Petaling Jaya, 1 December 2022 – Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) today celebrated its special needs scholars and mentors to these scholars, in a ceremony officiated by YB Senator Datuk (Dr.) Ras Adiba Mohd Radzi at Menara Sime Darby, in honour of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The event, attended by YSD Governing Council member YBhg. Puan Sri Normah Hashim, Talentcorp’s Vice President of Group Research, Development and Policy, YBrs Pn Hjh Mahuran Saro Dato’ Hj Sariki, and YSD CEO, Dr Hjh Yatela Zainal Abidin; aimed to celebrate the success of YSD-sponsored special needs students, bring about awareness on their potential and employability, and inspire other special needs students through the insights shared by YSD own high-achieving former special needs scholars.
YSD has so far awarded special needs bursaries worth over RM5.7 million to 162 scholars, out of which 106 have already successfully completed their studies. This year, there are 56 ongoing special needs scholars under YSD, one of whom is Mr Krithin Paul Pereira, a scholar who was born with cerebral palsy and is currently pursuing a Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance at Young Aces Technical College. All scholars under YSD, including those with special needs, have access to YSD THRIVE, a unique initiative with programmes that aim to produce well-rounded graduates and ensure employability
Four inspiring former YSD scholars with special needs were also spotlighted, as they are committed to contributing back to current YSD scholars through their role as YSD THRIVE mentors under the YSD #WECARE4U initiative. Commencing January 2023, these YSD THRIVE mentors namely Muhammad Firdaus Abu Hassan, Darrel Shakri Ahmad Shakri, Ang Shin Yee, and Naren Kumar A/L Surendra; will engage and share their experiences and insights to inspire future talents, and be an important part of support towards shaping and guiding scholars towards becoming responsible citizens who will contribute to building a better Malaysia.
YB Senator Datuk (Dr.) Ras Adiba in her officiating speech said, “It is heartening to know that many aspiring and talented individuals supported by YSD have already achieved success in their education, despite experiencing various challenges as persons with disabilities; and are now actively contributing to the Malaysian economy and making a difference in society.” She also expressed her hope that other organisations would be motivated and emulate what YSD does in providing various opportunities to youth with disabilities.
“As YSD continues to provide both financial and development support to all the inspiring scholars attending today, and to even more in the future, it is equally critical that we find ways to work together to build an environment of equity in terms of equal opportunities so that they are all able to explore their long-term pursuits towards achieving their individual dreams and goals,” expressed Dr Hjh Yatela.
While people with disabilities are often overlooked, and many workforce programmes are designed without them in mind, YSD underscores the importance of diversity and inclusivity through the multi-pronged approach of YSD THRIVE that is intended as their very own one-of-a-kind comprehensive scholar development programme.
