KUALA LUMPUR – Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), has organised the Neurodiversity Inclusion Impact programme in conjunction with the National Training Week (NTW) 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), today.
This significant event promotes inclusivity by providing neurodivergent individuals with a platform to upskill themselves and connect with employment opportunities. At the same time, the workshops conducted during the event are meant to equip participants with the knowledge and practical tools to support and advocate for neurodiversity inclusion.
Graced by the presence of Her Highness Tunku Tun Aminah binti Sultan Ibrahim, the Princess of Johor and the Minister of Human Resources and Yang Berhormat Steven Sim Chee Keong, the programme attracted over 200 attendees. Among those present were the Chairman of HRD Corp, Yang Berbahagia Datuk Abu Huraira, its Chief Executive, Datuk Wira Shahul Dawood, the Board of Directors of HRD Corp, representatives from various industries, neurodiversity practitioners, academia, NGOs, as well as neurodivergent individuals and their parents.
During his speech, YB Steven Sim Chee Keong said, “Every Malaysian deserves the right to achieve their dreams in this country regardless of their physical, social, race and religious backgrounds. The MADANI Government Is determined to uphold this principle, and the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) is not only going all out to ensure that all Malaysians are given skills training to surmount challenges in their professional and private lives, but we must also practice inclusivity by introducing programmess that cater to the needs of neurodivergent individuals.”
The Minister of Human Resources expressed his pride that HRD Corp had successfully organised the NTW and that the initiative had accumulated over 65,000 free training courses and 280,000 enrolments in only its third day. He congratulated HRD Corp for carrying out the OKU Talent Enhancement Programme (OTEP) last year where 30 neurodivergent talents were trained and 15 received employment from big employers that included RHB Bank and Aeon. Inspired by the success of this pilot programme, the Minister announced that HRD Corp will allocate RM2 million to train more persons with disabilities (PWDs) including neurodivergent talents in the next one year.
During his speech, Yang Berbahagia Datuk Abu Huraira said. “Beyond seminars aimed at raising awareness for parents, guardians, employers, associations and neurodivergent talents themselves at this event, HRD Corp and our partners are also offering 56 employment and placement opportunities for neurodiverse talents at this event together with our corporate partners such as Petronas, RHB Bank, Ernst & Young and PERKESO.
During the ceremony, HRD Corp presented a total of 13 Certificates of Appreciation to participating employers and training providers such as Aeon Co. (M) Bhd,, Witprise Sdn Bhd, Exchange 106 and 99 Speedmart Sdn Bhd. This commitment signifies a pivotal step towards ensuring that upskilling and reskilling programmes are tailored to the needs of neurodivergent individuals. With this initiative as a starting point, HRD Corp is looking to get more training providers onboard to assist the neurodivergent community in acquiring industrial-standard skillsets to integrate them into society.
Apart from the ceremony, five (5) trainers also conducted four (4) seminars for 100 individuals, consisting of neurodivergent individuals, their parents and caregivers, employers and associations, community leaders and policymakers. The seminars centred around a wide range of topics including breaking bias surrounding neurodivergent individuals in the workplace, digital skills classes for special needs individuals, the roles and support of a job coach, as well as Cognitive and Social Intelligence (CSI). These seminars are designed to not only enhance the skillsets of the neurodivergent community but also enhance the readiness of the community towards accepting this special group into our workplace.
The Neurodiversity Inclusion Impact programme is a part of the broader NTW 2024 initiative, which offers over 60,000 free courses to more than 200,000 Malaysians nationwide. NTW 2024 will culminate in a two-day training extravaganza at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, on 29 and 30 June 2024. This event will feature a variety of activities such as Pancasains by Petrosains, EV Experience by Proton, Sports Clinic, Lego Competition, a book fair by Bookxcess and the MYFUTUREJOBS Career Fair among others.
For more information on the NTW 2024 and to register for the free training programmes during the week, please visit www.nationaltrainingweek.gov.my.
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