27th Public Service Psychology Conference Aims To Build Resilience In Civil Servants

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- The 27th Public Service Psychology Conference will be held from Sept 26 to 27 in Shah Alam, Selangor, aimed at building the resilience of civil servants in efforts to strengthen the civil service. 

Public Service Department (JPA) Psychology Management Service director Dr Abdul Jalil Hassan said resilience is the ability or capacity to keep going when something bad happens or when faced with challenges and difficulties in personal life or working environment.      

“This ability is an essential trait because civil servants constantly face challenges, pressure, and complex situations daily. 

“They are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the smooth running of the public service. In order to cultivate their resilience, their mental, emotional, and physical well-being must be attended to,” he told Bernama. 

Dr Abdul Jalil said the components that need to be focused on to build resilience among civil servants include mental health, training and education, physical health and fitness, work-life balance, stress management techniques as well as crisis intervention and debriefing, to prevent developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

“Building the resilience of civil servants is not meant for just their well-being but it is also beneficial for the community they serve,” he said. 

He said by attending to physical health, training, physical fitness, leadership, and balance, agencies can empower their officers to do their jobs better. 

“Officers who have resilience skills can handle challenges, make better decisions, and have a positive impact on public services,” he added. 

The conference, themed PRISMA - Professionalism, Integrity, Character, and Trust, will be held at the MBSA Convention Centre in Shah Alam.   

500 participants comprising psychology officers, human resource managers, and integrity officers from numerous ministries, departments, agencies, and Public Service Counselling Associates (Akrab) as well as academicians and university lecturers are expected to attend the conference.   

-- BERNAMA