Malaysian Neurofeedback Practitioner Dr. Hiro Koo Co-Authors Teaching Book Launched in China

 A meaningful milestone in my professional journey.

Today, while attending the 2026 International Innovation Conference on Brain-Computer Interface and Neuromodulation Technology in Shanghai, I was humbled to learn that the newly launched textbook, Neuronal Plasticity: From Theoretical Foundations to Practical Applications, was featured in official media coverage following the conference.

What makes this particularly meaningful to me is that parts of the book were developed from my PhD research, and I had the privilege of contributing as one of the authors.

As researchers and practitioners, we often spend years exploring questions, conducting studies, analyzing data, and translating findings into practical applications. Much of this work happens quietly behind the scenes. Seeing a portion of my doctoral research evolve into a published textbook is both humbling and deeply rewarding.

The book brings together contributions from international experts in neuroplasticity, neurofeedback, neuromodulation, and brain health. Its aim is to support education, professional training, research, and evidence-informed practice in these rapidly developing fields.

I was also honoured to serve as the moderator for the international roundtable discussion at the conference, representing the Asia Pacific Neurofeedback and Biofeedback Association (APNA) as my role as vice president, alongside distinguished experts from around the world.

Over the years, my work has focused on bridging neuroscience and real-world application through neurofeedback, biofeedback, psychophysiological assessment, brain health, workplace wellbeing, and trauma-informed practice. Experiences like this reinforce my belief that research achieves its greatest value when it can be translated into knowledge that supports practitioners, organizations, and the people they serve.

My sincere gratitude to my supervisors, mentors, collaborators, students, and colleagues who have contributed to this journey.

Still learning. Still growing. Still committed to advancing the science and practice of neurofeedback and biofeedback for brain health and human potential.

#Neurofeedback #Biofeedback #Neuroplasticity #BrainHealth #Neuroscience #BrainComputerInterface

Beyond Basic PFA: Why the Nervous System is the Key to Trauma-Informed Psychosocial Support

 

Training medical and psychology officers requires more than just a review of standard protocols; it requires a deep dive into the physiology of human connection. Recently, New Mind Academy had the privilege of conducting a specialized training session on Trauma First Aid for officers from Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya.

While standard Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a vital foundation, our session explored how a trauma-informed lens serves as a critical adjunct for supporting individuals presenting with trauma-related symptoms.

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Moving Beyond "Ask, Advise, Reassure"

In high-pressure clinical and emergency settings, the natural instinct is to fix the situation. This often leads to a heavy emphasis on:

• Asking for details of the event.

• Advising on next steps.

• Reassuring the individual that they are now safe.

However, many practitioners find that despite these efforts, individuals may remain unresponsive, dissociative, or hyper-aroused. The insight we shared with the KKM team was simple yet profound: The issue is often not the intervention itself, but whether the recipient's nervous system is ready to receive it.

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The Trauma-Informed Shift: Regulation Before Engagement

A trauma-informed psychosocial support framework shifts the practitioner’s focus from the narrative to the state. To reach someone in the throes of a traumatic response, we must prioritize physiological safety.

Three Pillars of Trauma-Informed First Aid:

1. Attend to the State, Not Just the Story: Watch for signs of dysregulation (shallow breathing, scanning the room, or "shutting down") rather than just listening to the words being said.

2. Slow Down and Reduce Stimulation: In a crisis, less is often more. Lowering the volume of the environment helps prevent sensory overload.

3. Support Regulation First: Engagement and cognitive processing cannot happen if the brain is in "survival mode." We must help the nervous system settle before expecting a person to follow instructions or process information.

Key Takeaway: When the nervous system feels safe, communication and recovery follow naturally.

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Building a Psychological Safety Climate

The application of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) extends far beyond the clinical cubicle. For organizations and public health entities, integrating these principles is essential for building a Psychological Safety Climate.

By understanding trauma, organizations can:

• Strengthen internal support systems for frontline workers.

• Improve public health outcomes by making services more accessible to vulnerable populations.

• Create environments where individuals feel safe to engage, express, and function effectively without fear of re-traumatization.

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A Continued Collaboration with KKM

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to KKM Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya for their invitation and their commitment to evolving the standards of psychosocial support in Malaysia. Collaborative sessions like these ensure that our healthcare heroes are equipped with the most empathetic and neuro-biologically informed tools available.

Is your organization looking for Trauma-Informed Psychosocial Support Training?

[Contact New Mind Academy today via WhatsApp 0167154419] to learn how we can tailor our Trauma First Aid frameworks for your team.

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Psychosocial Trained Person (PTP) Malaysia: PRISMA Workplace Psychosocial Risk Assessment Explained @ AiFM Radio Station

 

I recently had the opportunity to share my thoughts on RTM AiFM radio station on the topic of workplace mental health and psychosocial risk from an Industrial and Organizational Psychology perspective.

During the interview, I discussed the growing importance of psychosocial risk assessment in organisations, particularly in light of Malaysia’s PRisMA (Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Management at the Workplace) Guidelines 2024 introduced by DOSH.

As a DOSH-certified Psychosocial Trained Person (PTP), I also shared insights from my work supporting organisations in identifying and managing psychosocial risks, including key factors such as job demand, job control, and job support, and how these workplace conditions influence employee well-being, engagement, productivity, and burnout prevention. The conversation highlighted how organisations can build healthier and more sustainable workplaces by strengthening psychosocial safety climate (PSC) and organisational support systems.

I also shared another perspective on reframing this psychosocial risk assessment guideline as a training needs analysis approach, rather than viewing it solely as a way to fulfil legislative requirements. This perspective helps organisations identify their psychosocial risk areas and develop tailor-made interventions and training programmes that address their specific needs.

I strongly resonate with the Persatuan Psikologi Malaysia (PSIMA) movement in advocating that psychology should not remain confined to clinical settings, but should also extend its impact to the public health and workplace sectors, where it can contribute meaningfully to the well-being of society.

Contact us via +60167154419 (Whatsapp) or [email protected] if you would like to know more about Psychosocial Trained Person (PTP) related services in psychosocial risk assessment or training.

Neurofeedback and Hypnotherapy for Burnout: New Mind Brain Health Centre Featured in Batik Air Malaysia Inflight Magazine

 

We are deeply grateful to see the work of New Mind Brain Health Centre featured in the March edition of Batik Air Malaysia inflight magazine. The article highlights our integrated approach from an organizational psychology perspective, combining Neurofeedback (brainwave self-regulation training) and Hypnotherapy (working with unconscious processes of mind) to support individuals facing burnout, chronic stress, and cognitive overload in modern workplaces. By focusing on brain regulation, emotional balance, and preventive mental health strategies, our work aims to shift the conversation from simply treating psychological distress to strengthening resilience, self-regulation, and human potential. 

Platforms like Batik Air’s inflight magazine allow these conversations about brain health and preventive mental well-being to reach a wider audience across Malaysia and beyond, helping more people understand that mental health is not only about treatment, but also about early regulation, sustainable performance, and long-term well-being.

Thank you Batik Air

年过完了不想上班？组织心理学解析“年初四的样子” MelodyFM Interview

 

年过完了，为什么很多人会有「年初四的样子」？

Why Do Many People Feel “The Fourth Day of CNY” Syndrome After the Holidays?

每一年，当农历新年假期结束，很多人都会有一种很熟悉的感觉。

假期结束了。
庆祝活动结束了。
生活与工作重新启动。

但身体和心理，好像还停留在假期模式。

很多人会形容这种状态为：
「年初四的样子」。

一种有点懒散、有点疲惫、又有点提不起劲的感觉。

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Every year after the festive season ends, many people experience a familiar transition.

The holidays are over.
Celebrations wind down.
Work and routine begin again.

But mentally and physically, many people are still in holiday mode.

In Chinese culture, people sometimes describe this feeling as
“having the vibe of the fourth day of Chinese New Year.”

A subtle mix of low motivation, fatigue, and difficulty getting back into rhythm.

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从组织心理学的角度来看

最近，我受邀到 Melody FM《小马一企谈》 节目，
从 组织心理学（Organizational Psychology） 的角度谈谈这个现象。

🎧 Spotify 收听节目：
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4JLAoriB2vVyVcwiocdP6p?si=tFX3b4NbT12t0Iyvix3ftw

在节目里，我们聊到一个很有趣的观察：

很多人会以为，
年后提不起劲是因为自己 不够自律、不够努力。

但其实，从心理学角度来看，
这往往是 大脑在进行状态转换（state transition） 的自然过程。

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From an Organizational Psychology Perspective

Recently, I was invited to speak on Melody FM’s business podcast “小马一企谈”, where we discussed this phenomenon through the lens of organizational psychology.

🎧 Listen to the episode on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4JLAoriB2vVyVcwiocdP6p?si=tFX3b4NbT12t0Iyvix3ftw

One interesting insight we discussed is this:

Many people assume that post-holiday sluggishness means they lack discipline or motivation.

But psychologically speaking, this is often simply the brain adjusting between two states:

Rest mode → Performance mode

Transitions like this take time.

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为什么会出现这种状态？

从心理学角度来看，有几个常见原因：

1️⃣ 生理节律改变
假期期间，人们的作息时间通常会改变。

2️⃣ 心理能量重新调节
长时间的社交、聚会与旅行，其实也会消耗心理资源。

3️⃣ 工作角色重新启动
重新进入工作角色，需要一定的心理适应时间。

所以，“年初四的感觉”，
其实是一种很正常的 心理过渡期。

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Why Does This Happen?

From a psychological perspective, several factors contribute to this experience:

1. Changes in biological rhythm
During holidays, sleep patterns and daily routines often shift.

2. Psychological energy depletion
Even enjoyable activities such as gatherings and travel consume mental energy.

3. Role transition
Returning to work means shifting back into professional roles and responsibilities.

This adjustment period is completely normal.

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如何更健康地回到工作节奏？

在节目里，我也分享了一些简单的建议：

✔ 不需要第一天就恢复100%的效率
✔ 给自己几天时间重新找回节奏
✔ 先完成小任务，慢慢建立动力

很多时候，
节奏比速度更重要。

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How Can We Restart Work More Smoothly?

In the podcast, we also discussed a few practical ideas:

✔ You do not need to be 100% productive on the first day back
✔ Give yourself time to rebuild your rhythm
✔ Start with smaller tasks to regain momentum

Often, sustainable productivity is about rhythm rather than speed.

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如果你也曾经有过
「年初四的样子」的感觉，

或许你会对这次的分享有共鸣。

🎧 欢迎收听完整节目：
Melody FM《小马一企谈》

Spotify 收听链接：
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4JLAoriB2vVyVcwiocdP6p?si=tFX3b4NbT12t0Iyvix3ftw

Dr Hiro Koo at SEGi College: Exploring Applied Hypnosis and the Neuroscience of Peak Performance

 

On 25th February 2026, SEGi College Penang hosted a thought-provoking guest lecture titled “Applied Hypnosis and The Brain: A Theory of Change for Peak Performance.” The session was delivered by Dr Hiro Koo, trauma-informed hypnotherapist and organizational psychologist, known for integrating neuroscience, applied hypnosis, and performance psychology.

This lecture explored how applied hypnosis works with the brain to enhance resilience, mental health, and high performance across academic, professional, and personal domains.

What Is Applied Hypnosis in Modern Psychology?

Applied hypnosis today is not stage entertainment. It is a structured psychological intervention that works with attention, neuroplasticity, and the unconscious processes of mind to facilitate measurable change.

In the SEGi College lecture, students were introduced to:

• How focused attention alters neural networks

• The role of suggestion in cognitive and emotional regulation

• Brain mechanisms involved in stress recovery and resilience

• How hypnotic processes support peak performance

Rather than pushing harder, applied hypnosis supports strategic regulation of the nervous system, improving clarity, emotional stability, and executive functioning.

The Brain and Peak Performance

Peak performance is often misunderstood as working longer hours or maintaining constant motivation. Neuroscience suggests otherwise.

Sustainable high performance requires:

• Emotional regulation

• Cognitive flexibility

• Reduced rumination

• Balanced sympathetic and parasympathetic activation

During the SEGi College session, Dr Hiro Koo explained how applied hypnosis can modulate brain states linked to focus, stress response, and recovery. When the brain shifts from survival-mode activation into adaptive regulation, performance improves without burnout.

Applied Hypnosis for Mental Health and Workplace Resilience

Another key theme at SEGi College was the role of applied hypnosis in mental health and workplace wellbeing.

Students explored how brain-based interventions can help with:

• Burnout symptoms

• Anxiety and overthinking

• Performance pressure

• Value-misalignment stress

By addressing both cognitive and physiological processes, applied hypnosis becomes a bridge between mental health science and performance psychology.

Why This Matters for Students and Professionals

For university students preparing for competitive careers, understanding brain-based change models offers a significant advantage.

Applied hypnosis provides tools for:

• Exam performance enhancement

• Presentation confidence

• Emotional regulation under stress

• Long-term resilience building

For professionals, it offers a framework for sustaining productivity without sacrificing wellbeing.

SEGi College and the Advancement of Applied Psychology

Hosting discussions on applied hypnosis and brain science reflects SEGi College’s commitment to contemporary psychological education. Integrating neuroscience with practical interventions equips students with relevant, evidence-informed perspectives.

The lecture highlighted how modern psychology is moving beyond symptom management toward systemic brain-based change.

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Final Reflection

If peak performance is not about pushing harder but about regulating smarter, what might change in the way you approach stress, work, and growth?

From PhD to Professional Success: Rethinking Career Pathways Beyond Academia

On 17 December 2025, I had the privilege of being invited by INTI International University to participate in a timely and meaningful panel discussion titled “From PhD to Professional Success: A Conversation with Experts.” The session brought together academics and industry practitioners to address a reality that many doctoral students and graduates are currently facing: the academic pathway is no longer the only, nor the most accessible, route after a PhD.

The Changing Landscape for PhD Graduates

For many years, the implicit expectation for PhD holders was clear:
complete the doctorate, enter academia, and build a career as a lecturer or researcher.

However, global employment dynamics have shifted significantly. Universities are producing more PhD graduates than the academic system can absorb, while tenure-track positions continue to decline. As a result, career transitions into industry, professional practice, policy, consulting, and innovation-driven roles are no longer exceptions, but an emerging norm.

This panel discussion directly addressed that shift and invited an open conversation on how PhD training can remain valuable, relevant, and impactful beyond traditional academic settings.

A Conversation Across Academia and Industry

The session featured a diverse panel of speakers, each representing a different trajectory of doctoral training and professional application:

• Dr. Antonio Inserra, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy

• Dr. Ratnadevi R. Shunmugam, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University, Nilai

• Myself, Dr. Koo Kian Yong (Hiro), Director of Learning and Development, New Mind Academy 

A Message to Current PhD Students

If there was one message I hoped participants would take away, it was this:

Your PhD does not limit your future. It expands it, if you are willing to reimagine where your expertise belongs.

Career uncertainty after or during a doctorate is not a personal failure. It is a structural reality of a changing global system. What matters is learning how to translate depth into relevance, and knowledge into contribution.

Gratitude and Closing Reflections

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to INTI International University, the Centre for Postgraduate Study, and Professor Dr. Walton Wider for the invitation and thoughtful organization of this session. It was encouraging to see institutions creating safe and honest spaces for doctoral students to reflect on their futures.

Conversations like this are essential if we are to support the next generation of PhD graduates in building careers that are not only successful, but also meaningful, sustainable, and aligned with real societal needs.

Neurofeedback Malaysia: Leading the Future of Neuro-Wellness at the 2025 International BCI & Neurofeedback Summit in Shanghai

 

📍 Shanghai · Pudong
✨ 2025 International Brain-Computer Interface & Neurofeedback Applications Summit
Opening Day Highlights

Today, it was a great honor to represent Malaysia on the international stage — joining global experts to discuss the future of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) and Neurofeedback technologies, and how these innovations are transforming the way we support brain and mental health.

As a speaker in the roundtable forum, I focused on one essential question:

👉 How can BCI and Neurofeedback move beyond clinical settings
and bring real impact to workplaces, leadership, and organizational well-being?

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Key Focus of My Panel Sharing

💡 Bringing Neuroscience into Everyday Work Performance

Here are the major directions I highlighted:

✔ Burnout & Stress Management
Real-time monitoring and HRV + neurofeedback stress regulation to support mental resilience

✔ Brain-Based Talent Profiling
Leveraging EEG markers (attention, executive function, adaptability) for better hiring and development decisions

✔ Neuro-Leadership Coaching
Using brain plasticity data to strengthen emotional intelligence, decision quality, and influence

✔ EAP × Neuro-Wellness Integration
Modern Employee Assistance Programs enhanced by neuroscience for early prevention — not just crisis response

✔ Enhancing Organizational Performance
Improved focus, creativity, psychological safety, and team coherence through brain-behavior optimization

Technology connects the brain
Psychology connects the heart
When both come together, organizations transform from the inside out.

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Why This Matters for Malaysia

Like many countries, Malaysia is facing:

• High work pressure and turnover
• Growing mental health concerns
• Rapid digital transformation stress
• Talent retention and performance challenges

The growth of Neurofeedback Malaysia presents a timely solution:

🌱 From treatment to prevention
🌟 From fixing weaknesses to strength-based potential development

Neuro-wellness is no longer the future — it is what the workforce needs right now.

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《中国报》直播 - 当年轻人撑不住了 我们可以做什么？

让我们一起谈谈如何面对压力、支持彼此

直播重点

被压力困住的你：出口在哪里？

当孩子说“我撑不住了”：家长和老师可以怎么做？

压力下的青春：我们如何团抱取暖？

语言的杀伤力：别让言语成为伤人的武器

霸凌行为也是一种病，需要被看见与治疗

 感谢《中国报》的邀请

今晚很开心能和拥有丰富青少年辅导经验的心理辅导师Yoke Leng 一起上直播，

分享关于年轻人心理压力、情绪韧性与社会心理支持的话题。

Yoke Leng也是一位FHT UK認證的創傷知情催眠治療師呢！

对我来说是一个很新鲜的体验，也收获满满。

#中国报 #直播分享 #创伤知情 #心理健康 #新体验