In an event at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, global leaders and prominent figures, including K-pop star Rosé and Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, joined a mental health awareness discussion hosted by US First Lady Jill Biden at Apple Park in Cupertino, California.

The mental health discussion, a pivotal part of the series of events curated by Biden for the spouses of Asia-Pacific leaders attending the summit, saw a distinguished panel including CEO of Apple, Tim Cook, US Health Governor Vivek Murthy, South Korean First Lady Kim Keon-hee, and Philippines First Lady Liza Marcos.

During the dialogue, Rosé emphasized the critical need to openly address emotional struggles, particularly for individuals in the public eye. She highlighted the pressures faced by those with significant social media followings and the challenges of dealing with harsh criticism, expressing feelings of inadequacy despite earnest efforts.

The K-pop sensation conveyed her hope that her music would serve as inspiration and solace for listeners, emphasizing the importance of finding intrinsic self-worth.

Dr. Wan Azizah raised concerns about artificial intelligence’s impact on mental health and questioned Apple’s technology safeguarding individuals’ information. This prompted a response from Tim Cook, who defended Apple’s commitment to privacy, asserting it as a fundamental human right.

Biden echoed the importance of honesty and openness in addressing mental health issues, drawing attention to the struggles faced by students in community colleges post-COVID-19. She emphasized the significance of bringing these issues to light for collective healing.

The summit showcased a powerful convergence of leaders and influencers advocating for mental health awareness on a global platform, underscoring the urgency of addressing emotional well-being in today’s digitally driven and rapidly evolving world.