（Singapore， 07.05.2025）Over-The-Rainbow (OTR), a pioneer leader in mental wellness, has unveiled its boldest initiative yet: the launch of The OTR Academy. Backed by a fresh $1 million commitment from founders Yen-Lu and Yee Ling Chow through their family foundation, the Academy is set to redefine mental health support in Singapore by equipping 10,000 certified wellbeing practitioners by 2030.
Unveiled during OTR’s Parenting Conference 2.0 at The Catapult Singapore, the Academy is designed to address Singapore’s growing need for accessible and community-based mental healthcare. Its structured, science-backed curriculum provides practical training for individuals — including parents, educators, and peers — to offer frontline support for mental wellbeing, complementing clinical care.
Recent data from The Straits Times reveals that one in three youths in Singapore has experienced poor mental health, with anxiety as the most prevalent concern. The OTR Academy directly targets this urgent need by training everyday individuals to serve as Wellbeing Champions and Mentors, embedding mental health awareness and support into the fabric of daily life — from homes and schools to workplaces and community spaces.
Slated to begin on 17 May 2025, the Academy’s first intake will undergo a hybrid programme combining online courses with hands-on practicum through OTR’s established initiatives, such as OTR Listens, youth counselling services, and wellbeing festivals. The Academy offers a two-step certification pathway: the foundational Wellbeing Champion programme, which introduces holistic self-care and mental health literacy; and the more advanced Wellbeing Mentor programme, which includes skills in counselling, coaching, and mentoring.
“Our vision is rooted in over a decade of deep engagement with youth and families,” said Yen-Lu Chow. “The OTR Academy reimagines mental health care by building what we call the Circle-of-Care — a dynamic ecosystem where individuals become the central pillars of support for their loved ones and communities.”
He added that in an era dominated by AI and digital technologies, the need for genuine, human-centered care is more urgent than ever. “We’re not just offering education — we’re building a movement. A national network of care leaders who can provide timely, relatable support where it matters most.”
OTR hopes to catalyze a shift in how mental healthcare is perceived and delivered. As Singapore’s national mental health strategy moves toward preventive care and a tiered support model, the OTR Academy is set to become a vital component in shaping a resilient and mentally healthy society.
