Latest news with #Nasom
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Desaru hotel raises RM30,000 for autism NGO
Ishak (fourth left) handing over a mock cheque to the National Autism Society of Malaysia representatives. A LUXURY hotel in Desaru has raised RM30,000 for charity. Four Points by Sheraton Desaru general manager Ishak Yunus said they raised RM29,875 for the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom) through its buffet dinner sales. 'We gave the guests the opportunity to savour our authentic Malaysian cuisine while contributing to a noble cause. 'For every buffet package purchased, RM10 or RM5 was channelled directly to Nasom, a non-profit organisation that supports individuals with autism and their families. 'We aimed to raise awareness for those in need,' said Ishak. He said the campaign garnered overwhelming support from diners, turning the fundraising campaign into a platform for collective goodwill and community impact. – By RHEMA SENG
Borneo Post
27-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
SME Bank sets out to empower autistic entrepreneurs
Mohammad Hardee (right) visits one of the booths showcasing the talents and creations of autism-spectrum individuals. Standing, at left, is Mohd Adli. KUALA LUMPUR (April 27): Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) has partnered with the Autism Café Project, a homegrown social enterprise supported by the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom), in a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative meant to champion inclusive entrepreneurship and promote community-based empowerment for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This meaningful collaboration also coincided with the celebration of World Autism Month 2025. Acting group president and chief executive officer of SME Bank, Datuk Dr Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, emphasised the bank's commitment to building a more diverse SME ecosystem – aligning with the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (MEDC) agenda, which also placed emphasis on this segment under its 'Special Focus Group'. 'We are proud to play a direct role in shaping a more equitable economy through our partnership with the Autism Café Project and supported by Nasom – reflecting our dedication to empowering entrepreneurs, including individuals with autism. 'It aligns closely with SME Bank's sustainability journey and our vision to create meaningful value within the SME ecosystem –not only through financial services, but also by uplifting unserved and underserved communities, ensuring equal opportunities for all. 'By offering tools, guidance, and encouragement, we hope to be able to help them achieve financial independence, whilst making a difference in their lives,' said Mohammad Hardee. A recent two-day event commenced with an awareness sharing-session for SME Bank employees, featuring speakers from the Autism Café Project and Nasom. The session was designed to deepen employees' understanding of autistic individuals across all age groups: children, youths and adults. This was followed by a one-day bazaar at Menara SME Bank, which highlighted the talents of autistics entrepreneurs through a variety of offerings, including food and beverages, handicrafts, artwork, and clothing. The event also served as a platform to support these entrepreneurs in pursuing their business goals, supported by employees of SME Bank, in line with ongoing efforts to promote greater economic empowerment and financial independence. Mohd Adli Yahya, founder of the Autism Café Project, lauded SME Bank for its proactive role in raising awareness about individuals living with autism and promoting an inclusive society. 'Empowering autistic individuals through entrepreneurship goes beyond income generation – it fosters dignity, inclusion, and meaningful participation in society. 'Together with SME Bank, we are helping to break down social barriers, normalise the integration of more autistic individuals in the society, and build stronger, more compassionate communities. 'This partnership not only supports individuals with autism but also drives broader societal change by promoting a more inclusive and resilient economic landscape.' In Malaysia, micro-SMEs (MSMEs) constitute 96.9 per cent of all registered businesses, and employ nearly half of the national workforce based on data from SME Corp Malaysia. Concurrently, statistics from the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy reveal a significant rise of over 663 per cent in autism diagnoses between 2013 and 2023, with registered cases increasing from 6,991 to 53,323. This sharp increase underscores the urgent need for inclusive initiatives that equip individuals on the autism spectrum with the skills, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurial pathways necessary for greater independence. From empowering underserved entrepreneurs to supporting local education and sustainability efforts, SME Bank is making an impact in communities nationwide. Stay updated with the latest initiatives, success stories, and community outreach programmes on SME Bank's Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok platforms. Founded in 2016, the Autism Café Project in Kota Damansara supports 114 individuals with autism, providing vocational training and work experience to help them become self-reliant and entrepreneurial. Nasom is a non-profit that offers education, care, and support for individuals with autism and their families. With over 15 centres across Malaysia, the organisation provides services like early intervention, therapy, vocational training, and family support, while advocating for autism awareness and acceptance. autism corporate social responsibility entrepreneurs lead SME Bank
