By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 29: The KATSN Artist Festival 2025 at Merdeka Plaza today not only celebrated the creativity of individuals with special needs but also highlighted the urgent need for more inclusive employment opportunities.
Kuching Association of Talent Development and Welfare of Special Needs (KATSN) advisor Dato Sim Kiang Chiok said the festival showcased how far individuals with special needs have come in developing skills and confidence, but stressed that society must now focus on creating pathways into the workforce.
“KATSN, together with other centres such as One Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC) and Pusat Pemulihan Samarahan, has been working tirelessly to provide skills training for children and adults with special needs in areas like electrical work, sewing, computing and hairdressing. These initiatives help build independence, confidence and meaningful participation in society.
“However, much more still needs to be done to expand these opportunities, particularly for young adults who are ready to enter the workforce,” he said in a statement issued after the event.
He pointed out that while Budget 2024 included allocations for autism and special needs programmes, future budgets should provide more targeted support such as job training centres, inclusive employment incentives and resources for families caring for children with special needs.
This year’s festival was graced by Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim as the guest of honour, who contributed RM10,000 to KATSN in support of its programmes.
Sim also extended appreciation to corporate supporters Plaza Merdeka Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Dato Steve Ng and executive director Datin Anriza Wong Cordero, whose initiatives have allowed artists under The Gifted Artist platform to exhibit their works and gain recognition.
On a personal note, Sim shared that his son Alister, 25, has grown as an artist whose acrylic and digital works inspire many, reaffirming the need for society to create more opportunities where every individual can shine.
“As we admire the works on display today, let us also strengthen our resolve to advocate for greater inclusivity, compassion and opportunities for individuals with special needs,” he said. – DayakDaily
