MIRI: The National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) here has begun including students with autism via specialised programmes and partnerships with industry players.
These initiatives, highlighted by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, Adam Adli, aim to provide more inclusive education and employment pathways for young people with autism, enabling them to thrive alongside their peers in various fields.
Addressing the media after attending IKBN Miri’s 16th convocation ceremony, Adam explained that the institute has introduced a unique inclusivity course specifically for youth with autism.
The programme currently includes 10 students and marks an important step in developing specialised educational opportunities at IKBN.
Adam emphasised that the programme’s ultimate goal is not only to educate these students but to prepare them for sustainable employment, ensuring they can live like everyone else.
“We’re not just creating an educational programme,” he noted.
“We’re building a platform that enables our students with autism to achieve meaningful job opportunities and independence.”
Adam also stressed the importance of industry collaborations, adding that several companies have shown interest in offering roles suited to these graduates’ unique needs.
These industry partnerships, established through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), are vital for the long-term success of the programme.
He highlighted that the Ministry is continually seeking more companies willing to invest in facilities and job placements tailored to young people with autism and other special needs.
While Adam acknowledged that the availability of industry positions for students with autism is still limited, he expressed optimism about the growing support from industry players who recognise the need for inclusivity.
He assured that the ministry would continue to allocate resources to further strengthen these industry connections, particularly for inclusive job opportunities.
The IKBN Miri programme stands as a model for expanding educational and career pathways for young people with autism across Malaysia.
