Lending support to autistic folk
HUNDREDS of children and adults with special needs gathered for the seventh Autism Awareness Campaign 2024 at Prangin Mall in Penang.

Organised by Penang Shine Like Stars Association, the event saw dances, performances and a catwalk fashion show by the special children.

Leong and her son Tian Loong at the campaign that promotes inclusivity.

Among parents at the event were IT worker Leong Ping Chian, 45, and her autistic son Wang Tian Loong, 14.

She said they moved from Kuala Lumpur to Penang as she heard the support groups there were better coordinated.

“My husband, who still works in Kuala Lumpur, and I fear there won’t be anyone to take care of our son when we are no longer around.

“We do not want to put the burden on our families, so we want to ensure he can look after himself.

“We enrolled him in the Lighthouse Academy, a learning centre for children with special needs and learning disabilities in Tanjung Bungah. He loves it there,” she said.

Leong said she was able to move to Penang easily as she worked from home.

She has been here for the past 18 months with her son.

Also present at the event were Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, who is also Deputy Finance Minister, Penang social development, welfare and non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng and Penang Shine Like Stars Association chairman Kathrine Koo.

Koo, in her opening speech, said the association’s mission was to cultivate empathy and promote inclusivity for those with autism and other special needs.

“Today, we are not merely spreading awareness; we are honouring the distinctive abilities and talents of these exceptional individuals.

“This event is a stride towards a more embracing society where every individual, irrespective of their capabilities, is cherished and accepted.

“It also underscores the principle that everyone merits a place within our community,” she said.

Hui Ying said the event also aimed to raise RM80,000 for the association’s annual activities and pledged RM10,000 from her parliamentary fund as a sign of support.

“The organisation wants to reassure these parents that they are not alone.

“While society has increasingly acknowledged the presence of children with special needs, it often overlooks the parents who quietly support them from behind the scenes.

“Let us consider what kind of society we want to build – the answer should be one where there is mutual support to ensure every child, regardless of their needs, has equal educational opportunities and every parent receives the help and support they need,” she said.

Hui Ying said additionally, the government’s support for children with special needs was not just a verbal commitment as funds had been allocated for special education.

“For example, I have allocated RM61,600 to SK Tan Sri P. Ramlee in Jalan Timah and SK Pendidikan Khas Jalan Hutton to improve their facilities,” she added.

Siew Khim said the event was actually a call to action, urging everyone to embrace diversity, cherish differences and advocate for inclusivity.

“It underscores that acceptance begins within each of us, evident in our daily interactions and attitudes toward individuals with autism and other disabilities.

“Change starts through individual efforts, whether big or small, each action contributes to a more compassionate world.

“Let us reassert our dedication to building a more inclusive and compassionate society, where individuals with autism are respected and empowered so that they are able to achieve their utmost potential,” she added.
Autism Awareness Campaign,Prangin Mall,Penang
HUNDREDS of children and adults with special needs gathered for the seventh Autism Awareness Campaign 2024 at Prangin Mall in Penang.