The National Autism Society of Malaysia’s (NASOM) preparations for the ASEAN Autism Games 2020 received a boost today when OCBC Al-Amin Bank Berhad injected RM40,000 into its preparations for the regional event.

Ms Feilina Feisol, Chairman of NASOM, sealing the partnership with Ms Fazillah Md Nor, Senior Manager of the OCBC Al-Amin Jaya One branch.

OCBC Al-Amin is the wholly-owned subsidiary of OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad.

The Bank contributed the funds by way of sponsorship of the inaugural Malaysian Autism Games, slated for 19 October 2019, which serves as a key preparatory ground for the ASEAN-level tournament.

Three games will be contested at the one-day event at two age-levels: under-15 and over-16. The games featured are running (50 metres and 100 metres), swimming (25 metres and 50 metres) and bowling.

The events will be held concurrently at Arena MPSJ; Aquatic Darul Ehsan; and Ampang Bowl, Summit USJ and Evolve Mall, Petaling Jaya respectively.

The first-of-its-kind event aims to bring together 200 participants who will compete in their quest to gain entry to the prestigious ASEAN Autism Games next year.

According to NASOM Chairman, Ms Feilina Feisol, the Malaysian Autism Games will serve as a key platform for selection and help participants get into shape for the major ASEAN tournament next year.

“This inaugural national-level sporting event will serve to create greater awareness about autism and pave the way for a better life for those in the autism spectrum and those with neurodevelopment disorders. We hope to see active participation from the young with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) and neurodevelopmental disorders.

“And we are not stopping at just ASEAN. We hope to soldier on and ultimately find talents to compete in the world para games and the Olympics as well in the future.

“We are grateful for the partnership with OCBC Al-Amin on this effort. Beyond the financial contribution, OCBC Al-Amin staff from both its Kota Damansara and Jaya One branches will be on hand to assist at the event as volunteers. We are truly thankful for this meaningful partnership,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of OCBC Al-Amin, its Jaya One branch Senior Manager Ms Fazillah Bt Md Nor said the Bank has developed a close relationship with the community through its banking presence and ongoing CSR programmes.

“OCBC Al-Amin continues to strive to be more involved in the localities in which we operate and to become even more engaged in the community, going beyond simply providing superior banking products and services to meeting the social needs of the people as well.

“We are happy to promote inclusiveness and an atmosphere where the community works together toward a better life for those in the autism spectrum and with neurodevelopment disorders. We hope that the seeds that are planted here will come to fruition one day at the world stage,” she said.