Touch ‘n Go Group’s (“Touch ‘n Go”) sustainability pillar, ‘Treating People Fairly’ serves as a cornerstone of the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts. This pillar focuses on championing inclusivity, prioritizing well-being and growth for all individuals – both within their workplace and the wider community. Their partnership with IDEAS Autism Center (“IAC”) exemplifies this commitment.
Touch ‘n Go partnered with IAC in late 2022 to launch a Pre-Vocational Training programme. This initiative was aimed at equipping youths aged 10 to 14 on the autism spectrum from the B40 community with essential life skills to enhance their independence and employability. The program’s curriculum addressed critical areas of development, including self-grooming, sexual education, social skills and foundational academic skills, providing students with the tools to navigate daily challenges and prepare for adulthood.
The first cohort of eight students commenced their journey in 2023 in IAC Rawang, achieving commendable progress in self-management, domestic responsibilities, life/work readiness and other vital areas. While a few students required additional support, the overall success of the programme has been heartening.
A Holistic Approach: Empowering Families
Recognising that families play a pivotal role in shaping a child’s future, the programme also extended beyond students by offering training classes for parents. These classes acted as support groups tailored to help parents better understand their children’s needs and foster a more inclusive and nurturing environment at home. One parent shared his heartfelt gratitude, noting significant improvements in his son’s behavior, including the ability to complete simple household tasks like washing the dishes and doing laundry – small yet transformative milestones. Other than that, the son, who is taught under the “Program Pendidikan Khas Integrasi” (PPKI) has now been offered placement in “Program Pendidikan Inklusif” (PPI). This means he’ll be learning alongside mainstream students, which is an even greater achievement to the parents, IAC and Touch ‘n Go.
Scaling Impact and Expanding Reach
The overwhelming success of the inaugural year has solidified Touch ‘n Go’s commitment to this initiative. In 2024 all eight students from the first batch transitioned to Year 2 of the programme, engaging in a curriculum with greater complexity, while a new cohort of eight students began their first year.
Looking ahead to 2025, they are proud to continue this journey, enabling more children to benefit from this impactful initiative. This expansion will also include a second location, specifically in Nilai, welcoming another eight students for Year 1, amplifying its reach and reinforcing their dedication to empowering neurodivergent individuals and their families.
Building Futures Together
Through this partnership, Touch ‘n Go’s collective goal is clear: to enhance the children’s livelihoods and create pathways for their future. Whether by increasing the chances of entry into vocational education schools, special colleges or other forms of education, they aim to prepare these young individuals for meaningful opportunities and employment as they transition into adulthood.
Their collaboration with IAC is a testament to what can be achieved when businesses and communities work hand in hand. Together they are not just addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable future. At Touch ‘n Go, they believe in creating opportunities for all – because everyone deserves a chance to thrive.
