Yayasan Sime Darby celebrated International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023 with Sime Darby employees, scholars, project partners and advocates, alongside the YSD THRIVE mentors.
AT its annual celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) spotlighted the remarkable achievements of its scholars, the invaluable contributions of project partners, and the inspiring journeys of beneficiaries who have thrived in an inclusive environment.
Held at the Sime Darby Plantation Auditorium in Petaling Jaya, the event was a tribute to the scholars, project partners and beneficiaries who have been pivotal in advancing the cause of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Present were YSD chairman Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja’afar, OKU Sentral president Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi and YSD CEO Dr Yatela Zainal Abidin along with senior management representatives of Sime Darby Plantation, Sime Darby Berhad and Sime Darby Property, who are supportive against the fight for social inclusivity.
The event also provided a platform for a dialogue with PWD advocates in raising awareness on the crucial need to support the cause and the PWD community.
‘At YSD, we believe in supporting underserved communities where our multi-pronged approach aims not just to assist and support, but to create long term positive contributions for the nation,’ said YSD chairman Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar.
YSD reiterated its commitment to inclusivity by emphasising the importance of collaboration and creating environments where every member of the community, including scholars and beneficiaries, can flourish.
A significant part of the celebration was the sharing sessions by scholars, beneficiaries, and Sime Darby employees with disabilities who spoke about their personal challenges and triumphs at the workplace.
The event also acknowledged four YSD THRIVE PWD mentors – Faiz Shuhaimi, Muhammad Firdaus Abu Hassan, Ang Shin Yee, and Ainaa Farhanah – who were recognised for their dedication in giving back to the community.
These mentors, through YSD THRIVE programme – a scholarly development programme - will play a crucial role in guiding PWD scholars beginning next January to inspire future talents to effectively contribute to building a better Malaysia.
“Today’s celebration is our collective call to action, challenging us to redefine perspectives and pave the way for a Malaysia that thrives on inclusivity,” said Tunku Imran.
“At YSD, we believe in supporting underserved communities where our multi-pronged approach aims not just to assist and support, but to create long term positive contributions for the nation.
“In collaboration with our donors and other like-minded organisations, we aspire to move closer to producing solutions and implementing improvements towards equity for PWDs,” he said.
In advocating the right for work and social inclusivity in the workplace, a panel discussion moderated by AKRAB Resources co-founder and Yayasan Tabung Haji board of trustees Raja Azura Raja Mahayuddin featured panellists from Accenture, Majlis Belia OKU Malaysia, Malaysian Federation of the Deaf, and the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso).
Since 2010, YSD has invested over RM7mil in scholarships and bursaries to empower 201 students with disabilities to pursue their studies in certificate, diploma and degree programmes.
Beyond financial assistance, YSD’s support for IDEAs Autism Centre, Yayasan Orang Kurang Upaya Kelantan and the Malaysian Federation of the Deaf extends to empower PWDs – catalysing an environment where they can thrive.
