/ntu-staff-and-faculty-trained-in-psychological-first-aid.jpg?sfvrsn=7a1d5f9a_1)
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has achieved a national milestone for the largest number of people trained in Psychological First Aid (PFA) within two months.
A total of 232 students and staff were involved in the record-setting initiative, as part of World Mental Health Day celebrations.
The achievement was officially recognised by the Singapore Book of Records, at a ceremony attended by Mr Ong Eng Huat, President, Singapore Book of Records and Guests-of-Honours, Prof Christian Wolfrum, Provost and Deputy President, NTU Singapore and Prof Lee Cheng, Chair, Singapore Red Cross Academy Advisory Panel, on Thursday (23 October 2025).
PFA equips participants with practical skills to provide empathetic and supportive assistance to those in distress. Much like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or first aid for physical health, PFA empowers ordinary community members to provide immediate psychological support as a first response, before specialised help is available.
AI-powered training through customised app
To build a more caring and resilient campus community, NTU's University Wellbeing Office launched the "Be a PFA Champion" campaign in August 2025.
Over two months, students and staff were encouraged to sign up for PFA training through a digital mobile learning app. NTU is the first Institute of Higher Learning in Singapore to use an app to deliver PFA training.
Developed in partnership with the Singapore Red Cross, the app taps on AI-powered simulations for learners to practise PFA skills at their own pace.
Unlike traditional e-learning, which mainly focuses on knowledge transfer, the app builds learners' confidence and competence by enabling immediate psychological support when they practise the PFA skills they have learned.
Over the last three years, a total of 4,710 people have been trained in PFA, of which 3,130 students were trained through the mobile app since April 2024.
