KUCHING: Artistic talents of special needs people can be their source of livelihood that enables them to be independent, said Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok.
The advisor of Kuching Association of Talent Development and Welfare of Special Needs (KATSN) stated that special needs children and individuals need the community’s support in helping them develop their talents.
He said support from the community can help boost their self-esteem and promote their self-reliance.
“The Gifted Art Exhibition jointly organised by KATSN, Lions Club and Kuching Divine Will Society helps to springboard art and painting enthusiasts to come forward and supports our artists with special needs which helps to them generate some income.
“In the long run with more exhibitions like this being organised, it would help our artists with special needs in community integration.
“Community integration is crucial as it enables people with disabilities to fully participate in life at the same level as non-disabled individuals,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Sharing on personal experiences with his son Alister, Sim was worried as there is no special college for his son to further his studies after graduating from secondary school for children with special needs.
Alister’s artistic talent was discovered back in 2017 when he spent an afternoon at Sim’s office during a school holiday.
Sim told Alister to write or draw anything to keep himself busy and to prevent him from being bored.
“Alister drew something that blew my mind – he was able to reproduce the world map on an A4 paper freehand with all the curves and grooves with just a pencil.
“I took the drawing to show my wife and we decided to ask Sarawak Arts Association vice chairman Gerald Goh to evaluate Alister’s drawing.
“I asked Gerald if he could be Alister’s guru and after two lessons, the rest was history,” he said.
Alister currently does acrylic paintings – he works on a commission basis and will do specific paintings upon order.
According to Sim, his wife has started to turn Alister’s paintings into merchandise such as mugs, T-shirts, umbrellas, tote bags, posters, stickers, and postcards which are available at the art exhibition in Plaza Merdeka.
“I believe our autistic children could be uncut diamonds. What we need is a guru or mentor to help them unearth their talents.
“As such, I do hope that there will be more training places or centres for my son and other autistic children to learn new skills.
“Public awareness is very important for the public to understand autism better and for autistic individuals to be accepted into the society,” he said.
At the same time, Sim lauded the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development for working very hard in establishing a comprehensive centre from kindergarten, trainings, and retirement home for the special needs.
“I am very pleased that the state government is listening to us, and we cannot wait for their comprehensive assistance for our children.
“I am very grateful and would like to thank Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah and her team,” he said.
Members of the public are encouraged to visit the art exhibition with some of the displays are able available for grab on a first-come first-served basis.
The art exhibition features works by 15 children of various special needs but all are blessed with the incredible ability to draw, paint, and create beautiful arts.
