Walter Patrick Memorial Lecture: Building Resilience in Families and Communities in Times of Crisis

Abstract

This article looked into the memorial lecture delivered by Professor Dr Wah Yun Low in memory of the late Professor Walter K. Patrick, focusing on building resilience within families and communities in the aftermath of COVID-19. This article examined resilience across sociocultural contexts, using case studies to highlight adaptation, psychological flexibility, and coping strategies post-adversity among families and communities. It explored resilience’s theoretical and real-world aspects, emphasizing interdisciplinary perspectives, practical applications, sociocultural contexts, and policy implications. This article emphasized themes of unity, strength in adversity, and intergenerational resilience. It highlighted the importance of interventions in three key areas—well-being, mental health, and social capital across different life stages, from childhood to adulthood. Resilience-building requires integrating individual, family, and community strategies, fostering collaboration across sectors, and focusing on long-term sustainability. Investing in resilience strengthens immediate crisis responses and lays a foundation for thriving, adaptable communities in future challenges.