Mental health awareness is a cause close to every Allstar’s heart, and we’re always up for the chance to advocate for its importance and spread awareness ‒ and yesterday was a testament to that. In conjunction with the World Mental Health Day, AirAsia joined forces with our national broadcaster RTM for a CSR initiative dedicated to highlighting this aspect of health and wellbeing, often overlooked and dismissed.

Aptly named “Care For You”, this CSR programme was aimed at promoting mental well-being and enhanced psychological wellness whilst raising awareness about the importance of intervention for special-needs children, especially those on the spectrum. Comprising physical activity, carnival-style booths, clowns and play time with an exotic 6-foot python ‒ the event was nothing short of interesting and fun for all!

The day started off with a specially-curated ‘fun run’ for 70 special-needs children, their caretakers and volunteers, and was officiated by YB Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications and Digital. Also in attendance was the Deputy Minister and Secretary General of the Ministry of Communications and Digital, as well as other government agencies. From AirAsia, Riad Asmat, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia represented Allstars and joining in the fun were 10 of our very own Cabin Crew and pilots, decked in full uniform to support the cause!

The children, in awe of seeing our friendly crew and pilots in the flesh, were only too eager to start the run hand-in-hand with our awesome Allstars. Once YB Fahmi officiated the flag-off ‒ the march to the finish line began! Our team of Allstars, led by Riad, together with hundreds of other participants made their way to the end of the line with the beaming children in tow.

To further commemorate the Allstar spirit, AirAsia’s Santan catered 1,500 meals for breakfast, lunch and tea for all the participants and needless to say, it was a big hit! From pre-run kid-friendly snacks to Santan's signature Nasi Lemak, the piping hot meals were thoroughly enjoyed by all, and served as a wholesome nourishment pre and post run.

In RedQ, AirAsia headquarters, Allstars celebrated the significant week for mental health awareness with an ‘emotional fitness’ workshop where attendees were educated on ways to boost their performance through emotional regulation, foster meaningful relationships at work, and navigate the challenges of energy decline, in addition to a counselling session ‒ facilitated by Dr Priya Rajan, Clinical Psychologist at Naluri.

All in all, it has been a well deserved heartwarming and emotional, yet fulfilling week for AirAsia. Our participation was a genuine commitment to making the world a better place for all of us which is what the brand is about. This serves as a testament that a little care, a helping hand and a warm meal can go a long way in brightening someone's day and nourishing not only their bodies but their hearts and souls too.

A special thanks goes out to RTM for allowing us to be a part of this truly meaningful event and to our integral working team ‒ Riad Asmat, our pilots and crew for making the day extra special for the children. As we commemorate 31 years since World Mental Health Day was incepted, let us take the time to advocate against social stigma and reinforce the importance of mental wellbeing. Peace and love to all our guests around the world.

AirAsia honours World Mental Health Week with a cause close to heart