Mamun Ala

<p>Dr. Mamun Ala is a Senior Lecturer, counsellor, researcher, and Professional Translator whose work bridges mental health, cultural competence, and inclusive education. An ACA-accredited counsellor and founder of Renew Path Counselling & Coaching, he supports clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds through person-centred, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive therapeutic approaches.</p> <br> <p>Dr. Ala holds a Ph.D. from the University of South Australia, an MPhil, an MBA, a GradCert in T&L in Higher Education (Swinburne), a Diploma of Counselling, and a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (TAFE SA). He is a Senior Lecturer in HR and Management at the Australian Institute of Business (AIB), where he also serves as an Academic Integrity Officer and Mentor and Advisor for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Since 2015, he has mentored numerous international students through the UniSA Business Career Mentor Program, strengthening their professional confidence, well-being, and cross-cultural adaptability.</p> <br> <p>Dr. Ala's current research spans three interconnected areas of mental health and workplace wellbeing, namely Cultural Competence in Counselling Practice (exploring how counsellors navigate cultural safety, language, and identity differences in multicultural settings); Reframing Workplace Peer Support (examining how peer-based models enhance resilience, psychological safety, and wellbeing); and Career Adaptability and Wellbeing in the Age of Generative AI (investigating how technological disruption affects mid-career professionals' mental health and sense of identity).</p> <br> <p>In July 2025, Dr. Ala was featured in the Australian Counselling Association's Member Spotlight, and he received the TAFE SA Honour Award 2025 for Cultural Leadership, recognising his contributions to multicultural inclusion, mental-health advocacy, and educational leadership.</p> <br> <p>Beyond academia, he serves as Secretary of the Dhaka University Alumni Association of South Australia and as a presenter on Radio Bangla Adelaide, promoting intercultural dialogue, awareness of wellbeing, and the preservation of cultural heritage.</p>