In conjunction with World Autism Awareness month which is widely celebrated throughout the month of April, leading cinema exhibitor, Golden Screen Cinemas (‘GSC’) has an exciting year-long line-up of initiatives aimed at raising awareness on autism amongst Malaysians. Joining forces for a greater good with partners including The Hope Project, the non-profit arm of The Early Autism Project Malaysia and the National Autism Society of Malaysia (‘NASOM’), a series of educational workshops and limited-edition merchandise will be available; with all funds raised from the initiatives will be channelled back to the respective organisations.
Aligned with raising awareness on autism and fostering a sense of inclusivity amongst Malaysians, GSC will be hosting a pipeline of exciting activities till December, which will further be supported by like-minded partners.
“Autism awareness is a cause that is very much close to our hearts. We believe in channelling our long-term support to the neurodivergent communities in Malaysia by providing them with accessibility to a safe-space to enjoy movies with our sensory-friendly halls. Working together with like-minded partners including The Hope Project and NASOM, we inspire to drive inclusivity and acceptance amongst Malaysians towards the autism community,” said Koh Mei Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Screen Cinemas.
Marking the start of autism awareness month on 1 April, together with The Hope Project is launching a series of educational workshops themed ‘Becoming Autism Friendly’ at GSC halls nationwide. These workshops will encompass relevant topics such as recognising early signs of autism as well as treatment and strategies that parents and caregivers are able to put in place to manage children with autism.
The launch workshop on 1 April will also see a series of fun-activities for children and mini-bazaar with various vendors in support of the autism community. In addition to the workshops slated in April, bi-monthly workshops up till December are in the pipeline, with further details to be announced closer to the dates.
“We’re excited to embark on our efforts with GSC to support Malaysians on the importance of creating safe, and inclusive spaces for the autism community as well as to equip parents, caregivers and educators through our line-up of workshops,” said Jochebed Isaacs, Director of Early Autism Project Malaysia and spokesperson for The Hope Project.
Lending further support to the autism community, GSC has partnered with NASOM to curate limited-edition t-shirts with hand-drawn designs by their talented children, aged 5 – 19 years. Conceptualised based on the theme “What does love mean to you”, the t-shirt designs represent meaningful interpretations from the perspective of an autistic child. Available in five designs and priced at RM36.00 per piece, the t-shirts are available for sale on GSC’s e-commerce site and at selected Keepsake kiosks located at Tropicana Gardens Mall and The Starling Mall, from 1 April onwards, whilst stocks last. All proceeds will be channelled back to NASOM.
“Social acceptance remains as one of the key factors in cultivating an inclusive and safe space for the autism community and with our partnership with GSC enables us to do so. At NASOM, with the right guidance and specific training programmes, we are able to nurture individuals with autism to reach their fullest potential, so that they able to embark on opportunities for the betterment of their future,” said Julian Wong, Chairman of NASOM.
Aligned with the aim of creating an inclusive community for all, GSC offers sensory-friendly screenings, with halls designed especially for children with autism. To cater to the needs of neuro-divergent children, sensory-friendly halls screen child-friendly movies at a reduced volume and dimmed lighting.
Movies are available every second Sunday of the month, priced at RM9/ per ticket, at the following locations:
- GSC 3 Damansara
- GSC Kuantan City Mall
- GSC The Mall, Southkey JB
- GSC AEON Falim, Ipoh
