Hi there! My name is Nureen Hamka and I am the COO and Co-Founder of SAPOT Tech, a self-care and social support platform based in Malaysia. Working alongside me is my fellow Co-Founder, Khodijah Amin, who is also our CTO and a Mental Health Warrior.
Our journey with SAPOT began in September 2022 when we were selected as participants in SEEd.Lab, a joint initiative by PETRONAS and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to develop young talents and form sustainable and scalable social enterprises. We officially registered our business on 23rd March 2022, which marked the first year of SAPOT’s existence.
From four strangers to a force for change, SAPOT was born through our shared challenge of providing accessible and trustworthy mental health services for young adults. Our motivation initially stemmed from our desire to help our loved ones. However, our purpose has since expanded to transforming the mental health landscape in Malaysia and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity for optimal psychological well-being.
Our vision is to create a mental healthcare system in Malaysia that is accessible and trustworthy for everyone – regardless of the complexity and severity of their mental health needs. We are committed to breaking down barriers to care and promoting a culture of emotional wellness across the nation.
I had a particularly memorable experience with SAPOT during our Warrior training program, where I witnessed a participant with social anxiety transform and engage more deeply with the program. Witnessing this transformation reinforced for me the research indicating that peer support is not only beneficial for the recipient, but also for the provider. It left a lasting impression on me, and solidified my belief in SAPOT’s mission.
One of the biggest challenges I have faced on my personal journey with mental health is the fear of not being an expert. As someone who has not personally experienced severe mental health issues, I felt inadequate and unqualified to speak on the subject. For a long time, I struggled to acknowledge and address the impact of my own struggles on my mental wellbeing. I was often told to “brush off” my problems and accept them as a normal part of growing up. This dismissive attitude towards mental health only exacerbated my feelings of shame and inadequacy. However, I have since learned that seeking help and support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Overcoming this fear involved accepting the reality of my situation and opening myself up to the guidance and support of those around me.
I am incredibly fortunate to have a team of individuals with personal experience in mental health who have been patient and compassionate in helping me navigate my own challenges. Their willingness to listen and offer support without judgment has been invaluable. Through their guidance, I have learned that mental health is a complex issue that affects everyone differently.
Through this experience, I have learned the importance of acknowledging and prioritizing our mental health needs, as well as the value of seeking out support and guidance from those who have walked a similar path. It is my hope that by sharing my own journey, I can help others feel less alone in their own struggles and encourage them to seek out the resources and support they need to thrive. Mental health is a journey, and it is okay to ask for help along the way.
I draw inspiration from my SEEd.Lab programme manager, Jun Ayub. Jun’s passion, dedication, and commitment to empowering others are truly remarkable. She leads with empathy and integrity, and her mentorship has instilled in me a deep sense of purpose and a desire to create meaningful change in the world.
As a business owner, I’ve learned that running a business requires a combination of specific skills and general advice. It’s imperative to be open to unlearning and relearning, as we need to adapt to new information and changing circumstances. We can’t have all the answers, so seeking advice and resources to fill our knowledge gaps is crucial.
Communication and collaboration are also critical skills. We need to articulate our vision and ideas clearly, build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, and work effectively as a team to succeed.
Lastly, resilience and perseverance are key qualities when faced with challenges and setbacks. Building a business is not easy, and we need the mental and emotional fortitude to keep pushing forward even in the face of adversity. By embodying these qualities and following this advice, we can increase our chances of running a successful business.
When it comes to personal mottos, I haven’t adopted one. However, I have held onto the fear that my life would be incomplete if I didn’t contribute to a positive change in the world.
As someone passionate about promoting psychological wellness, my greatest wish is for a world where mental health support is accessible to all without hesitation. I hope for a society where mental health is viewed as crucial as physical health, and where access to care is equitable and stigma-free. On a personal level, I aspire to bring joy to others.
The journey of building a mental health company has been transformative for me and my team. Joining MyStartup has granted us access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, which have been essential in expanding our knowledge and skills. Being part of a community of like-minded business owners and industry experts has given us the chance to create partnerships, receive referrals, and explore new avenues for our business. The program has also helped us establish a roadmap for future growth, identifying key metrics that will enable us to scale and expand our business with increased confidence and focus.
Throughout this journey, I have learned the importance of prioritizing a person’s wellbeing and the critical role that access to care and resources plays in achieving optimal mental health. Working in the mental health field has given me a deeper appreciation for mental health complexities and the need for tailored, evidence-based interventions. Collaboration and community building are vital to creating sustainable change. Overall, building a mental health business has challenged me to think creatively, communicate effectively, and approach problem-solving with empathy and sensitivity.
SAPOT’s goal is to transform Malaysia’s mental health landscape by promoting accessibility, trust, and innovation. We aspire to be remembered as pioneers who empower individuals to prioritize their mental wellbeing. We provide them with the resources and support to lead fulfilling lives. We strive to make a positive impact on the communities we serve and inspire others to join us in this crucial mission.
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