Kota Kinabalu: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) continues its commitment to supporting programs for children with special needs, providing a platform to foster community unity.
Dr. Mohd Rahimie Abd Karim, Dean of the UMS Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy (FPEP), emphasised the importance of awareness campaigns, particularly for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These initiatives not only raise awareness but also strengthen social cohesion.
“We all know that autism is not a disability, but a uniqueness that needs to be appreciated and supported. Through programs like this, we can promote love, empathy, and acceptance, which are the first steps toward a truly caring society,” Dr. Rahimie said during the 2025 UMS Sunset Autism Run.
He praised the collaboration between UMS, the Sabah Autism Society (SAS), and other agencies for their ongoing efforts in supporting the autism community over the past five years. The UMS Sunset Autism Run, now in its fifth year since its inception in 2018, has become a proud annual tradition.
“We are very proud to be part of the effort to build a more inclusive, caring, and understanding society for everyone,” he added.
SAS Chairperson Jennifer Balanting also highlighted the importance of the event in supporting SAS’s vocational learning centre, which provides autistic children with skills to foster their independence. The centre currently cares for 30 children, and previous campaigns have played a vital role in their development.
“This event provides families a safe space to connect and socialize with others in similar situations, while offering a comfortable environment for children with special needs to have fun,” Jennifer said.
She emphasised that SAS remains open to collaborating with various sectors to continue offering such programs every year.
The 2025 UMS Sunset Autism Run saw approximately 700 participants, with events including a 7km run and a 2.5km walk, allowing families to spend quality time together and socialize while supporting the autism community.
