| Lyna Mohamad |
IT’S A Grind (IAG), Citis Square, Berakas held a special recognition ceremony for Padma Shri Malai Haji Abdullah bin Malai Haji Othman, President of the Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei recently, who was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri Award by the Indian Government on India’s National Day on January 26.
According to Pengiran Haji Matusin bin Pengiran Haji Matasan, IAG Director, ‘Padma Shri’ is roughly equivalent to Brunei Darussalam’s ‘Dato’, and is one of India’s highest civilian honours. This year, 85 awardees received the award, including 10 from the Asean region, to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the India-Asean partnership.
“The award from the Indian Government recognises Padma Shri Malai Haji Abdullah and SMARTER’s passionate and relentless efforts in promoting autism awareness in the local community. IAG is passionate about recognising and supporting excellence in our community, which is why we wished to show our appreciation for Padma Shri and SMARTER’s good work,” he explained.
Padma Shri Malai Haji Abdullah said that he was both humbled and honoured to be awarded by the Government of India, and now by this special recognition by IAG.
“The recognitions will definitely motivate us at SMARTER to redouble our efforts to strive for higher standards of excellence. In fact, we aspire to be among the best in the world, with a ‘family-first’ approach – to promote and ensure support for SMARTER’s ‘Magic PILL’: ‘Parent Involvement Life Long’.”
Padma Shri Malai Haji Abdullah also highlighted his plans for 2018, which include welcoming more international attachment students to SMARTER, providing employment and competency-based skill training, and striving to improve the independent centre’s stability and sustainability.
“For example, SMARTER will open a café at our premises, and I am happy to announce that IAG, Berakas has committed to assist and show us the ropes as we take our first baby steps.
“I am very proud that this morning, six of our students successfully made coffee for IAG customers and guests. I believe that they can only become better with more experience,” he said.
“This hands-on experience at IAG, and our own café, when it is up and running, will provide our graduate students with employment opportunities and build up their confidence. I am sure they will eventually move further up the employability ladder. This is one way for SMARTER to slowly improve ourselves,” he explained.