Independent (Constance Luk)

Since 2019, I have dedicated myself to championing mental health as a community leader, amplifying voices of silent warriors through art therapy. My work spans across education, substance use awareness, and the use of creative mediums like art therapy to promote emotional well-being. This journey led to the founding of People’s Health & Emotional Wellbeing—PHEW!, a registered mental health support group in Malaysia. At its heart, PHEW! aims to foster safe and accepting spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. Our mission is grounded in promoting awareness, breaking down stigma, and cultivating resilience through educational workshops and therapeutic art programs. My leadership journey has extended beyond Malaysia, with impact reaching regional and international platforms. As a Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) U.S. exchange fellow, Chair of the YSEALI association, and a certified mentor under The King’s Trust Foundation, I’ve had the opportunity to facilitate youth empowerment programs and mentorships. In recognition of my work, I was honored as a finalist in the 2024 Women of the Future Southeast Asia Awards, under the Community Spirit and Public Service category. In 2023, I was appointed to the Youth Advisory Board at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), becoming the first representative from Southeast Asia since the board’s inception. This position has enabled me to amplify youth voices from the region on global human rights platforms, with mental health as a key focus area. Through PHEW!'s initiatives like “PHEW! What a Relief” and “Before It’s Too Late,” I have conducted mental health workshops in schools and workplaces across Malaysia. These programs reached 594 participants directly, offering deep engagement and measurable results. Participants’ understanding of mental health and substance abuse improved significantly—from 27% pre-workshop to 79% post-workshop. I also became a certified King’s Trust mentor to support a 15-year-old youth through mental health challenges—an experience that reaffirmed the value of compassionate mentorship. To commemorate World Mental Health Day 2023, I collaborated with the Penang community to create a public mural titled “It’s OK to Not Be OK.” This initiative not only involved over 100 community handprints in its design but also received support from the Penang Chief Minister, U.S. Embassy representatives, and other local officials. The mural stands as Penang’s first public artwork dedicated to mental health awareness, reinforcing a collective message of empathy and belonging. In 2024, I expanded our outreach by distributing mental health sticker kits to schools and communities in six Malaysian states. My advocacy centers on listening to unspoken struggles, uplifting personal stories, and redefining youth perspectives on self-love and vulnerability. To continue this mission, I am developing an illustrated children’s book series that explores mental health and purpose discovery. Through storytelling and education, I hope to reach younger generations and build a legacy rooted in compassion, creativity, and social connection. Ultimately, I envision a future surrounded by communities empowered through art and awareness, with every initiative acting as a beacon of light for those navigating their mental health journeys.