Malaysian dad goes all out to help young adults with autism gain jobs

Job opportunities help Muhammad Adeeb (right) become more comfortable interacting with other people. Photos: The Star/Sheela Chandran

Muhammad Adeeb Nu’aim Ibrahim, 16, has medium-functioning autism, but he has big dreams. He loves baking and cooking, and hopes to become a chef after finishing high school.

Last month, he moved a step closer to that dream when he was accepted as a trainee at Fuiyoh! It’s Uncle Roger, a restaurant in Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

It may seem like a small milestone to some, but it means a lot to Muhammad Adeeb.

“I am happy. I can meet new people,” he says during an interview.

Nurain (left) says the job training has helped Muhammad Adeeb grow more confident.This opportunity is part of his career transition training programme, designed for students with special needs at a school in Shah Alam.

Autism – also referred to as autism spectrum disorder – constitutes a diverse group of conditions related to the development of the brain, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Like many people with autism, Muhammad Adeeb has difficulty with social communication, and struggles to make eye contact with others.

According to WHO, these individuals are often subject to stigma and discrimination, including unjust deprivation of health care, education and opportunities to engage and participate in their communities.

But thanks to the efforts of Mohd Adli Yahya, 61, founder of the Shah Alam-based Autism Cafe Project (ACP), Muhammad Adeeb and two other young adults with autism have secured jobs at the restaurant, a crucial step towards independence and community integration.

Inspired by his own son, Muhammad Luqman Shariff, 26, who has low-functioning autism, Mohd Adli has dedicated himself to helping autistic young adults transition into the working world.

Mohd Adli wants people with autism to move towards independence and to grow in confidence. Photo: The Star/Raja Faisal HishanAt ACP, Mohd Adli empowers youth with autism by offering job opportunities and a safe space to work. So far, six young adults are under his wing. He has trained them to cook, serve customers and bake cookies.

Mohd Adli has also helped secure part-time waiter positions for three ACP staff members at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

“As parents, we won’t be around forever (for our children), so my goal is to equip Muhammad Luqman with the skills he needs to stand on his own. There was a time when he couldn’t even manage simple tasks, but now, with training, he can measure ingredients, serve customers, and handle basic kitchen duties,” he says.

“I want my son – and the others under ACP – to move towards independence, to grow in confidence, and to walk alongside society, not behind it.”

In 2016, Mohd Adli gave up his job as an executive director at Standard Chartered Foundation to set up ACP. His wife, Nozilan Mohamad, also gave up her job as a technician at a telecommunications company to manage the restaurant and train its staff.

A chance to shine

Popular Malaysian comedian Nigel Ng, who is based in the United States, is known worldwide for his “Uncle Roger” persona. The character is known for his exaggerated Asian accent, orange polo shirt, and strong opinion on how Asian food should be cooked.

Last year, he ventured into the restaurant business, opening Fuiyoh! Its Uncle Roger in Malaysia.

In a press release, Ng said the idea to work with autistic individuals came about when the restaurant was exploring options for its corporate social responsibility projects.

“Having many fans from the Down syndrome and autism communities, we saw the collaboration with ACP as a natural fit. Now, ACP cookies and handmade bracelets are also being sold at the cafe, providing an additional avenue for income and visibility.

“We’re honoured to be working alongside ACP to provide job opportunities for the autistic community and help them feel seen and supported.”

Ng (left) believes in creating meaningful job opportunities for individuals like Muhammad Luqman. Photo: Belle LeeNg, 34, added that offering these young adults the chance to work is about more than just employment – it is about raising awareness and breaking the stigma.

“There is a common misconception that individuals with autism can’t work. This partnership proves otherwise. While it can be challenging for them to find jobs in typical settings, the restaurant offers a safe, encouraging space for them to grow and shine.”

As part of this initiative, Muhammad Adeeb and two boys work at the restaurant once a week for five hours. During their shifts, they help with tasks such as serving customers, managing simple app functions, clearing dishes, wiping tables, and bringing orders to customers.

Their schedule starts with just five hours a day, gradually helping them adapt before they return to ACP for the remainder of the day over a four-day work week.

Each trainee is paid RM10 per hour and paired with a buddy – a staff member who guides and supports them throughout their shift.

“Our collaboration with the restaurant focuses on constructing a safe working environment for them. So far, the three workers are doing well,” says Mohd Adli.

Muhammad Adeeb’s mother, lecturer Nurain Nasrudin, 45, is optimistic that over time, her eldest son will continue to gain confidence and become more comfortable interacting with others.

“My son is a big fan of Uncle Roger. And he is excited to have his first real job training. Having previously trained at ACP, this is his first time engaging more directly with the public. After each shift, he is so happy to share how he’s learning new things.

“His job training is helping him build confidence. He is slowly learning how to mix with others, and slowly, he can gain independence.”

Nurain is also happy that he is finally learning a skill set.

“A restaurant giving him the chance to learn, grow and earn is a step closer to independence. This means a lot,” says the mother of four.