As 2025 comes to a close, I pause with gratitude.
This year has been full—of learning, building, and quiet courage. Through the Wellness Champion Program focused on mental health work, Family United trainings, drug policy dialogues, ISSUP regional collaboration, INEP Plus training, and our Family Strengthening workshops, I’ve been reminded that change doesn’t always come loudly. It grows through people, trust, and consistency.
Working with students, families, teachers, policymakers, practitioners, and communities has strengthened one belief: when we invest in people, resilience follows. Whether in classrooms, meeting rooms, training spaces, or in halls filled with families, hope shows up when people feel seen, supported, and empowered.
This year also asked important questions about sustainability—how we continue doing meaningful work with limited resources. We are learning to work smarter, build capacity, strengthen partnerships, and design programs that communities can carry forward. Sustainability is not just about funds; it’s about purpose, people, and pacing ourselves for the long journey.
There were challenges, yes—but there was also shine. Small wins. Honest conversations. Shared commitment.
As I look ahead, I do so with hope—not because the work is easy, but because the foundations are strong.
We continue.
Cindy Biding
Director, ISSUP Malaysia