Latest news with #JulianWong
The Star
29-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
What drives Nasom to keep organising its Autism Walk year after year
Looking for a meaningful event to add to your calendar? Sign up for the National Autism Society of Malaysia's (Nasom) Autism Walk 2025 - a feel-good, do-good event that brings together people of all ages in support of the autism place on Aug 16 (6.30am) at Citta Mall in Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, the 3km walk is more than a fitness outing - it's a vibrant celebration of inclusion, unity and community spirit. Nasom chairman Julian Wong, 45, says the event is designed to raise awareness, foster acceptance and spark vital conversations about autism and neurodiversity in Malaysia. "The walk is much more than a charity event; it's a powerful statement of visibility, belonging and solidarity," says Wong in an interview in Kuala Lumpur recently. "For Nasom, it represents a powerful platform to raise awareness, reduce stigma and foster greater public understanding of autism. For families, educators and individuals on the spectrum, it's a rare moment of communal celebration - one that says, unequivocally, 'You are seen, heard and valued'," he shares. Creating awareness about autism is about fostering empathy and support for the diverse ways people experience life. In Malaysia, public discourse around neurodiversity is still growing. Events like this walk help bridge understanding and invite everyone to play a role in building a more empathetic and inclusive society. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts and experiences the world. It's not an illness that can be cured, and individuals with autism often need long-term support. There are around 9,000 children in Malaysia born with autism each year, according to Nasom. Signs of autism can vary widely but may include challenges with social interaction, difficulty interpreting non-verbal communication, strong focus on particular interests, sensory sensitivities, and a preference for routines and predictability. Since its inaugural walk in 2011, Nasom has continuously expanded its outreach through events such as the Love and Beauty Run with Mary Kay (2019), the Danajamin Mighty 7 Run (2019), and the Eco Run for Inclusion (2023) with Dow and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). This year, nearly 500 participants have already signed up for the walk, and Wong is hopeful that more will join in to help raise funds for essential services, including education and therapy for autistic individuals. By uniting communities, the 2023 Eco Run for Inclusion shone a light on autism awareness. He also hopes participants will leave with a sense of connection and a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways people experience and engage with the world. "Whether they're walking alongside families impacted by autism or joining for the first time to learn more, participants will witness resilience, joy and community in action. "Our goal is that the walk sparks curiosity and compassion. Maybe someone will be inspired to volunteer, support inclusive education, or simply be kinder and more patient in daily interactions. Every step taken is a step toward more understanding - and that's a powerful takeaway." The event is open to people of all ages and fitness levels. Registration closes July 31, with fees at RM30 (students), RM35 (children), RM60 (adults) and RM150 (family package). It's free for OKU cardholders. Each participant will receive a jersey, string bag, finisher's medal and complimentary mineral water, bread and vouchers. The event doesn't end at the finish line. Stick around for the Finish Festival, a lively post-walk celebration featuring the Expression Wall Art with NakSeni where you can contribute to a live mural, expressing thoughts and emotions through colour, texture and form. There is also The Colour of Sounds' Drum Circle, an inclusive rhythm experience open to people of all ages and abilities. Participants can also try out tactile games and activities designed for sensory exploration. "This isn't just a walk — it's a space of acceptance, celebration and playful discovery. We've designed the atmosphere to be welcoming, intuitive and full of shared joy," says Wong. For more details, go to or email marcom@
Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Show Picks: Boyz II Men, Anthem and Tunggu Sekejap: The P. Ramlee Suite
American vocal group Boyz II Men scored some of the biggest ballads of the 1990s with songs such as End Of The Road. PHOTO: BOYZ II MEN/FACEBOOK Boyz II Men Live In Singapore Time to bring back the 1990s, as American R&B group Boyz II Men will be back in Singapore for a show. The Philadelphia trio with the smooth vocals – Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris – are behind some of the biggest ballads of that decade, such as End Of The Road (1992), I'll Make Love To You (1994) and One Sweet Day (1995), their duet with American diva Mariah Carey. The former quartet saw their bass singer Michael McCary leaving in 2003 due to health issues. Even though their most popular hits charted some 30 years ago, the group continued to put out new releases in the succeeding decades. In 2017, they released their latest and 15th album, Under The Streetlight, which mostly comprises renditions of songs from the 1950s, including Why Do Fools Fall In Love, a 1956 track by American band Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers. Where: The Star Theatre, The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green MRT: Buona Vista When: May 23, 8pm Admission: From $98 via Sistic (go to or call 6348-5555) Anthem – 40th Anniversary Japanese band Anthem's debut show in Singapore is part of their 40th anniversary celebrations. PHOTO: ANTHEM_OFFICIAL/FACEBOOK One of the pioneers of Japan's heavy metal scene, Anthem, are is finally playing a show in Singapore. The concert is part of Anthem's 40th anniversary tour that celebrates their self-titled debut album released in 1985. The band split up in 1992 after releasing six more albums. They reunited in 2000 and released comeback album Heavy Metal Anthem, and have regularly put out new material over the years. Their most recent album, Crimson & Jet Black, dropped in 2023. Anthem's current line-up includes bass player Naoto Shibata, the only member who has been with the band since they formed in 1980. The quartet are fronted by singer Yukio Morikawa, who joined in 1988. Where: Annexe Studio, Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive MRT: Esplanade When: May 24, 8pm Admission: From $98 via BookMyShow, go to Tunggu Sekejap: The P. Ramlee Suite P. Ramlee made significant contributions to the Malay film and music industry from the late 1940s to his death in the early 1970s. PHOTO: WILD RICE In this concert, Singaporean musician, composer and music director Julian Wong re-composed the works of Malay film and music icon P. Ramlee into three movements. These include some of the late maestro's most beloved songs such as Azizah (written in 1945), Getaran Jiwa (Soul Vibration, 1960) and Tunggu Sekejap (Wait A Moment, 1958). Singaporean musician and composer Julian Wong re-composed P. Ramlee's music into three movements. PHOTO: WILD RICE Directed by Wild Rice founding artistic director Ivan Heng, the music will be performed by the 30-member chamber orchestra re: mix, led by maestro Foo Say Ming. Wong, who received the Young Artist Award in 2023, He is also known for writing Don't Call Him Mr Mari Kita (2021), the acclaimed musical show about the late local composer Zubir Said. Where: Wild Rice @ Funan, 107 North Bridge Road MRT: City Hall When: May 15 to 31, 7.30pm (Wednesdays to Fridays), 2.30 and 7.30pm (Saturdays) and 2.30pm (Sundays) Admission: From $35 to $85 via Sistic Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
