Lyna Mohamad
The 6th ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Congress is taking place in Kuala Lumpur to share experiences and promote the rights of persons living with autism.
Two representatives from the Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei are attending the congress, that is set to end today.
SMARTER Brunei Chief Executive Officer and Vice President I Sharifah Adila Surya binti Malai Haji Abdullah presented the country report regarding activities and achievements of SMARTER Brunei as well as its employment programme.
Meanwhile, Malai Ayla Surya binti Malai Haji Abdullah said it is truly inspiring to be part of a group of like-minded people who are making the world more compassionate and autism-friendly.
“Personally, it is really important for me to continue my late father’s legacy and support my sister who does it as her day job, and who continues to march on in the battle towards equity,” said Ayla.
The congress, themed, ‘Adults Autism Employment and its challenges’, marks the first since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Representatives from ASEAN countries plus Pakistan, an associate member of the AAN took part in a visit to the Butterfly Effect lane in Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and a visit to the National Autism Society of Malaysia.
The event is set with the objective to educate, develop, and provide opportunities for family support groups, helping them to grow towards achieving global standards with reference to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and other international and regional instruments relating to autism.
