INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON P.A.T.H.S. PROGRAM IN FOSTERING POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN MALAYSIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

12 March 2025 - The International Seminar on the P.A.T.H.S. Program in Fostering Positive Youth Development in Malaysian Secondary Schools, a collaborative initiative between the School of Educational Studies at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the Department of Applied Social Sciences at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), was held at Universiti Sains Malaysia. This seminar celebrated the successful implementation of the Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programs (P.A.T.H.S.) in Malaysia and provided a platform for discussing best practices, strategies, and innovative approaches to adolescent well-being.

 The seminar was officiated by Professor Dr. Azlan Amran, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Industry and Community Network at USM. Professor Daniel Tan Lei Shek, representing PolyU, along with four other delegates, contributed international expertise and insights to the discussions on holistic adolescent development. Professor Hairul Nizam Ismail, representing the Dean of the School of Educational Studies at USM, and Madam Norzila binti Md Dali, representing the Penang State Education Department, also attended the event.

 In his keynote address, Professor Daniel Tan Lei Shek emphasized the growing need for youth-focused interventions, noting that positive youth development programs in Asia remain limited. He highlighted the P.A.T.H.S. program, which incorporates 15 positive youth development constructs, as a proven intervention. Participants in the program have shown lower rates of delinquency, smoking, substance abuse, and other issues, demonstrating its effectiveness in protecting young people from problematic behaviors. The program’s impact has been validated through multi-method evaluations, including quasi-experimental studies, further solidifying its credibility as a transformative initiative for adolescent development.

Dr. Wong Yim Chan, the first plenary speaker, addressed the concerning findings of the Malaysian Youth Mental Health Index 2023, which revealed that one in six children faces mental health challenges. Among adolescents, one in four experiences depression, one in eight has suicidal thoughts, and one in ten has attempted suicide. These alarming trends highlight a growing mental health crisis among Malaysian youth. Dr. Wong stressed the importance of reducing the stigma surrounding mental health to effectively address these issues.

The second plenary speaker, Associate Professor Dr. Thien Lei Mee, shared insights from the implementation of the P.A.T.H.S. Program in 20 participating schools. She highlighted the positive feedback from both students and teachers, noting that the module content was engaging and well-aligned with students' needs. The program’s activities encouraged self-expression in a supportive and interactive environment. Teachers recommended integrating the module into the school curriculum, particularly within moral education or counselling sessions. Dr. Thien emphasized that long-term sustainability requires strong support from school leadership, staff, and comprehensive training for program implementers.

During the forum panel discussion, Prof Hairul Nizam Ismail, Dr. Chooi Weng Think, Dr. Mohamad Farris Iman Leong Abdullah, and Dr. Xiang Li shared their experiences and insights on the topic “Fostering Positive Youth Development: Challenges & Initiatives.”

A highlight of the seminar was the presentation of the Malaysia Green Project Management (GPM) 2024 Sustainability Award to PolyU, honoring the P.A.T.H.S. Program’s success in promoting sustainable strategies for positive youth development. The seminar launched two P.A.T.H.S. teaching modules (in Bahasa Melayu and Chinese) during a book launching ceremony, ensuring accessibility and promoting effective learning for teachers and students.

According to Professor Daniel Tan Lei Shek, the collaborative efforts of USM, PolyU, participating schools, and educational authorities highlight the importance of cross-border partnerships in advancing adolescent well-being. Through ongoing research, dialogue, and practical implementation of the P.A.T.H.S. curriculum, the program aims to equip future generations with resilience, optimism, and the skills needed to thrive in all aspects of life.

The afternoon sharing sessions provided Malaysian and international scholars with opportunities to exchange best practices, drawing on case studies from China, Malaysia, and beyond. These open discussions laid the groundwork for further collaboration and the continuous improvement of youth-focused interventions.

The Seminar Coordinator, Associate Professor Dr. Thien Lei Mee expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants and funder for their contributions. By working together, stakeholders from state education departments, higher education institutions, and the broader community can create environments that nurture adolescents’ potential, ensuring they grow into conscientious and capable contributors to society.