By M.Krishnamoorthy
A former Associate Professor, author, media coach, and journalist
Special needs teens, youths, and young adults have often been neglected, even though they can contribute to society and earn an income for themselves independently.
Ten years ago, Minds Association of Penang (MAP) helped special needs teenagers develop life skills, with specially trained teachers providing training and supervision.
Today, many of them are gainfully employed in various fields such as supermarkets, cafes, and factories. Some have started their own small businesses.
With extensive experience, Special Needs Education Expert and director Dr Rajes Ramasamy said in an interview that the Malaysian academy has collaborated with Singapore’s GUILD Inclusive College.
About eight months ago, Dr Rajes established Malaysia’s first Singapore syllabus Inclusive Skills Academy for young adults with special needs at 8 Avenue, Petaling Jaya.
The Skills Academy (GISA) is an inclusive, learner-centred training hub that supports young people aged 13 and above in developing skills across several professional areas. Their services support teenagers with Autism, ADD, ADHD, Speech Delay, Global Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome, Dyslexia, Slow Learners, and mild mental health conditions.
They offer training in: Culinary (food preparation, baking, café service); Hospitality (room preparation and housekeeping, guest support).
In the Retail field: stocking, packing, cashier, customer service) Office Administration (filing, printing, data entry, photocopying).
Floristry (flower arrangement, wrapping, preparation); Housekeeping (cleaning, laundry, organising); Craft and Production (candles, soaps, coasters, soft toys, packaging).
Digital Skills include typing, Canva, and simple content creation. Entrepreneurship includes product making, costing, packaging, and selling.
Under Maintenance: (Basic cleaning, equipment care, and workplace maintenance); and Teacher aide (Assist students with learning activities, provide prompts, support task completion, encourage participation, and monitor engagement).
GISA Director Dr Rajes said: “Every young person has unique strengths and potential. Our programmes are built around practical skills, personalised support and transferable capabilities that empower learners to define and pursue their own pathways confidently”.
Drawing on The GUILD International College Singapore’s experience in personalised, strengths-based education, GISA's mission is to equip learners with the skills, confidence, and real-world experience they need to thrive in life, work, and community, Rajes added.
Dr Rajes is a respected leader in inclusive education, skills training, and social impact, bringing 26 years of experience in leadership development and organisational transformation, supported by a strong academic background.
She has dedicated her career to designing meaningful and dignified pathways for individuals with special needs and diverse learning profiles, particularly those who flourish outside conventional academic environments.
She founded and has led the Minds Association of Penang (MAP), an NGO that has provided education and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities through a sheltered workshop model since 2006. She is also a trained teacher in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Parents wishing to send their teenagers can find more information about the ACADEMY.
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (https://helloimkrishna.com/) is a media coach, former Associate Professor, and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks, and The New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns.
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