The IMPIAN Project, a Brunei-based platform supporting the special needs community, took part in a regional forum discussing socio-economic development in Malaysia on October 1 and 2.
The forum, organised by Yayasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Islam Malaysia (YaPEIM), saw IMPIAN Project founder Lailatul Zubaidah Hussain, share insights into the challenges faced by families with special needs children, drawing from her experiences and the organisation’s initiatives in Brunei Darussalam.
Lailatul’s journey began in 2018 when her youngest daughter was diagnosed with CHARGE Syndrome and her son with autism. “Raising two special needs children revealed the gaps in support systems, particularly in-home nursing care and early intervention services,” she said.
At the forum, Lailatul also outlined the project’s future plans, including the launch of an Inclusive Daycare and Learning Centre to help prepare special needs children for schooling.
She emphasised sustainability in social projects, aiming to create business models within the project that ensure long-term support without relying solely on donations.
The forum, officiated by Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, featured other notable speakers from YaPEIM and regional social enterprises, discussing innovative uses of infaq (charitable donations) and strategies to strengthen social investment for community impact.
