Essex graduate shortlisted for international award through making difference in Taiwan 

An Essex graduate working tirelessly to improve mental health and champion social justice for indigenous communities in Taiwan has been recognised by the British Council after being named as a finalist for the Study UK Alumni Awards.

Dr Siyat Ulon, a psychiatrist and clinic owner specialising in culturally sensitive mental health care, is a finalist in the Social Action category, which celebrates alumni who have made exceptional contributions to creating positive social change and improving lives.

Siyat graduated from the University of Essex in 2021 with a Master’s in Jungian and Post-Jungian Studies.

Reflecting on his time at Essex, Siyat said:“My Essex experience exemplified mutual aid and respect, fostering a deep sense of connection during a challenging time. This collaborative and supportive environment inspired me to explore how collective healing can address the challenges faced by marginalised communities.”

Supporting the community

Siyat belongs to the Truku tribe, one of the indigenous peoples of Taiwan. His upbringing in a family navigating cultural differences and his return to rural tribal life revealed systemic struggles. This included high rates of mental illness due to cultural dislocation and discrimination. These experiences inspired his medical training and specialisation in psychiatry, where he has focused on serving underserved populations

Guided by the Truku concept of Snbarux—a tradition of reciprocal help—Siyat has made significant contributions to his community. He has offered free psychodrama workshops for indigenous people and professional caregivers, helping participants not only heal but also become agents of support for others. Recognising that individual mental health challenges often stem from systemic inequalities, Siyat has expanded his work to address the collective suffering caused by prolonged discrimination.

Striving for social justice

In addition to his clinical work, Siyat has been a passionate advocate for social justice. Over two decades, he has actively participated in movements for the rights of indigenous peoples, LGBTQ+ communities, labour groups, and individuals facing the death penalty.

Siyat said: “My academic training at Essex provided an invaluable foundation upon which I was able to develop my work. The University’s emphasis on self-reflection, critical thinking, and action really helped me. For example, my studies of Jung's theory about how moral conflicts induced by social changes may cause individual struggles and collective disagreements enabled me to empathise more effectively with the intersectionality of social suffering.”

Using research to improve lives

In accordance with the traditional approach of Snbarux and the academic perspective of depth psychology, Siyat initiated a series of projects with the objective of addressing social injustice and fostering greater engagement from individuals in tangible actions to advocate for a more humane policy. His studies at Essex inspired him to establish non-governmental organisations with the objective of researching the challenges faced by Taiwanese indigenous people migrating from rural to urban areas, with the aim of improving their quality of life.

Siyat said “In alignment with my academic training in in-depth psychology from Essex, I am committed to nurturing the growth of the next generation of mental health professionals who are more sensitive to the impact of sociocultural influences on mental wellbeing.

“I have also developed resources that integrate cultural care into clinical practice, thereby ensuring that mental health services are sensitive to the unique needs of marginalised communities.”

Continuing impact

For Siyat, the recognition as a finalist is already a celebration of his enduring mission to create a more just and compassionate society, all building on his studies at Essex.
His influence has even prompted others to pursue graduate studies in the UK, with several students now following in his academic footsteps.