o u r   t e a m

Founder & Clinical Psychologist

The story of Joy Mind Centre is inseparable from the journey of its founder, Joyce Chao. A woman of diverse talents and unwavering dedication, Joyce has redefined what it means to be a modern mental health professional in Malaysia. By blending the precision of clinical science with the far-reaching influence of public advocacy, she has become a leading voice in the nation’s mental health landscape.

A Journey of Purpose and Excellence

Joyce Chao’s path is marked by a unique intersection of academic rigor and public service. While many recognize her as the beauty queen of Miss Cosmo World 2021, Joyce has always viewed her platform as a bridge to a greater purpose. For her, the crown was never just an ornament; it was a megaphone to amplify the urgent need for mental health awareness in Southeast Asia.

As a dedicated Clinical Psychologist, Joyce holds deep expertise in the intricacies of the human mind. Her academic and professional background is rooted in evidence-based practice, specializing in treating complex emotional disorders, trauma, and high-performance stress. Her clinical approach is characterized by a balance of deep empathy and analytical clarity, ensuring that every client feels both understood and empowered with practical tools for recovery.

The Heart of Joy Mind Centre

The inception of Joy Mind Centre was driven by Joyce’s observation of the "mental health gap" in Malaysia. During her practice, she noticed that while mental health awareness was rising, the accessibility of high-quality care remained uneven. She saw the immense pressure faced by the B40 community in areas like Bandar Sri Permaisuri and felt a calling to bring clinical-grade psychological services to their doorstep.

"Mental health is the foundation of a thriving society," Joyce often shares. "If we only treat those who can easily afford it, we are only healing a small fraction of our community."

Under her leadership, the centre has grown into a unique social enterprise. Joyce has successfully cultivated a practice that serves:

• The Corporate Elite: Helping high-level executives and VIPs navigate the unique psychological burdens of leadership, public life, and high-stakes decision-making.

• The Underserved Community: Designing and overseeing the centre’s "Give Back" initiatives, ensuring that lower-income families receive the same caliber of psychological support as the most affluent clients.

A Specialized Approach to Modern Challenges

Joyce is not only a therapist but a designer of psychological wellness. She has been instrumental in developing the centre’s signature Corporate-Specific Workshops and Mental-Specific Modules. Her work goes beyond the therapy room; she is a frequent speaker and consultant for organizations looking to foster psychological safety and emotional resilience in their teams.

Her dual perspective—having navigated the high-pressure world of international pageantry and the complex clinical world of psychology—allows her to relate to her clients in a way few others can. She understands the weight of expectations, the sting of public scrutiny, and the silent struggle for self-worth.

A Message from Joyce

"At Joy Mind Centre, we don't just treat symptoms; we honor the person behind the struggle. Whether you are walking into our centre from the local neighborhood or from a corporate boardroom, our mission remains the same: to help you find the 'joy' in your mind and the strength in your story."

Today, Joyce continues to lead Joy Mind Centre with the same passion that started it all, proving that with the right support, every mind has the potential to heal, grow, and flourish.

Clinical Psychologist

Chai Ying is a highly qualified Clinical Psychologist registered with the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council (MAHPC). She brings a deep academic background and extensive clinical training to the practice, ensuring that clients receive care that is both scientifically grounded and deeply compassionate.

Academic & Clinical Foundations

Chai Ying’s professional journey is marked by a strong commitment to excellence in mental health:

• Master of Clinical Psychology: Obtained from the Integrated Psychology Program, a collaboration between Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI).

• Clinical Training: She honed her skills in the public healthcare sector, completing her practicum at major institutions including Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (Perak) and Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (Kelantan). This experience in public hospitals provided her with a wealth of exposure to diverse psychological conditions and the socioeconomic challenges facing different patient groups.

• Professional Memberships: She is a professional member of the Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology (MSCP) and holds a lifetime membership in Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

Therapeutic Approach & Specializations

Chai Ying is known for her dedication to combating the stigma surrounding mental illness. She believes that the journey to wellness begins with authenticity and self-acceptance. Her therapeutic style is focused on creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel empowered to embrace their imperfections.

Her primary therapeutic modalities include:

1. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helping clients live a value-driven life by accepting what is out of their control and committing to actions that improve their well-being.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Exploring the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to develop healthier coping mechanisms.

3. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Providing tools for emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.

Areas of Focus:

• Adult Mental Health: Managing mood disorders, anxiety, and personality disorders.

• Child & Adolescent Support: Assisting younger populations with emotional and behavioral challenges.

• Life Transitions: Supporting individuals through stress, burnout, self-esteem concerns, and relationship difficulties.

A Shared Mission

At Joy Mind Centre, Chai Ying plays a vital role in balancing the centre's dual mission. Her background in public hospitals makes her uniquely suited for the community outreach and B40 support programs in Bandar Sri Permaisuri. At the same time, her expertise in stress management and high-level clinical intervention allows her to provide top-tier support to corporate clients and professionals.

Fluent in English, Malay, and Mandarin, Chai Ying ensures that Joy Mind Centre remains an inclusive and accessible space for all Malaysians, regardless of their background or primary language.