SALAM Autisme YSD funded by Ministry of Finance supports capacity development and OSEIC Sarawak’s expansion of early intervention access across the state 

Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) today announced a collaboration with Pertubuhan Ibu Bapa Kanak Kanak Keperluan Istimewa Sarawak (PIBAKAT) to strengthen early intervention services through the One Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC) Sarawak. Supported by the Ministry of Finance under Belanjawan MADANI, YSD has committed RM350,000 to focus on building practitioner capacity and supporting OSEIC’s service expansion across Sarawak.   

The collaboration launch was officiated by Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak, and Y.A.M. Tunku Tan Sri Imran Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, Chairman of YSD. Also, in attendance were YBhg. Datu Dr Rashidah Bolhassan, YSD Governing Council Member, YBrs. Puan Nur Alina Abdullah @ Colliner Gohe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak; Dr Hjh Yatela Zainal Abidin, Chief Executive Officer of YSD; Tuan Haji Zaidi bin Haji Ahmad, President of PIBAKAT; Datuk Dr Saadiah Abdul Samat, General Manager of OSEIC Sarawak; and Mr Hanif Kuthubutheen, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Technology Transfer. 

As the philanthropic arm of Sime Darby Berhad, SD Guthrie Berhad and Sime Darby Property Berhad, YSD works with partners to strengthen social resilience and widen access to support for vulnerable communities. 

This initiative is part of Program SINAR YSD which addresses two pressing social challenges, teenage pregnancies and autism. Since its introduction in December 2024, the programme has reached over 22,000 individuals, including teenage mothers, girls at risk, children living with autism, and vulnerable families, through 14 initiatives nationwide.    

YSD’s support will enable the training of 30 Early Intervention Assistants at OSEIC Sarawak through an Executive Certificate programme delivered in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Technology Transfer.  

The programme is expected to strengthen support for at least 1,500 children living with autism and developmental delays. This includes enhanced services for 700 children already registered with OSEIC, support for another 300 children through the upcoming OSEIC branch in Miri by mid 2026, and Train the Trainer sessions for 60 teachers and caregivers. 

Under the autism-focused component of Program SINAR YSD, OSEIC represents YSD’s first SALAM Autisme partnership in Sarawak. The collaboration complements Sarawak’s efforts to expand access and improve the quality of early intervention services. It also supports the state’s agenda to strengthen inclusive child wellbeing services beyond urban centres.    

OSEIC Sarawak currently operates centres in Kuching and Dalat, with OSEIC Sarawak Miri scheduled to commence operations in July 2026. The initiative is expected to expand progressively across Sarawak, with a particular focus on rural districts by 2030. In addition, the collaboration encompasses long-term capacity building with local institutions of higher learning to strengthen professional education 

Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak, said: 
“This generous support carries deep significance for us. It strengthens our early intervention services and, more importantly, supports children with developmental delays so that they may grow, learn and live more inclusive, dignified and meaningful lives.” 

Y.A.M. Tunku Tan Sri Imran Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, Chairman of Yayasan Sime Darby, said: “This collaboration represents more than training—it is about shaping a future where every child has access to the support they need to thrive. By building local expertise and integrating early intervention into academic pathways, we are creating a sustainable ecosystem of care that will reach even the most remote communities. Together, we are laying the foundation for an inclusive Sarawak where no child is left behind.” 

In Sarawak, Yayasan Sime Darby has supported the state’s development for more than a decade, contributing over RM65 million through initiatives across education, environment, community and health, sports, and arts and culture. This collaboration with PIBAKAT and OSEIC continues that commitment through stronger early intervention capacity for children and families in Sarawak.