In conjunction with Autism Awareness month, our Special Education: Moving Beyond Boundaries event returned—bringing together experts, teachers, and advocates in a joyous and informative session of shared insight and perspectives
The event aimed to raise awareness of the importance of special needs education, early identification, and early intervention. At the same time, we wanted to empower parents, caregivers, educators, and community members to recognize early signs of developmental delays or disabilities.
While providing information about the availability of early support services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or behaviour interventions it also facilitated partnerships between QIU and local NGOs to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.
The event kicked off with an opening address by Vice-Chancellor Professor Zita Mohd Fahmi, before a sharing session by noted consultant community paediatrician and child advocate Dato’ Dr Amar Singh HSS on Embracing Autism: Creating Inclusive Communities.
Then, it was time for some truly memorable performances. First up was a sign language choir and a dance performance, performed with verve and passion by Sekolah Rendah Pendidikan Khas Ipoh. They were followed onstage by a thrilling Bollywood-styled show from Sekolah Semangat Maju Ipoh (PAFID)—eliciting raucous cheers from the crowd.
Adding more joy to the event were two beautiful solo piano performances by Kenny Loke and Tan Sunyu, representing Ray of Hope and trained by Dee Music Studio
The final expert sharing session came from Major Dr. Rosmalily binti Salleh, principal assistant director of the Ministry of Education’s curriculum development division who spoke on the Malaysian Curriculum for Students with Special Educational Needs.
Throughout the day, our organising partners—Persatuan Daybreak, RHC Training Centre, Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat, Perak Association for the Intellectually Disabled (PAFID), and STEPS in PHYSIO—put up exhibition booths around the La Place cafe to engage with the public
We’ve established a tradition of celebrating Autism Awareness month. Last year, we hosted an inclusive fashion show for youths with special needs, in addition to previous iterations of SEMB conferences.
Plans are in the pipeline to bring the SEMB show on the road to reach larger sections of the community. We look forward to more wonderful programmes like this in the future!
