25/04/2026

SATURDAY | APR 25, 2026

COMMUNITY 7

Autism fun run raises funds for sensory room project

o Facility expected to benefit children under Sabah Autism Centre

(From left) Yee, Ang and Chen carved Malaysia’s good name at the global level.

bubble tube, textured wall panels, fibre optic lighting and sensory integration tools such as swings and soft play items. Apart from the run, there were other activities like health screenings, awareness talks and sensory-based interactive sessions. Julita cited the importance of such events in deepening public understanding of autism, especially for families with limited access to information and support services, particularly in rural areas. According to JPKA statistics, Sabah has 7,057 autistic children but only 18 special education centres and related facilities are available. “As the number of children identified with autism rises, it is crucial to ensure continued strengthening of access to facilities and support services. “This requires close cooperation among various parties so that no child is left behind in receiving proper care, education and support,” Julita said.

It was organised by the Sabah General Welfare Services Department (JPKA), Sabah Autism Centre (PAUS) and the Sembulan Special Education Centre Visitors’ Board, in collaboration with the UMS Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, in conjunction with World Autism Awareness Month. State Women Development, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki said the run also aimed to raise funds to equip a sensory room at PAUS. The facility is expected to benefit about 65 children under the centre’s care. “Such programmes not only encourage meaningful community participation but also support fundraising to provide facilities that enhance the development and wellbeing of autistic children,” she said. The sensory room is designed as a therapeutic space to stimulate or calm the senses (sight, touch, hearing), helping autistic children improve focus and manage emotions. The facilities planned there include a

Ipoh doctors win at US cardiology competition

Ű BY JOSHUA CHANG newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KOTA KINABALU: The inaugural Autism Fun Run 2026 was held at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) stadium last Sunday, attracting over 400 participants. The strong turnout reflected the community’s solid support towards raising autism awareness and strengthening engagement in welfare efforts. The event included 83 persons with disabilities, 100 caregivers and 60 volunteers, highlighting active involvement from families, support groups and the public.

Ű P. CHANDRASAGARAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

IPOH: Three cardiologists from Ipoh made the country proud when they emerged as the champion at an international competitition organised by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) in New Orleans recently. Dr Chen Tai Meng, Dr Ang Jian-Gang and Dr Yee Shen Yew from the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital Cardiology Department defeated top teams from several countries in the ACC Fellows-In-Training (FIT) Jeopardy competition on March 30. The competition featured finalists from regional, domestic and intentional chapters. Their exceptional command of cardiology disciplines, including interventional cardiology, imaging, preventive cardiology, electrophysiology and heart failure, impressed the judges to give the trio top marks. The competition, held from March 28 to 30, focused on imaging, prevention and interventional cardiology, designed to foster friendly rivalry and educational engagement. It marked the first time that a team from the hospital was picked to represent Malaysia after they won the national-level competition organised by the National Heart Association of Malaysia. They also later clinched the Asia title in 2025. It was also the first time for Malaysia to carve her name at the global level since the competition was introduced in 2018. The team’s success not only made Malaysia proud but also gave inspiration for younger generation doctors to excel in the future.

Julita (left) flags off the inaugural event in Kota Kinabalu.

Sharing gift of reading on World Book Day PETALING JAYA: In conjunction with World Book Day on April 23, a private university and a popular bookstore chain undertook an initiative to turn the page for a meaningful new chapter of community engagement through a book donation project. make a tangible difference in the community. “As a mission-driven, fifth generation university, we remain committed to promoting lifelong learning and creating inclusive opportunities for all,” she said. “By working closely with like

The donation to the children’s centre represents a shared commitment to build an inclusive and compassionate society.

As part of Sunway University’s ongoing “Campus with a Conscience” initiative, the varsity and BookXcess teamed up to donate 120 books to the children of Pusat Penjagaan Kanak Kanak Cacat Taman Megah. The selected books are age appropriate and include sensory based elements designed to support children with varying learning needs, helping to create more inclusive and engaging reading experiences. The initiative followed a special World Book Day edition of Sunway University’s popular Comfy Chats series, which featured Andrew Yap, co-founder of BookXcess and Big Bad Wolf Ventures. Sunway University School of Education dean Prof Malissa Maria Mahmud said such initiatives demonstrate how education can extend beyond campus boundaries to

minded partners, we continue to champion initiatives that address real societal needs while nurturing a culture of empathy and service among our students and staff.” The initiative also highlighted how access to reading materials can play a role in supporting emotional development, communication skills and lifelong learning among children with diverse abilities. “This collaboration reflects a shared vision between Sunway University and BookXcess to make reading more accessible and inclusive,” said Yap. He added that it was also part of his company’s ongoing mission to empower communities through books and knowledge. He expressed hope that the books would spark curiosity, nurture imagination and

It serves as a reminder that small actions, when guided by purpose, can create lasting impact, especially when they open doors for children to imagine, learn and grow in environments in which they feel seen and supported.

remind them that they are seen, supported and included. It means a great deal to our centre and the children we care for.” The book donation represents a shared commitment to build a more inclusive and compassionate society.

open up new possibilities for the children at the centre. Expressing appreciation, M. Sityviknendraa, who is with the centre, said: “Contributions like these not only provide our children with valuable learning resources, but also