asia Symposium, marks a critical step in addressing mental health challenges in the continent.
The Launch of the MHIN Asia Hub
The Global Mental Health in Asia Symposium, held from February 17 to 19 in Singapore, saw more than 15 global and regional health leaders convene to discuss and address mental health issues. Guest-of-Honour Dr Daniel Fung, CEO of Singapore’s Institute of Mental Health, opened the event, underscoring the urgency of the mental health crisis.
Expanding MHIN’s Reach to Asia
The Mental Health Innovation Network (MHIN), established in 2013 by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the World Health Organization (WHO), now expands its presence to Asia. This new MHIN Asia Hub, anchored by the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, aims to share resources and innovative ideas to bolster mental health support across Asia. Since its inception, the hub has attracted over 2,000 members.
“Mental health remains overlooked in many countries across Asia despite being home to over half the world’s population. The MHIN Asia Hub will foster regional collaboration, ensuring mental health solutions are relevant locally and receive the attention they deserve,” explained Dr Petra Gronholm, MHIN Principal Investigator and Assistant Professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
Mental Health Takes Center Stage in Singapore
According to the 2023 Ipsos Global Health Service Monitor, mental health is now the top health concern in Singapore and 30 other countries, surpassing cancer and COVID-19. Public concern in Singapore alone rose from 41% in 2021 to 46% in 2023.
In response to this growing concern, the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute has established a Global Mental Health Programme. This initiative focuses on driving progress through awareness, system strengthening, and providing thought leadership.
“The launch of the MHIN Asia Hub underscores our commitment to leading discussions and innovations in global health. It’s about transforming insights into actionable steps that address the diverse needs of Asia’s social, economic, and cultural landscape,” noted Professor London Lucien Ooi, Director of the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute.
A Symposium Focused on Substance and Scope
The three-day symposium serves not just as a launch event but also as a platform for in-depth discussions on pressing issues such as the impact of climate change on mental health. Workshops and site visits provide delegates with practical insights into the region’s mental health landscape, fostering deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities.
The symposium boasts a high level of support, partnership, and engagement, with backing from entities like The World Bank, Musim Mas, INSEAD, and the Bloom Wellbeing Fund, among others. Site visits are hosted by Singapore-based organizations such as the Institute of Mental Health, The Greenhouse, the National Gallery, KKH Youth Mental Health Services, and others.
The symposium’s success, marked by early sell-out and high engagement levels, has cemented its status as an annual cornerstone event for mental health professionals and advocates across Asia.
Featuring over 70 speakers and 300 delegates from 25 countries, 92% of whom are from Asia, the symposium showcases a diverse panel of experts. Among them are Professor Vikram Patel, Paul Farmer Professor and Chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Professor Sameer Hasija, Dean of INSEAD’s Asia Campus. Delegates also include policymakers from countries such as Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Philippines, and Vietnam.
Additionally, more than 60 posters address a range
