Clare Hall Life Member Dr Rina Lai has recently published an opinion piece in the South China Morning Post, Hong Kong-based newspaper, exploring the growing global challenge of youth mental health and the need for a more holistic approach to education and wellbeing.

Titled “The Case for Spiritual Wellness in an Age of Anxious Youth”, the article draws on research undertaken during their doctoral studies at Cambridge, as well as subsequent work in Hong Kong. In recent years, Dr Lai has been developing and delivering programmes for young people that focus on the intersection of inner development, education, and wellbeing.

The piece reflects on the increasing levels of anxiety among younger generations and argues for a more human-centred model of education, one that prioritises not only academic achievement but also emotional and spiritual resilience. It highlights the importance of equipping young people with the tools to navigate uncertainty, purpose, and meaning in a rapidly changing world.

Dr Lai suggests that the themes explored in the article resonate strongly within Cambridge’s interdisciplinary and globally engaged community, where issues of wellbeing, education, and societal impact are central to ongoing research and dialogue.

Read the full article here: https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3347072/case-spiritual-wellness-age-anxious-youth