The Knowledge Convention 2024 continued its focus on mental health with a seminar on ‘Mental Health and Religion’ at the International Convention Centre, Berakas yesterday.
Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman was the guest of honour.
Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Islam Selangor Professor Dr Mohd Farid Ravi bin Abdullah presented a paper on ‘Methods of Managing Mental Health Symptoms According to Al-Quran’.
He highlighted the factors contributing to the rise in mental health disorders and emphasised Islam’s promotion of mental balance through spirituality.
Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali’s Professor Nehaluddin Ahmed discussed the importance of integrating religious perspectives into mental health legislation in Brunei Darussalam.
He argued that a holistic approach encompassing religion, belief and transcendental orientation is essential for protecting the rights of mental health patients.
Special Duties Officer at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Muhammad Yussof bin Haji Abdul Majid presented a paper on ‘Development of Emotional Intelligence Through Embracing Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) Sunnah as the Basis of Mental Health Empowerment’.
He explored the psychospiritual approach of Islam in fostering emotional intelligence.
The seminar’s second session focused on ‘Mental Health and Science’, where Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah presided over the event.
Ministry of Health’s (MoH) Head of Clinical and Community Psychology Services Hani Haryana binti Haji Maidin presented a paper on ‘Emotional Regulation and Mental Health’, emphasising a holistic approach to managing emotions and promoting overall well-being.
MoH’s consultant psychiatrist at the Department of Psychiatry Dayangku Dr Raidah Hayati binti Pengiran Haji Mohamed discussed ‘Long Term Effects of Stress on Mental Health and How To Manage It’, during which she emphasised the importance of individualising stress management strategies and prioritising self-care.
Assistant professor at Universiti Brunei Darussalam Dr Deeni Rudita bin Idris exploring the ‘Stigma Against Health and Mental Illness Among Informal Caregivers for Psychiatric Patients in Brunei Darussalam’, highlighted the role of social media in raising awareness about mental health and improving healthcare-seeking behaviour.
Deputy Minister (Security and Law) at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Fiscal) Pengiran Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Zety Sufina binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani were also present. – Azlan Othman
