PERKAMA International Journey of Counselling in Malaysia
From vocational guidance in the 1960s to a globally recognized professional body — shaping mental wellness, advocacy, and human development across the nation.
Established 1982 · Rebranded 2011 · 8000+ members
1960s
🌱 Humble Beginnings: Vocational Guidance
Counselling in Malaysia began within secondary schools, focusing primarily on vocational guidance services. The Ministry of Education acknowledged the role in 1969 via Service Circular KP5209/35/4(4), appointing more trained guidance teachers.
Early emphasis: helping students make independent career decisions without external influence.
1970s
📈 Rising Need & Youth Challenges
Escalating drug problems among youth intensified the demand for qualified counsellors in schools. The government responded by recruiting more guidance and counselling teachers, cementing counselling as an integral pillar of the national education system.
1980
✨ The Visionary Spark
A group of wise individuals, led by Professor Dr. Awang Had Salleh (Rektor of UiTM), envisioned a professional counselling association. The Protem Committee was chaired by Datin Sri Fauziah Elyas. Their foresight planted the seeds for what would become PERKAMA (Persatuan Kaunselor Malaysia).
1982
📜 PERKAMA Officially Registered
On 16 January 1982, PERKAMA was formally registered. The first PERKAMA Convention was held at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) with the first Annual General Meeting.
1st President: Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr. Amir Awang
Vice President: Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr. Abd Halim Othman
Secretary: Mr. Hamzah Sidang Muhamad
The first official journal was published in 1984, encouraging textbooks and research on counselling & psychotherapy.
1982 – Present
🏛️ Growth Under Visionary Leaders
PERKAMA expanded its influence through dynamic leadership:
Puan Sri Fauziah Elyas (1982-83)Prof. Dato’ Dr Amir Awang (1983-84, 1989-93)Prof. Dato’ Dr. Abdul Halim Othman (1984, 1989)Dato’ Mohd Yunus Noor (1994-99)Prof. Dato’ Dr. Muhammad Mansur Abdullah (2000-03)Prof. Dr. Suradi Salim (2003-05)Tan Sri Dr. Nordin Kardi (2005-2013)Dato’ Dr. Ismail Alias (2013-2015)Dato’ Dr. Abd Halim Mohd Hussin (2015–present)
Under their stewardship, PERKAMA organized national & international conventions, seminars, and advocated for professional recognition.
1989
🔄 Rebranding: Persatuan Kaunseling Malaysia
The association’s name evolved from PERKAMA to Persatuan Kaunseling Malaysia — reflecting a broader scope. Membership remained open to qualified counsellors and allied members from related fields. The journal and advocacy continued to flourish.
2011
🌏 PERKAMA International — A Global Leap
To embrace globalization, Tan Sri Dr. Nordin Kardi mooted the idea of elevating the association to an international platform. During the 20th Annual General Meeting in 2011, members approved the transformation to PERKAMA International. This milestone marked a new era of cross-border collaboration, research, and professional unity.
2025 & Beyond
🤝 Uniting Counsellors Nationwide
After 37+ years of PERKAMA International in Malaysia, the association has achieved its founding objectives with over 8,000 members across the country. The current leadership aspires to unite every professional counsellor, ensuring every voice is heard.
“Leadership and competency matter in counselling profession. Professional counselors with integrity and dignity are key players in human development.”
Conventions, seminars, and journals continue to empower mental health professionals, school counsellors, and educators.
Legacy
📚 Advocacy, Publication & Empowerment
School counsellors, graduate students, and educators were encouraged to publish textbooks and articles. The official PERKAMA journal (first issued 1984) became a cornerstone for evidence-based practice. The association’s persistent lobbying elevated counselling standards, influenced policies, and created a vibrant ecosystem of mental wellness in Malaysia.
