Over the past 11 years, OCBC Al-Amin Bank Berhad (OCBC Al-Amin) has raised nearly RM300,000 to support IDEAS Autism Centre (IAC), reinforcing the Bank’s long-term commitment to improving access to care and services for children with autism, particularly those from underprivileged communities.

The funds fully raised by the Bank’s staff have enabled IAC to sustain its developmental and enrichment programmes, therapeutic interventions and research, while also supporting essential operational expenses such as utilities and staff salaries. Additionally, the funds will be utilised to subsidise therapy and programme fees for deserving families, thus improving access to essential early intervention services for children from underprivileged communities. 

Tuan Syed Abdull Aziz Syed Kechik, CEO of OCBC Al-Amin, said, “Raising close to RM300,000 is an important milestone for us, reflecting our belief that meaningful social impact comes from consistency and shared purpose. Our long standing partnership with IDEAS Autism Centre represents a deliberate commitment to supporting early and ongoing intervention for children with autism, helping them build skills for greater social participation. The strong participation from our staff and their families further demonstrates how collective effort can translate purpose into lasting impact.”

The funds were raised through Walk for Autism, OCBC Al-Amin’s annual community initiative organised in collaboration with IAC. Held consistently for more than a decade, this year’s event took place at the popular KL Car-Free Morning, a community platform sponsored by OCBC Bank, and raised RM45,000 for IAC. Staff from OCBC Al-Amin and OCBC Bank, along with their families and friends, participated by walking, running or cycling a three-kilometre route. 

Speaking on behalf of IAC, its Founding President Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin ibni Tuanku Mukhriz highlighted the important role corporates can play in raising awareness and easing the financial burden faced by families of children with autism.

“Early intervention and ongoing support are critical for children with autism, but they are also costly and often place significant financial strain on families. Corporate support such as OCBC Al Amin’s helps raise much needed awareness while lifting part of that burden off parents, allowing more children to access timely intervention and care. This kind of sustained partnership makes a real difference to the lives of families who need it most,” he said.

OCBC Al-Amin is the Islamic banking subsidiary of OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (OCBC Bank). Since its establishment in December 2008, OCBC Al-Amin has been among Malaysia’s top foreign Islamic banks, consistently ranking in the top two by assets since 2013.

OCBC Al-Amin offers its products and services through the 38 OCBC branches nationwide, including 7 that are standalone Islamic banking branches.