Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, Malaysia and the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) have been walking hand-in-hand since 2010 in terms of research and other activities to benefit persons with autism (PWA) and their families. Based on the many successful joint ventures, NASOM entrusted UiTM to set up the National Autism Resource Centre (NARC) in 2019 by securing an endowment fund of RM80,000 from Dow Malaysia.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed on 2nd April 2019 in conjunction with World Autism Day between UiTM and NASOM to commemorate the partnership. UiTM was also presented the NASOM Autism Research Award by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry. The same year, NARC and NASOM organized several workshops and discussions at national levels to recommend policies for PWA which was attended by autism NGOs, parents and stakeholders representing relevant government and private agencies. The policy recommendations were presented at the ASEAN Regional Workshop for Policy Recommendations on Autism in Bangkok from 21-23 October 2019.
The success story in 2019 attracted Dow Malaysia and NASOM to further pledge RM88,000 n 2020 for NARC. NARC aims to continue organizing activities towards promoting acceptance of PWA among Malaysians by conducting webinars, training, and social activities. “Our main focus in 2020 is to collect data and information related to prevalence, mortality, expenses, research and centers related to autism in Malaysia,” said Prof. Dr. Nursuriati Jamil, Chair of NARC.
NASOM and UiTM through the National Autism Resource Centre will continue to work together to improve the quality of life of persons with autism and their families. We also welcome volunteers and researchers to join us in making our mission a success. Contact us at [email protected].