Aizat Izzuddin is an art enthusiast as well as a poetry performer, a storyteller, a voice actor, an illustrator and an orator. He, along with his classmate, narrated three short stories and recited three poems at the art festival “2020 Tiny Lit Fest”, hosted virtually by an association in Brunei.The two students became the first Malaysians to take part in the art festival as performers. In early 2021, Aizat represented Malaysia to compete at the Asian English Olympics organized by an Indonesian university where he participated in the storytelling category, together with two of his classmates. He was one of the first individuals with disabilities to take part in the event as contestants. His accomplishments in literary, performing and visuals arts have catalyzed the active participation of special needs learners in various arts events in his community. More students have been inspired to participate in the art festivals being held locally, nationally and internationally.

Congratulations to Muhammad Aizat Izzuddin Bin Azme as the recipient of the 2021 May World Changer Award!

Aizat ‘s short story presentations and poetry along with his classmates can be accessed via this link: https://youtu.be/YkeS2ohTe_Y

Mohammad Zulfadhli bin Amban, who has a hearing impairment, is a vocational student at Keningau Vocational College in Sabah, Malaysia. He represented his state to compete at the National Abilympics Championship in the silk hand painting category. His paintings portray the traditional motifs of leaves and flowers in geometrical designs known as Batik motifs in Malaysia. His art wowed the visitors and judges. His signature style of portraying Malaysian Batik motifs on his artwork helped to popularize the intricate patterns as a unique concept that are highlighted at annual art exhibitions and competitions in the country. Also, his efforts contributed to the preservation of traditional arts by familiarizing a younger generation with the centuries-old theme and craftsmanship of Batik.

Congratulations to Mohammad Zulfadhli bin Amban as the recipient of the March 2021 SENIA World Changer Award!

Jane Christine Justine, a student with a hearing impairment, was the leader of her school innovation team specializing in producing vegan food. Along with her team and their advisory teacher, they initiated a project called “Veganbond” which seeks to produce their own vegan food and raise public awareness on vegan lifestyle. In 2020, she led her team to win three innovation medals in a local innovation competition and two global innovation contests that were virtually hosted in the UK and in Southeast Asia. Veganbond was also a finalist in the 2020 Youth Solution Report produced by SDSN Youth. They presented their project in sign language and this led to major changes made by the event organizers in order to accommodate special needs individuals as only oral presentations were allowed in the past. Her efforts have successfully broken the barriers for special needs individuals especially those with hearing impairments.  Here is a link to their presentation: https://youtu.be/pE774orv8OI

Congratulations Jane!!

Dr. Shyielathy Arumugam is a special educator by profession in Malaysia.  She has dedicated her life to supporting and providing resources about special education and inclusion through her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/shyielathy81/featured. Her main focus is to incorporate inclusion into every aspect of life. She strongly believes that the value of diversity will not be achieved without inclusion. In efforts to ensure that every child has equal educational opportunities, she fights for inclusion everyday. One of the quotes she lives by is: “If you desire to make a difference in the world, you must be different from the world.” 

Congratulations to Dr. Shyielathy Arumugam as the recipient of the November 2020 World Changers Award!

Stefanus Lucas is a special education teacher at Sekolah Rendah Pendidikan Khas, Sabah, Malaysia. Stefanus has advocated for and changed the perceptions of people with disabilities in Sabah, Malaysia. He has done this by sharing the beautiful experiences of individuals with disabilities on social media and through promoting his special education classes. His inspirational message of “focusing on ability, not disability” is very evident in his music classes and the impact that music can have on people ‘s lives. Music unites people and allows individuals to communicate ideas and feelings. It includes everyone as everyone can take part in making music together. Stefanus also focuses on our similarities and how we are all human beings who need each other ‘s love and support.  To see his classes, click on the link: https://youtu.be/4l_CFHwHyiI