IMPACT TRAILBLAZER: MEGAN LAM

In a world where mental health is increasingly recognized as a critical global issue, one woman stands at the forefront of innovation and care. Megan Lam, co-founder and CEO of Neurum Health, has dedicated her life to transforming the way we approach mental wellness. Combining cutting-edge technology, scientific research, and a deep understanding of human connection, Megan is reshaping the mental health landscape—not just for individuals, but for entire communities.

Her journey into this field is deeply personal. After experiencing the loss of loved ones to suicide, Megan found herself on a mission to create solutions that ensure no one has to face their struggles alone. "Mental health is a journey," she reflects, "and we're here to walk that path with you every step of the way." Through Neurum Health, Megan has turned her personal pain into a powerful force for change, using empathy and innovation to make mental health support accessible, inclusive, and impactful for all.

"By September 2024, over 218 people under 40 attempted suicide in Hong Kong—an alarming rate of nearly 9 attempts every 10 days."

Written by: Jeremy Chapnick

Photos by: Raymond Chan

Venue by: Beyond Coffee & Bar, Causeway Bay

From Tragedy to Mission: Megan's Personal Journey

Megan's path to becoming a leader in mental health care began with a deeply personal tragedy. As a young student, she faced the loss of loved ones to suicide—an experience that would shape the course of her life. Instead of succumbing to grief, Megan turned her pain into purpose, pursuing an education in Applied Psychology, Neuroscience, and Digital Health. Her interdisciplinary expertise laid the foundation for her work in creating mental health solutions that combine cutting-edge science with compassionate care.

Determined to fill the gaps in mental health support, Megan co-founded Neurum Health, a platform that leverages AI, scientific research, and universal design to offer personalized mental and lifestyle health solutions. "Our platform analyzes a comprehensive array of individual and contextual data, delivering precisely tailored recommendations that ensure optimal support for each member," Megan explains​.

Her goal is clear: to make mental health care more accessible and inclusive, ensuring that everyone has the support they need, no matter where they are on their journey.

The Birth of Neurum Health: Revolutionizing Mental Health Care

Armed with a deep passion for mental health and an interdisciplinary background, her platform uses AI and cutting-edge scientific research to provide personalized mental health solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. From self-guided digital programs to professional human care, the platform is designed to meet people where they are, offering clarity and support at every stage of their mental health journey.

"Our platform is designed to analyze a comprehensive array of individual and contextual data," Megan explains, "delivering precisely tailored recommendations that ensure optimal support for each member." By blending technology with compassion, Neurum Health removes traditional barriers to care, making mental health support more accessible, effective, and engaging for diverse populations.

A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

A core pillar of Neurum Health's success is its unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. Megan understands that mental health care cannot be one-size-fits-all. From the outset, she has made it a priority to involve and listen to the community, ensuring that the platform reflects the diverse needs of its users.

"From the outset, involving and listening to our community and building an internal team that reflects our values is crucial for providing content and resources that cater to diverse cultural backgrounds and languages," Megan shares​. Neurum Health also partners with the Equal Opportunity Commission in Hong Kong and actively works with ethnic minority talents to ensure that the solutions they create are as inclusive as possible​.

This commitment to diversity doesn't just benefit Neurum Health's users—it also strengthens the internal culture of the company. "This diversity strengthens our ability to create more inclusive and effective solutions as we benefit from a wide range of perspectives and experiences," Megan emphasizes​. By embracing the unique needs of each individual, Neurum Health is building a mental health platform where everyone, no matter their background, can feel supported and understood.

Leveraging Technology for Transformative Mental Health Care

At the heart of Neurum Health's mission is the innovative use of AI and machine learning to make mental health care more accessible and impactful. Megan's approach centers on harnessing the power of technology to remove traditional barriers to mental health support. By analyzing a broad range of data, from individual habits to environmental factors, Neurum Health delivers recommendations that are personalized, evidence-based, and timely.

"Our platform analyzes a comprehensive array of individual and contextual data, delivering precisely tailored recommendations that ensure optimal support for each member," Megan explains​. This ability to tailor mental health care to each user's unique circumstances sets Neurum Health apart, making it a trailblazer in the mental health tech space.

Beyond serving individuals, Neurum Health also provides businesses with valuable insights through aggregated data, helping companies enhance their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting. This dual focus on personal and corporate impact reflects Megan's vision of creating a ripple effect, where improving mental health at an individual level also benefits larger communities and organizations.

"By providing businesses with the tools to support their employees' mental health, we can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the individual level," Megan shares​. Neurum Health's innovative technology not only addresses the immediate mental health needs of its users but also contributes to long-term well-being by promoting corporate social responsibility.

Integrating Interdisciplinary Expertise

Megan's success in building Neurum Health is rooted in her interdisciplinary expertise, which spans Applied Psychology, Neuroscience, and Digital Health. Her ability to integrate these diverse fields has been crucial in developing mental health interventions that are not only scientifically sound but also practical and engaging for users. "My interdisciplinary background enables me to approach mental health care and accessibility holistically," Megan says. "Each facet of my expertise offers valuable insights for creating interventions that are both effective and genuinely resonate with our community."

Her hands-on experience in clinical research and large-scale interventions has equipped her to design solutions that are grounded in real-world application, ensuring that they are accessible to a wide and diverse population. For Megan, it's essential that mental health care not only works in theory but also engages and empowers people in their daily lives.

Recently, Megan expanded her work into youth mental health by stepping into the role of acting Executive Director at the KELY Support Group, an organization dedicated to supporting Hong Kong's youth. In this role, she advocates for peer support programs, early intervention, and destigmatization campaigns as key strategies for improving mental health outcomes for young people. "Adopting a holistic wellbeing approach that integrates mental health with life skills development can offer a more comprehensive support system," she notes​.

A Vision for the Future: Empowering Every Mind

Looking to the future, Megan is optimistic about the potential for innovation to continue reshaping mental health care. Her work at Neurum Health is only the beginning. By leveraging technology, community, and a deep understanding of human needs, Megan believes that mental health support can become more accessible, inclusive, and personalized for all.

"We're just at the beginning of what's possible," Megan says. "There's so much more we can do to support people on their mental health journeys, and I'm excited to see where the future takes us"​. Her vision is not limited to providing care; she wants to transform how people think about mental health, making it an integral part of everyday well-being.

At the core of her work is a commitment to helping every mind grow and heal. For Megan, mental health is not a destination but a journey—one that everyone deserves to walk with clarity, confidence, and support. Whether through Neurum Health's technological innovations or her advocacy for youth mental health, Megan's ultimate goal is to create lasting, positive change.

"In everything we do, we want to make a positive impact that lasts," she concludes​. By continuously pushing boundaries and fostering collaborations, Megan is building a future where mental health care is not only accessible but also empowering, giving everyone the tools they need to thrive.