Veteran Malaysian pastry chef trains young adults with autism baking skills

'They are like any other kids - just wired differently,' says Beins (left). — Photos: The Star/Sheela Chandran

For the past two weeks, the kitchen at non-governmental organisation Supported Employment for Autism (SEA) Club in Section 4, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, has been buzzing with activity.

The club has employed seven young adults with autism, who have been busy preparing cookies and cakes for their upcoming fundraising bazaar this Sunday (Nov 17).

Staff members Stephanie Sandra Dickson, 28, and Andrew James Albertsoosay Das, 26, carefully pack the cookies, while other team members work under the guidance of their trainer, baker Darren Anthony Beins, 56.

"For the bazaar, we are offering 10 types of cookies, Christmas cakes and candy. We have been working long hours to ensure that everything is ready for the bazaar. Besides cakes and cookies, we will be selling our handmade crafts and Christmas-design money packets. We are really excited," says Dickson, who is diagnosed with high-functioning autism, during an interview in PJ recently.

'I hope to bake more and earn more pocket money. I want to work towards independence,' says Dickson.

Beins chips in: "The team is so enthusiastic about the bazaar, and they’ve been putting in extra hours to bake more cookies like pineapple tarts, shortbread cookies and chocolate chip biscuits. Their dedication and passion are truly inspiring, and I couldn’t be prouder of their hard work."

SEA Club was formed in 2019 to facilitate and support adults on the spectrum to work in a sheltered environment and also enable them to socialise and engage in indoor and outdoor activities. It is an initiative by the founding members, who are parents of persons with autism.

Autism is a developmental condition that impacts social interaction, communication and behaviour.

It is not a disease and individuals with autism often need lifelong support and care to help manage their needs and thrive in various aspects of life.

Scrumptious cookies baked by young adults with autism.

Beins, a pastry chef with over 30 years of experience, was brought in to train the staff and teach them essential baking skills that can help them work towards greater independence.

He's been working with them for four months, sharing his expertise and guiding them every step of the way. His hands-on training has been instrumental in giving the team the confidence and skills to contribute meaningfully to the project.

This is Beins' first experience working with young adults with autism, and he has nothing but positive feedback for his special team.

"Of course, there are ups and downs, but they are like any other kids – just wired differently," Beins explained. "They listen to instructions, they are hardworking, and they are capable of working under guidance."

It is important to provide hands-on training to young adults with autism so they can contribute meaningfully to society.

Over the course of their training, Beins has taught them a variety of recipes, from carrot cake and sugee cake to coconut candy and simple Western dishes, helping them develop essential culinary skills.

By equipping them with culinary and baking skills, Beins hopes to enable them to eventually get jobs and contribute meaningfully to society.

According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia's 2022 Person With Disability Statistics, there are 674,548 persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the country.

Out of this, only 3,724 persons with disabilities had jobs in the public sector; the country has over one million civil servants.

Money packets and paper bags designed by youth with autism are also on sale at the bazaar.The Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) reports that for private sectors, 14,252 PWDs have been employed from 1990 to 2018, out of the 13.74 million workforce in private sectors.

Beins says that with proper training and guidance, PWDs can excel.

"The challenge is that people are often hesitant to hire them because they are labelled as PWDs and assumed to lack the ability to perform well. However, with proper guidance and training, they can excel. Patience is key when working with individuals with special needs."

Dickson, who has been employed with SEA Club for four years, is happy to learn baking under Beins' care. Armed with the skills, she knows she can use her baking skills to earn an income.

"I have baked some cookies for my parents' friends and earned some money. Slowly, I hope to bake more and earn more pocket money and work towards independence," says Dickson, who earns RM180 a month at SEA Club.

SEA Club's Charity Bazaar takes place on Nov 17 (8.30am - 4pm) at 10, Jalan 4/53, Section 4, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. For more details, call 03-7773 1122.