MHAHK’s 70th Anniversary Symposium on Mental Health a great success

The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong (MHAHK) organized the 70th Anniversary Symposium on Mental Health at Charles K. Kao Auditorium, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin on 4-6 December 2024. With the theme “Flourishing Mental Wellness Across The Life Span”, the event attracted over 400 international and local professionals in the mental health field to explore mental health and well-being across all stages of life.

We were honoured to have Mr. Sun Yuk Han, Chris, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare, and Prof. Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, SBS, JP, Vice-Chancellor and President Designate, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, as our Officiating Guests for the opening session. The 3-day Symposium encompassed 4 sessions with sub-themes on: Youth Mental Health, Adult Mental Health, Mental Health of Old Age and Mental Wellness in Caregiving. Over 20 renowned mental health experts from both abroad and locally delivered their lectures, including Prof. Dinesh Bhugra, CBE from King’s College London, Prof. Mike Slade from University of Nottingham, UK, Prof. Patrick McGorry and Prof. Nicola Lautenschlager from University of Melbourne, as well as  speakers from Singapore, Beijing, Macau and Hong Kong. Additionally, the event featured sharing sessions from family members of service users and former leaders from the social rehabilitation services sector. We extended our sincere gratitude to all the speakers for their fruitful and insightful presentations, which provided participants with valuable inspiration and practical knowledge. The interactive discussion sessions further facilitated valuable exchange among all participants.

We also appreciated the invigorating lion dance performance by the service users of Hong Ping Hostel, the excerpt from the musical “Tsing Tin Playground” by the Lei Cheng Uk House, the delightful chamber music performance by Ms. Wendy Chiu & Ms. Jasmine Shek, and the live performance of our 70th Anniversary theme song, “This Too Shall Pass”, by singer Mr. Leung Chiu Fung.  All performances added an artistic touch to the academic exchange, providing participants with a multi-faceted and enriching experience.

A total of 13 research poster presentations were displayed outside the Auditorium, offering participants with more dimensions to explore in mental health development.  Furthermore, the “HOPE” Art Exhibition was held in the atrium of the Science Park, showcasing artworks themed around “Happiness”, “Overcome”, “Prosperity”, and “Embrace”, sharing the ups and downs of life with participants. 

For more details, please visit the symposium website: https://70th.mhahk.org.hk/symposium