KOTA KINABALU – Sabah Autism Society (SAS) has received a RM50,000 funding commitment from Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick to support entrepreneurship programmes for individuals with autism beginning in 2027.
Ewon, who also serves as Sabah’s Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, said the allocation would help SAS introduce business-related activities through its autism centres.
The initiative aims to create opportunities for individuals with autism to develop practical skills, explore their potential and participate in entrepreneurial activities.
Ewon Highlights Personal Commitment to Special Needs Families
Ewon said his support for the initiative was also shaped by his personal experience as a parent raising a child with special needs.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by families caring for children with disabilities and expressed solidarity with parents navigating similar circumstances.
“I have agreed to support the entrepreneurship initiatives that SAS plans to introduce through its autism centres with RM50,000 in entrepreneurship funding,” he said.
“As parents who are also raising a child with special needs, my wife and I share the concerns of other parents raising children with special needs.”
He made the remarks after officiating the sixth edition of the UMS Sunset Autism Run at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) on Friday.
Over 1,000 Participants Join Autism Awareness Run
The UMS Sunset Autism Run attracted more than 1,000 participants, bringing together families, volunteers and members of the public.
Organised by SAS, the event aimed to raise autism awareness while promoting inclusion, understanding and community support for individuals with autism and their families.
Ewon commended the society for its continued efforts to improve the welfare and development of the autism community in Sabah.
He also congratulated SAS president Jennifer Balanting, the organising committee, volunteers and sponsors for making the event possible.
Roselle Cultivation Project Among Planned Initiatives
Meanwhile, Jennifer welcomed the RM50,000 funding commitment, describing it as an important contribution towards SAS’s planned entrepreneurship programmes.
She said the allocation would support several initiatives, including a roselle cultivation project in Tuaran.
The project is among the activities SAS intends to introduce to provide practical learning and entrepreneurship opportunities for individuals with autism.
Jennifer expressed appreciation for Ewon’s commitment to supporting the society’s efforts to develop entrepreneurship programmes through its autism centres.
She also thanked UMS, event participants, corporate sponsors, entrepreneurs with disabilities, volunteers and other contributors involved in organising the sixth UMS Sunset Autism Run.
Expanding Economic Opportunities for Individuals with Autism
The funding commitment is expected to help SAS introduce entrepreneurship activities tailored to the abilities and needs of individuals with autism.
Beginning in 2027, the programmes will focus on providing opportunities for participants to gain practical experience and develop skills that could support greater economic participation.
The initiative also highlights the role of cooperation between government leaders, community organisations and families in promoting more inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities.
Source: Sabah Autism Society announcement | Rewritten By Minutesmy
