Higher education is at a pivotal moment. While institutions invest in technology, systems, and performance metrics, the true engine of excellence remains the wellbeing of the people who sustain learning environments. This keynote presents psychosocial safety climate (PSC) as a transformative framework to create institutions where individuals not only perform but genuinely thrive. PSC reflects the collective commitment of leaders and staff to prioritize psychological health, shaping decisions, communication, and workplace culture. Strong PSC protects staff from burnout, enhances engagement, and fosters trust, collaboration, and innovation. These qualities are essential for future-ready institutions. Drawing from research, professional practice, and real higher education experiences, this presentation demonstrates how PSC acts as a leading indicator of organizational health. The PSC hierarchy of control offers a practical blueprint to turn intention into meaningful action, from policy to everyday practice. Participants will gain insights to reimagine leadership, job design, and community building through the lens of psychological safety and human development. This keynote invites institutions to place wellbeing at the core of excellence, creating environments that uplift both minds and lives.

Ts. Dr. Teoh Kok Ban is a Senior Lecturer at the National Higher Education Research Institute (IPPTN), Universiti Sains Malaysia. His work centers on higher education, human development, and organizational wellbeing, with a strong emphasis on integrating research, counseling, and professional training to generate meaningful societal impact.

He holds a PhD in Organizational Behavior and Development, along with Master’s degrees in Statistics and Counseling. This interdisciplinary background enables him to bridge quantitative analysis with human-centered and psychological approaches. Dr. Teoh is a Professional Technologist (Ts.) registered with the Malaysian Board of Technologists (MBOT) and a Registered Counselor (K.B.; P.A.) with the Malaysian Board of Counselors, reflecting his combined expertise in technical, behavioral, and counseling domains.

An HRD Corp Accredited Trainer, Dr. Teoh is actively involved in capacity-building initiatives, academic–industry collaborations, and professional development programs. His scholarly contributions include editorial and peer-review roles for indexed journals, as well as award-recognized research, presentations, and academic leadership.

Beyond academia, he is engaged in humanitarian efforts focused on mental health, youth empowerment, and educational equity, guided by a commitment to integrating knowledge, empathy, and purposeful action.