Malaysia unveils virtual counselor to support students' mental health

By VNA June 17, 2025 | 03:00 pm PT

A student wearing a protective mask looks out from a classroom in Kuala Lumpur, as Malaysian schools begin a phased reopening in March, 2021 after a period of Covid-19 lockdown. Photo by Reuters

Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has unveiled a virtual counselor capable of interacting with individuals facing mental health challenges, known as AI Menyantuni Insan (AIMI).

The AIMI was introduced for the first time at the Perak Madani Rakyat Programme 2025 held at Lumut Waterfront, Perak, on June 15.

Higher Education Director-General Prof Datuk Dr Azlinda Azman said that AIMI is developed to support healthcare system to address mental health issues, particularly among students in higher learning institutions.

This virtual assistant is still in the testing phase.

Unveiling the AIMI is considered an innovative approach of Malaysia to tackling stress, anxiety and depression among students in tertiary education.

There are three million people in the country suffering from mental health issues, but it only has 18,000 certified counselors.

When someone is experiencing stress, anxiety or depression, AIMI, portrayed as a 'woman' with the ability to speak in both Malay and English, can act as a frontliner for them to express their emotions by communicating and interacting through the AI developed, she said.

At Perak PMR 2025, MOHE showcased the AIMI prototype to the public for testing and to gather feedback on any needs or features to be improved before its expected launch at the Festival of Ideas in Putrajaya this November.