Unlocking Neurodivergent Talent
Enabling Academy is a place where we want to empower neurodivergent individuals to thrive and build workplaces where diverse talents are given opportunities to drive innovation.
Enabling Academy
In 2013, Gamuda launched Project Differently-Abled (Project DA). Since then, 20 employees with autism have been employed. This success inspired us to establish the Enabling Academy in 2017, aimed at preparing more people with autism for gainful and sustainable employment. The Enabling Academy conducts an employment transition programme that trains and places young adults with autism into companies that embrace diversity and inclusion in their workforce.
Come Join Us. Exciting Activities Await You.
5 May
- Autism Experience Tunnel
- Bazaar Booths
6 May
- Autism Experience Tunnel
- Bazaar Booths
- Art Jamming Workshop – to pre-register (1:00pm – 3:00pm)
- Gu Zheng Presentation (3:30pm – 4:00pm)
- Presentation by ZimiJ (4:00pm – 5:00pm)
7 May
- Autism Experience Tunnel
- Bazaar Booths
- Choir by Nasom (2:00pm – 3:00pm)
- Drum Circle Workshop (3:00pm – 4:00pm)
Participating Bazaar Booths
The Autism Café Project (ACP) started off as a father and son venture by Mohd Adli Yahya and Muhamad Luqman Shariff, his son with autism. From selling nasi lemak by the roadside, the project has since grown into a full-fledged café at Kota Damansara. The ACP currently employs 4 staff with ASD.
Bake With Dignity is a social enterprise that provides sheltered employment for adults with learning difficulties (AwLD) to learn and earn. They teach Persons with Learning Difficulties to be comfortable in the kitchen and show them the ropes on how to cook and bake.
Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled is a local non-profit organisation focused on providing employment services, vocational training, recycling activities and awareness programmes, to name a few, to meet the different needs of the local disabled community.
Support My Independent Living Enterprise, or SMILE, was set up by Beh Miao Qing, a person with autism and intellectual disabilities, with the help of his parents. The stall, located at Damansara Jaya, sells yam cakes, nyonya kuihs, drinks, candies, buns, ice-cream and many more local delicacies.
Established in 2017 by Yayasan Gamuda, the Enabling Academy aims at preparing people with autism for gainful and sustainable employment. It conducts a 3-month fully-sponsored employment transition programme that trains and places young adults with autism into companies that embrace diversity and inclusion in their workforce.
EmployAble provides employment and social readiness training for individuals with learning and intellectual difficulties, in addition to training for hiring companies.
Jammy Tummy is a bakery that operates as a social enterprise, offering training and employment opportunities for both neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals. Their mission is to offer affordable, natural and minimally processed ingredients baked goods to people.
JKM‘s vision is to empower communities in need towards social well-being. Some of the services provided for persons with disabilities are:
- Registration of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
- Community-based rehabilitation programme
- Job Coach service programme
- Programme Independent Living Centre
- Disability Equality Training
- Taska OKU
- Industrial Training and Rehabilitation Centre (PLPP)
Let’s Grow Early Intervention Centre is a learning centre for the children with/ at risk of developmental delays or special needs. They provide assessment and diagnosis, early intervention program, homeschool program, dyslexia program, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
The National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) has 16 centres across Malaysia with over 400 registered students. Their programmes include screening, assessment, Early Intervention Programme (EIP), Intensive Intervention Programme, therapy, vocational programme as well as skills development.
One-Two-Boost is a CSR initiative by Selangor Dredging Berhad which aims to provide job opportunities for individuals with disabilities by packing herbal soup and drink under the consultation and prescription advised by CM Physicians.
Pastel Worker is an artist with high-functioning autism. She makes clay keychains and decorative trinkets by hand. She’d also created her own “Malaysian Kids” comic characters. Her goal is to bring joy to children through her sense of humour.
Set up in 2010, PPKISKL supports and empowers parents with special needs children by organising workshops, sharing sessions, outings, and online training sessions.
Serena is a teenager who turned her passion in jewellery-making into a small business to support children with autism in terms of rehabilitations, skills development and employment.
Seven Tea One is an accredited social enterprise which provides a safe, inclusive and non-discriminatory platform for differently-abled and marginalized communities to learn employment skills and earn dignified income for sustainable living.
The Special Olympics Selangor provides a year-round sports training and athletic competition in variety of Olympic typed sports for children and adults with learning disabilities such as autism, ADHD and slow learners.
Sri Eden is a non-profit organization serving children with diverse Learning Difficulties. It provides crucial early intervention, positive behavioral modifications, basic functional academic learning & practical life skills necessary for daily living together with Occupational therapy.
Stand Pie Me is a a social enterprise providing training, employment and mentorship for young adults with special needs in food production.
They make affordable pies, quiches and tarts for meals and function.
United Voice (UV) is the first society in Malaysia that is led by persons with learning disabilities. Its mission is to advocate and ensure persons with learning disabilities are given the right to education, employment, community living and to be respected as individuals.
The Spectrum is a Malaysian community that supports and promotes young creators on the autism and differently-abled spectrum. Their primary goal is to create a platform for these individuals to showcase their creations, particularly artwork and writings, and to provide them with opportunities for earning royalties from their work.
Project Aims
Malaysia's first Employment Transition Centre for people with autism initiated by a private company.
Project Aims
What is autism?
Professionals diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by looking at a person's difficulties in two areas - social communication and restricted, repetitive and /or sensory behaviours or interests.
- Finding it hard to understand others’ thoughts and feelings
- Getting very anxious about social situations
- Finding it hard to build and sustain friendship or preferring to be on their own
- Seemingly blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to
- Finding it hard to express one’s feelings
- Taking things literally
- Prefer fixed routine and getting very anxious with changes
Challenges at work
At work, some people with autism may have certain challenges that require understanding and support.
- Talking too much or giving too much information
- Making inappropriate comments
- Interrupting or being repetitive
- Making or maintaining eye contact
- Reading facial expression and recognising faces
- Interpreting sarcasm or idioms
- Dealing with social situations and office politics
- Hyposensitive – require greater stimulation for the person to experience the stimuli
- Hypersensitive – extreme sensitivity to certain stimuli
- Planning – Prioritise, organise thoughts and materials
- Focusing – Follow through and complete tasks, avoid distractions and shift attention
- Being flexible – Transition between tasks, cope with changes in routine
- Managing time – Estimate and allocate time needed, adjust processing speed
- Retrieving information – Remember details, draws on past learning
Our approach
We believe in seeing each person as a unique individual before considering the person's abilities. Such notion directs our approach in our mission in promoting sustainable employment for people with autism. In Enabling Academy, each individual is assigned to a Job Coach for a customised individualised support plan. The plan detailed the person's interests and abilities considering the areas that require support.
Employment Transition Programme
This three-month employment transition programme, sponsored by Yayasan Gamuda, comprises two courses designed to equip trainees with relevant soft skills and practical job training that are essential for employability.
Employment Transition Programme
In 2013, Gamuda launched its Project Differently-Abled (Project DA) to sustainably employ adults on the autism spectrum. This success inspired us to establish Enabling Academy (EA) in 2017, aimed at raising awareness and enlarging the network of partner corporates to provide sustainable employment opportunities to individuals with autism. EA conducts an Employment Transition Programme (ETP) that trains and places individuals with autism into companies that embrace diversity and inclusion in their workforce.
Beginning in Jul 2024, we have expanded our mission to support neurodivergent individuals beyond autism. This commitment allows us to extend our reach, provide tailored support, and foster inclusive opportunities across a broader spectrum of neurodivergent talent.
Public awareness outreach on the employability of neurodivergent adults.
- 247 corporate companies across 10 sectors
- 9,805 local communities
- 6,053 Gamuda employees
Public awareness outreach on the employability of persons with autism
- 150 companies
- 1,963 local communities
- 2,253 Gamuda employees
EA ETP Trainer's Manual distribution
- Total of 3,268 book were distributed
- Among all of it, 1917 were to schools with special education programme, 586 were to Community-Based Rehabilitation and 100 to universities, the rest are other organizations and private sectors.
*As of Nov 2024
Current hiring partner companies
- Brick Dotcom Sdn Bhd
- Colas Rail Asia Sdn Bhd
- DRB-HICOM Berhad
- Feruni Ceramiche Sdn Bhd
- Gamuda Berhad
- Gamuda Engineering Sdn Bhd
- Gamuda Laboratories Sdn Bhd
- Gamuda Land Sdn Bhd
- Gamuda Trading Sdn Bhd
- HSBC Electronic Data Processing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
- iCIMB (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
- Intel Technology Sdn Bhd
- Macro Dimension Concrete Sdn Bhd
- Maran Timber Sdn Bhd
- MMC Gamuda KVMRT (T) Sdn Bhd
- SRS Consortium
- Tapway Sdn Bhd
- The Bake Nation
- UNIQLO
- UOB
- Voxel Studio
- Touch n Go
Partner Companies that had offered employment or internship
- A&A Architect Sdn Bhd
- Agrifert Malaysia Sdn Bhd
- ARC Partnership & Arcalliance Sdn Bhd
- Chris Koh & Chew
- CIMB Berhad
- Galaway Marketing Sdn Bhd
- Gamuda GM Klang Sdn Bhd
- Gateway Bones & Joints Medical Centre Sdn Bhd
- Golden Screen Cinemas Sdn Bhd
- Hap Seng Land
- InterContinental Hotel KL
- Lafarge Shared Services Sdn Bhd
- Nehemiah Reinforced Soil Sdn Bhd
- OCBC
- Ringo Low & Associates
- Roche (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
- Rovski Sdn Bhd
- SalesCandy International Sdn Bhd
- SalleWan Property Management Sdn Bhd
- Sttoke Inc
- Studio behind 90
- The Edge Communications Sdn Bhd
- Thistle Hotels & Resorts
- Times Media Sdn Bhd
- University KL
*Updated as of June 2022
Public awareness outreach on the employability of persons with autism
- 150 companies
- 1,963 local communities
- 2,253 Gamuda employees
EA ETP Trainer's Manual distribution
- Total of 3,268 book were distributed
- Among all of it, 1917 were to schools with special education programme, 586 were to Community-Based Rehabilitation and 100 to universities, the rest are other organizations and private sectors.
*All data from 2017 to 2020
Course I: Personal Development for Career Sustainability
This course focuses on soft skills development and covers two modules: Personal Development and Career Development. Training is conducted in a classroom setting with creative approaches that encourage active participation from trainees for more effective learning. Lessons learned are then applied during practical training.
Course II: Job Skills Development
To develop their employability skills, a mock office with a simulation-based approach is set up at the academy so trainees may experience the corporate environment and their work in clerical, administrative, IT-related and research assistant roles. Practical training will be arranged for trainees with professional qualification during the second or third month of training. Besides practical job training, basic work etiquette such as communication skills, accountability, teamwork and time management are taught in practical ways.
- 21 years old and above
- Official autism diagnosis or medical report from a registered psychologist/psychiatrist
- Completed secondary school or tertiary education
- Vocational aptitude suitable for administrative or professional jobs in a corporate setting
- Applicants’ resume and diagnosis will be reviewed
- Shortlisted applicants will attend face-to-face interview
- Selected applicants will be notified by Enabling Academy
Testimonials
Group Human Capital, DRB-HICOM: We knew there were challenges but we also knew we could be an agent of change. So, we took it on board, and we have been delighted with the experience. We wanted this to be a learning experience not merely for the EA graduates, but also for us. Indeed, it has been an eye opener, and we’ve learnt as well. Acceptance and inclusivity has a deeper meaning now.
Leow Khang Heng, CEO of Macro Dimension Concrete Sdn Bhd: Initially we were quite apprehensive how we would be able to adapt. We are very grateful that having him (the hired graduate) on board with us has enabled us to accept him and to accept our own people as team players. It has impacted us very positively with him around and we truly believe that we can move forward with that.
(Putri’s mother)
Putri is more independent and confident.
(Imran’s father)
My son has changed to be more responsible.
(Farid’s mother)
He can adapt to the working environment. He became more independent.
What do Employers say?
Stanley Chee, CEO and Co-founder of SalesCandy International Sdn Bhd: I think definitely having him (the hired graduate) join us make us a bit more sensitive in terms of communication. We like to be able to have more viewpoints on all matters. As a company, we believe that gives us a better shot in getting any of our products right. There are more angles to look at one problem.
Leow Khang Heng, CEO of Macro Dimension Concrete Sdn Bhd: Initially we were quite apprehensive how we would be able to adapt. We are very grateful that having him (the hired graduate) on board with us has enable to accept him and to accept our own people as team players. It has impacted us very positively with him around and we truly believe that we can move forward with that.
What do our graduates say?
Adriel Sim-Yii: I’m able to meet new friends with autism.
Elizabeth Goh Ching Yi: After I do the work (tasked in Enabling Academy), I get a sense of satisfaction. The most valuable lesson is to be resilient.
Shahbudin Proehoeman: I am more confident to go to work.
Putri Khalid: I feel happy and grateful. I learned a lot from Enabling Academy.
Imran Bazil Kamal: I feel grateful for the opportunity Enabling Academy had given to me. It helped me to be more engaging to people.
What do the parents say?
Apply Now
To apply, email your resume, medical diagnosis report and copies of certificates to Enabling Academy
(Intakes: January and July)
Our partner companies
- Brick Dotcom Sdn Bhd
- CIMB Bank Berhad
- DRB-HICOM Berhad
- Feruni Ceramiche Sdn Bhd
- Hap Seng Land Sdn Bhd
- HSBC Electronic Data Processing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
- InterContinental Kuala Lumpur Hotel
- Macro Dimension Concrete Sdn Bhd
- Maran Road Sawmill Sdn Bhd
- Nehemiah Reinforced Soil Sdn Bhd
- OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad
- SalesCandy International Sdn Bhd
- SalleWan Property Management Sdn Bhd
- Sttoke Inc
- Studio Behind 90
- Studio Voxel
- United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd
- Uniqlo Malaysia Sdn Bhd
- Gamuda Berhad
- Gamuda Engineering Sdn Bhd
- Gamuda Land Sdn Bhd
- Gamuda Trading Sdn Bhd
- MMC Gamuda KVMRT (T) Sdn Bhd
For Partner Companies
- Individuals with autism prefers structure and predictability. We have observed the retention is high given the right job match and conducive environment
- Individuals with autism are known for their focus and ability to concentrate on repetitive tasks and processes, attention to detail, accuracy and high memory retention of facts and figures
- There is a vast pool of talent amongst individuals with autism and by embracing neurodiversity at workplace, employers are able to foster a more inclusive and diversified work culture and environment
- Generally, employers who hire people with disabilities registered with the Social Welfare Department (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat) are entitled to claim further tax deductions in ascertaining the adjusted income. For instance, if an employer pays a disabled employee an annual income of RM15,000, the employer is eligible for a normal RM15,000 deduction and an additional RM15,000 deduction.
- Able to offer administrative or professional jobs to Enabling Academy graduates
- Willing to educate and raise awareness within the company
- Able to nominate staff members to be supervisors and buddies for Enabling Academy graduates
- Able to work closely with Enabling Academy job coaches to identify suitable job matches for selected Enabling Academy graduates
- Job matching for selected Enabling Academy graduates
- Autism awareness sessions/seminars for partner companies
- Workshops on workplace support and individualised job coaching
- Ongoing consultation for partner companies following recruitment of Enabling Academy graduates
- Identify suitable vacancies and the related job descriptions for people with autism
- Interview the identified Enabling Academy graduate for the relevant role
- Nominate supervisors and buddies for the hired graduate
- Work closely with job coaches to support the graduate to ensure employment sustainability
Employment Transition Programme Trainer’s Manual
The manual aims to aid educators, trainers and facilitators in their effort to prepare their target group for lessons on topics regarding personal development, career sustainability and job skills development, leading each one towards achieving gainful and sustainable employment.
A total of 6,293 Employment Transition Programme Trainer’s Manuals were distributed in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese versions.
| Executive Summary | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Special Education Division and schools | 2026 |
| Community-Based Rehabilitation Centres | 1118 |
| Non-governmental Organisations and social enterprises | 559 |
| Department for the Development of Persons with Disabilities | 171 |
| Parents and Inidviduals (includes website download *May 23′) | 915 |
| Corporate Companies and Partner Companies of EA | 360 |
| Foreign Organisations | 456 |
| Private Universities | 64 |
| Public Universities | 146 |
| Polytechnics and Community College | 113 |
| Other Private and Foreign Education Institutions | 140 |
| Private Centres and Consultants for People with Disabilities | 52 |
| National Youth Skills Institutes | 82 |
| Other Ministries and Government Agencies | 74 |
| Government and Private Hospitals | 17 |
| TOTAL | 6293 |
*Updated November 2023
This introductory workshop aims to equip practitioners to develop an Employment Transition Programme (ETP) that prepares persons with disabilities for gainful and sustainable employment, and independent living. The key takeaways include:
- Strategies to develop an ETP
- How to use / adapt Enabling Academy ETP Trainer’s Manual
- Recruitment and assessment of candidates
- How to develop contacts and cooperation with employers
- Pre-employment preparation
- Job placement
- Working with parents / carers
- Individualised training
To register for the workshop, email us at enablingacademy@yayasangamuda.my
ETP Practitioner’s Workshop has reached 881 participants over 417 organsiations in three languages – Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese, English. (Organisations include Corporate, Government Agencies, Hospital and Private Centres, Institutions, Community-Rehabilitation Centres, NGOs, Foreign Organisations)
*Updated November 2023
Total of 3,300 books were distributed
- 871 Special Education Programme in Secondary Schools
- 586 Community-Based Rehabilitation Centres
- 28 National Youth Skills Institutes
- 35 Polytechnics and Community Colleges
- 45 Public Universities
- 53 Private Universities
- 45 Private Companies
- 14 International Schools
- 183 Non-governmental Organisations
- 28 Private centres for people with disabilities
*Updated as of 15th April 2021
This introductory workshop aims to equip practitioners to develop an Employment Transition Programme (ETP) that prepares persons with disabilities for gainful and sustainable employment and independent living. The key takeaways include:
- Strategies to develop an ETP
- How to use / adapt Enabling Academy ETP Trainer’s Manual
- Recruitment and assessment of candidates
- How to develop contacts and cooperation with employers
- Pre-employment preparation
- Job Placement
- Working with parents / carers
- Individualised training
- Job placement support for PWDs during COVID-19
To register for the workshop, email us at enablingacademy@yayasangamuda.my
Practitioner’s Workshop has reached 123 participants over 62 organisations. ( NGOs, Institutions, Schools, Hospitals and Private Centres)
*Updated as of 15th April 2021
Total of 3,300 books were distributed
- 871 Special Education Programme in Secondary Schools
- 586 Community-Based Rehabilitation Centres
- 28 National Youth Skills Institutes
- 35 Polytechnics and Community Colleges
- 45 Public Universities
- 53 Private Universities
- 45 Private Companies
- 14 International Schools
- 183 Non-governmental Organisations
- 28 Private centres for people with disabilities
*Updated as of 15th April 2021
This introductory workshop aims to equip practitioners to develop an Employment Transition Programme (ETP) that prepares persons with disabilities for gainful and sustainable employment and independent living. The key takeaways include:
- Strategies to develop an ETP
- How to use / adapt Enabling Academy ETP Trainer’s Manual
- Recruitment and assessment of candidates
- How to develop contacts and cooperation with employers
- Pre-employment preparation
- Job Placement
- Working with parents / carers
- Individualised training
- Job placement support for PWDs during COVID-19
To register for the workshop, email us at enablingacademy@yayasangamuda.my
Practitioner’s Workshop has reached 123 participants over 62 organisations. ( NGOs, Institutions, Schools, Hospitals and Private Centres)
*Updated as of 15th April 2021
- Finding it hard to understand others’ thoughts and feelings
- Getting very anxious about social situations
- Finding it hard to build and sustain friendship or preferring to be on their own
- Seemingly blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to
- Finding it hard to express one’s feelings
- Taking things literally
- Prefer fixed routine and getting very anxious with changes
- Talking too much or giving too much information
- Making inappropriate comments
- Interrupting or being repetitive
- Making or maintaining eye contact
- Reading facial expression and recognising faces
- Interpreting sarcasm or idioms
- Dealing with social situations and office politics
- Hyposensitive – require greater stimulation for the person to experience the stimuli
- Hypersensitive – extreme sensitivity to certain stimuli
- Planning – Prioritise, organise thoughts and materials
- Focusing – Follow through and complete tasks, avoid distractions and shift attention
- Being flexible – Transition between tasks, cope with changes in routine
- Managing time – Estimate and allocate time needed, adjust processing speed
- Retrieving information – Remember details, draws on past learning
