Dr Ruziana Masiran

Vice President

I am Dr. Ruziana binti Masiran, a consultant psychiatrist, academician, and lifelong learner who is deeply committed to advancing children’s and family’s mental health and well-being. Over the years, I have built my professional journey around the belief that families are the cornerstone of individual resilience, and that strong, supportive family systems create the foundation for healthier communities. My practice, teaching, and research have been guided by this philosophy, enabling me to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others both within clinical settings and academic institutions.

I currently serve as a senior lecturer in a medical faculty, where I balance my roles as an academician, clinician, and researcher. Teaching has always been one of my greatest passions, and I consider it both a privilege and a responsibility to shape the minds of future doctors and mental health professionals. In my classes, I emphasise not only the theoretical knowledge of psychiatry and family therapy but also the human elements—empathy, cultural sensitivity, and ethical practice—that define a truly competent practitioner. My teaching philosophy revolves around simplifying complex concepts so that students can engage with them in practical and meaningful ways.

In my clinical work, I specialise in family therapy, with a strong emphasis on multigenerational family systems. Over time, I have developed a fusion approach that integrates the strengths of various therapeutic models to meet the diverse needs of families. I am also a Certified Incredible Years® Parent Group Leader, which has allowed me to work closely with parents and children, equipping them with skills to build stronger bonds, manage challenges, and nurture emotional well-being. These experiences have deepened my conviction that parenting interventions can have transformative effects not only on children but also on the dynamics of entire families.

Beyond teaching and therapy, I have been actively involved in public speaking and knowledge-sharing. I have delivered talks on topics ranging from stress management and family therapy strategies to retirement mental health and parenting skills. While preparing for these engagements has often been challenging, the opportunity to contribute to professional development and community awareness has been profoundly rewarding. I view each platform as a chance to bridge academic knowledge with practical application, ensuring that evidence-based practices reach the people who need them most.

On a personal level, I am a mother to teenage daughters and pre-teen sons who inspire me daily with their curiosity and zest for life. Parenthood has not only shaped my personal journey but has also enriched my professional perspective, reminding me constantly of the lived realities behind theories and interventions. Balancing motherhood, academic responsibilities, and clinical commitments is not without its challenges, but it has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of living authentically in line with one’s values.

Ultimately, I aspire to continue growing as a teacher and therapist, contributing knowledge and compassion in ways that make a tangible difference. Whether through research, teaching, therapy, or community outreach, I remain driven by the vision of fostering healthier families and more connected societies.