AdminThe Spectrum Stars, a group of MBA students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) Graduate School of Business, recently spearheaded an impactful community event – the Heart of the Rainbow Autism Awareness Carnival. Held on 23 August 2025 at Pustaka Raja Tun Uda, Shah Alam, the carnival was organised in collaboration with Yayasan Insan Istimewa Selangor (YANIS). The event drew 220 participants and was officiated by Batu Tiga State Assemblyman and Chairman of the Selangor OKU Action Council, YB Tuan Danial Al-Rashid bin Haron Aminar Rashid.
The event also witnessed the presence of UKM Graduate School of Business Dean, Professor Dr. Zafir Khan Mohamed Makhbul, and YANIS Chief Executive Officer, Tuan Ar. Kamarul Hisham bin Hj. Yeop Hashim, reflecting the strong institutional and community support for autism advocacy.
Educational seminars and parental support
A key focus of the carnival was to provide parents and caregivers with practical knowledge and long-term planning strategies for children with autism. A series of seminars addressed pressing topics, including future planning, managing behavioural challenges, and sharing parental experiences in raising children on the spectrum. These sessions offered both professional insights and lived experiences, equipping families with information to better navigate the complexities of autism support.
Complementing the talks, exhibition booths set up by NGOs and strategic partners provided visitors with resources, expert advice, and materials that could assist families in their daily lives. The availability of community-driven support at the event further strengthened the network of services accessible to parents and caregivers.
Children’s creativity takes centre stage
The carnival also placed strong emphasis on celebrating the creativity and potential of children with autism. More than 74 children between the ages of seven and twelve participated in art and craft activities such as colouring, finger painting, sand art, and slime-making. These sessions were designed to stimulate creativity, build confidence, and provide a joyful platform for self-expression.
Beyond being a recreational highlight, the activities helped foster inclusivity by bringing together children of varying abilities in a shared, supportive environment. This approach underlined the broader aim of the initiative – to normalise differences, encourage social interaction, and promote a sense of belonging for children with autism.
Building long-term impact
The Heart of the Rainbow Autism Awareness Carnival successfully bridged academic, governmental, and non-governmental efforts to address autism awareness in Malaysia. By combining knowledge-sharing, family engagement, and children-focused activities, the initiative went beyond awareness to foster empowerment and future readiness.
Through their leadership, the Spectrum Stars demonstrated the role young professionals can play in shaping a more inclusive society. The collaboration with YANIS and the strong backing from state representatives reflected a shared commitment towards creating sustainable support systems for families of children with autism.
The carnival’s success underscores the growing momentum in Malaysia to nurture awareness, strengthen advocacy, and build community resilience in ensuring the rights and futures of children with autism are well supported.
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