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In a significant collaboration, the Hong Kong Association for the Promotion of Mental Health (HKAPMH), the Department of Social Work, and the Social Work Practice and Mental Health Centre (SWPMHC) at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) jointly organized and supported the “Connect to Wellness: Mental Health & Exercise Promotion Day 2025” event on 12 October 2025 at Hong Kong Baptist University. The event was graced by the Guest of Honour, Dr. Ko Wing-man, GBS, JP, Former Secretary for Food and Health, who delivered the opening remarks, alongside Dr. Chan Chung-mau, Chairman of HKAPMH, and Prof. Hung Suet-lin, Chair of the Department of Social Work and Director of SWPMHC at HKBU.

To mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October, the morning symposium focused on raising public awareness about mental health issues and emphasized the critical role of physical exercise in promoting psychological well-being. Four esteemed keynote speakers provided valuable insights from various fields, including medical, social work, sports, and health sciences, as well as the athlete's perspective. The speakers included Dr. Chan Chung-mau, Psychiatrist and Chairman of HKAPMH; Prof. Alex Chan, Assistant Professor at the Department of Social Work, HKBU; Prof. Ada Fung, Department of Sport and Health Sciences, HKBU; and Ms. Cadee Chak, an athlete from the Hong Kong China Bodybuilding and Fitness Association. Their presentations covered vital topics such as mental health awareness, associated risk factors, and strategies for promoting both physical and psychological well-being through sports.

The event also garnered support from Chair Prof. Daniel Lai, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) at HKBU, who represented FASS and expressed his full support for the initiative. Additionally, the event provided a platform for networking, connecting various collaborators from universities and NGOs who attended and actively participated in the discussions.

In the afternoon and evening, participants had the opportunity to engage in activities designed to further promote mental health and relaxation. Highlights included a Film Screening & Workshops, Photo Therapy Workshop, a Mindfulness and Relaxation Workshop, and an exciting Friendly Football Match between the HKAPMH Vitality Football Team and the TNE Fomo Football Club Team. These activities brought the day’s focus on wellness to life through both education and physical engagement. This event not only raised awareness but also fostered ongoing collaboration in mental health promotion, mobilizing efforts in support of mental health care.