Our Story
Origins and Early Discussions (1980–1983)
The idea of establishing a national psychological association began in 1980, when several psychologists attending a seminar at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) initiated early discussions about forming a professional body.
The momentum continued in 1983, when the Department of Psychology at UKM organized an International Conference on Cross‑Cultural Psychology, providing further opportunity for Malaysian psychologists to deliberate on forming an association
Official Establishment (1988)
After nearly a decade of discussions, the association was officially launched in 1988, attended by 24 pioneering psychologists. It was registered with the Registrar of Societies Malaysia under registration number PPM‑002‑10‑24031988. This marked the formal birth of Persatuan Psikologi Malaysia (PSIMA) as the national psychological association of Malaysia
Early Contributions and Legislative Participation (1990s–2000s)
Members of PSIMA—particularly counselling and educational psychologists—contributed to the drafting of the Counsellors Act 1998, enabling counsellors and counselling psychologists to be formally registered.
Advancing Professional Standards (2010–2016)
2010 – Collaboration with the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)
PSIMA approached MQA to develop Program Standards for Psychology to ensure quality and consistency across psychology program in Malaysian universities.
The standards were eventually approved in 2013, making adherence mandatory for all higher education institutions offering psychology program.
2011–2016 – Allied Health Recognition
PSIMA psychologists were also actively involved in drafting the Allied Health Professions Act, enabling Clinical Psychologists to be formally recognized and registered under Allied Health.
The Act was officially approved by Parliament in 2016
Ongoing Roles
PSIMA continues to:
Promote the scientific and professional development of psychology in Malaysia.
Encourage cooperation among psychology departments across Malaysian universities.
Enhance professional and ethical standards among practitioners.
PSIMA is actively involved in national psychological initiatives, research collaborations, public education, and ongoing engagement with the government on regulating and safeguarding psychological practice.
International Recognition
PSIMA is Malaysia’s official adhering member to the International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS).
This affiliation reinforces its status as the national representative body for psychology in Malaysia
ORGANISATION AND GOVERNANCE
PSIMA is governed by an Executive Council responsible for strategic direction, policy oversight, and organisational management. The Council operates in accordance with the PSIMA Constitution and is accountable to its members.