By Syifarida Muhamad Zaki
Photo by Marina Ismail
SERDANG, March 4 - For the very first time, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)’s Special Education Laboratory (Fusion lab) organised a Charity Dinner for Pupils with Special Needs (MBK), especially for those with intellectual disabilities. The dinner was organised to help raise funds for research and community therapy intervention for these children.
The event was part of the Community Therapist Intervention Programme aimed at increasing public awareness on the importance of intervention programmes through music in developing their potential towards self-reliance.
The programme includes research and community therapy interventions through musical instruments, psychological education and counselling that helps train special needs pupils from special education integration programmes in schools. It has been proven to effectively develop their talents and potentials with positive changes in students’ behaviour after intervention as compared to without.
Programme director and UPM Fusion Lab advisor, Ass. Prof. Dr. Samsilah Roslan said that the event could help enlighten others on MBK's intervention activities through music.
"Results of studies documented by UPM’s Fusion Lab research team show very encouraging data," she said.
She cited that the total number of students with special needs who are attending the Community Therapy Intervention Programme under UPM’s Fusion Lab has increased to 30 students since its inception in 2014.
“Pupils with special needs have been found to show a significant increase in creative thinking when given musical assignments with optimum challenges," she added.
The talent and potential of these students were also showcased at the event through the many performances in singing and playing of musical instruments.
Among those who showcased their talents were Umar Hasfizal who collaborated with Khamsatul Karamah Group from UPM's Fifth College to present a nasyid song entitled ‘Insya Allah’, Sayuri Shirai who presented four songs using the Xylophone as a musical instrument and others who performed the Dikir Barat and Kuda Kepang.
The event also celebrated the success of The Twinkle Cats Group which comprises special needs children from Japan who have undergone intervention therapy based on the Sayuri model that combines both neurosciences and creative art.
The ceremony was officiated by the Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr. Makio Miyagawa.
Also present were the Director of Special Education Division, Ministry of Education, Datuk Dr. Yasmin Hussain and UPM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datin Paduka Dato' Dr. Aini Ideris.
