A recent study by the Z Zurich Foundation highlights the urgent need to improve mental health support for young people across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The 29-page report, titled The State of Youth Mental Wellbeing in Asia-Pacific Region – A Case for Investing in Prevention and Promotion, calls for changes across cities and communities, from wealthy urban areas to underserved rural regions.
The study points out that over 750 million young people aged 15 to 24 live in South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific. Their mental health requires immediate attention, as nearly half of all mental health problems start by age 14. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among 15 to 29-year-olds in many countries in the region.
The Z Zurich Foundation’s media release warns that ignoring youth mental health will have serious consequences for both individuals and economies. Early mental health issues can affect education, jobs, and relationships later in life if left untreated.
The APAC region is diverse in geography, culture, and income, which creates both challenges and chances to improve young people’s mental wellbeing. Investing in prevention and mental health promotion can offer large benefits. For example, research across 36 countries showed that every dollar spent on adolescent mental health programs returns $23.60 in benefits.
Despite this, many countries in APAC spend less than 1% of their health budgets on mental health. Even less is allocated to programs that promote mental wellbeing. Promotion programs focus on building supportive environments. They help young people improve emotional skills and learn positive ways to handle stress. Prevention efforts aim to reduce risk factors and stop mental health issues from developing, especially for vulnerable groups.
Gregory Renand, head of the Z Zurich Foundation, said, “We need to stop using fragmented approaches. Different sectors must work together, scale up proven methods, and invest in systems that place young people at the center. The future of the APAC region depends on this. Together, we can create conditions where young people do more than just survive — they thrive.”
Erin Hwang, head of brand marketing and communication at Zurich Malaysia, added, “It is time to move from talk to action. We must invest in early prevention and build supportive systems that meet young people’s real needs. This means partnering with schools, communities, and others to make mental wellbeing a shared priority.”
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