Welcome Message

On behalf of the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), I am delighted to invite you to the inaugural Biennial International Congress on Mental Health (BICOMH) 2024.

This four-day event, scheduled for November 2024, represents a pivotal moment for global mental health awareness and support. Mental health is a pressing issue; the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in four people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, underscoring the critical need for effective support systems.

BICOMH will feature two conferences: the 8th Asian Congress of Schizophrenia Research (ACSR) on November 19-20, and the International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM) Regional Conference on November 21-22. ACSR will focus on optimizing recovery for individuals living with schizophrenia, while ISAM Regional Conference will explore community support for behavioural addiction recovery.

Our focus areas, schizophrenia and behavioural addictions, are significant. Schizophrenia is a severe mental health disorder affecting approximately 24 million people globally, or 1 in 300 people, according to WHO (2022). The rise of behavioural addictions, such as internet gaming and gambling, is also a growing concern. These disorders not only impact individuals and their support networks but also contribute to social and economic costs, including productivity loss, increased healthcare utilization, stigma, and discrimination.

BICOMH’s core theme, “Building Bridges for an Effective Mental Health Ecosystem,” reflects a global effort to enhance treatment approaches and strengthen the mental health ecosystem through collaboration and knowledge exchange among clinicians, communities, and clients.

The Congress will bring together a diverse lineup of speakers, both local and international, whose expertise and varied perspectives aim to drive progress in the management of schizophrenia and behavioral addictions. Through the sharing of research findings and best practices, we strive to improve treatment outcomes and empower communities to provide more effective support systems for individuals on their recovery journey.

Whether you are a clinician, service provider, or client, BICOMH offers a unique opportunity to learn, forge valuable connections, and contribute to shaping a brighter future for mental health worldwide.

We look forward to welcoming you to BICOMH 2024.

A/Prof Daniel Fung
Chairman, 2024 BICOMH Advisory Committee, and
Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Mental Health