UNDIP, Semarang (July 21, 2025) – The online session of the 7th Psychology International Summer Community Engagement and Visit to Cultural Heritage (PSYCHE) 2025, organized by the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Diponegoro, successfully ran from July 1–21, 2025. The program, themed “Cultural Wisdom and Digital Innovation for Mental Health,” drew participation from students representing 10 countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, China (including Hong Kong), Burundi, the Czech Republic, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
Over three weeks, participants engaged in both synchronous and asynchronous activities that combined cultural and technological approaches to promote mental health. Dr. Elizabeth Drame of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (USA) opened the academic series with a session on “Identity, Intersectionality, and Inclusion,” emphasizing the importance of recognizing diverse identities in mental health services. Norhendra Ardhanaputra, S.Psi., M.Psi. from the KPI Institute, explored the “Application of VR and AR Technologies in Psychological Therapy.”
From UNDIP, YF La Kahija, S.Psi., M.Sc., presented “Transpersonal Approach to Understanding Local Cultural Wisdom for Mental Well-being.” Meanwhile, Dr. Kartika Sari Dewi, S.Psi., M.Psi., and Fika Nadia Tirta Maharani, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psikolog, jointly discussed how digital innovations are helping address global mental health challenges. A virtual tour of Semarang City was also featured as part of the program’s cultural immersion experience.
Participants also engaged in reflective activities, including ethics journaling, guided experiments, digital platform evaluations, and the social media challenge #MentalHealthFromMyCulture. Each week concluded with a Weekly Champion & Recap session to celebrate the top contributors.
This virtual program not only expanded access to cross-border learning but also fostered international collaboration and intercultural understanding around global mental health issues. The diversity of participants made PSYCHE 2025 an inclusive, interactive, and inspiring platform for the next generation of changemakers worldwide. (Public Communication/ UNDIP/ Faculty of Psychology)