Multimedia design student Muhammad Syamir Rizal Hishamuddin, 23, has been in high spirits, and he has every reason to be. Last month, his digital artworks – jointly created with four coursemates – were handpicked as the designs for his college’s Hari Raya duit raya (money) packets.
This is the first time the youth’s work has been featured on money packets, so it’s understandable that he’s overjoyed.
“We created 10 designs and two were selected by our teachers. In total, it took us two days to create each design. We are happy our talents are being recognised,” said Muhammad Syamir, who has high-functioning autism, in an email interview recently.
The attractive money packets are beautifully done and available in two colours – green and dark blue.
Designed using Adobe Software, they come with cute graphics befitting Hari Raya that includes lanterns, a mosque and children celebrating the occasion following a month of fasting.
From Subang Jaya, Selangor, Muhammad Syamir is attached to Infinite Minds Academy (IMA). The Petaling Jaya-based learning centre conducts digital technology courses for people with special needs.
Established in 2013, the academy offers courses like animation development, multimedia design, electronics and robotics, and 3D design and printing. Lessons cater to people diagnosed with autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy and persons who are deaf.
The award-winning academy’s mission is to equip young adults with disabilities with suitable skill sets to help them secure a good future.
Infinite Minds co-founder Kiran Kaur said this was the second time the academy has released money packets featuring the works of its students.
“Last year, we sold ang pow packets for Chinese New Year. We received overwhelming response and that motivated us to print a second batch for Hari Raya. Besides money packets, we have also released calendars designed by our neurodiverse students. The entire net proceeds are channelled back to our talents.
“The duit raya packets are priced at RM10 for 10 pieces. Proceeds will be given to our Muslim students, a few of whom are from the low-income bracket. Thus, with the sales of the money packets, they can generate some income to make the upcoming festivities even more memorable,” said Kiran, adding that they hope to sell 10,000 pieces during this festive season.
Muhammad Syamir and his coursemates were given different tasks to create the money packets, explained Kiran.
“Two students prepared the background design while two more worked on the characters. Another person completed the compiling work and came up with various colour combinations for the packets.”
By working together, the young adults learn about teamwork, patience and motivation.
“Coordination is very important to get them to better understand each other’s roles. They also learn about harnessing each other’s strengths and dynamics, and how it can result in increased productivity.
“Thus, by working in team projects like this, it prepares them to handle more professional assignments in the future,” shared Kiran, who is in her 40s.
She added that people with special needs are more capable than society perceives them to be.
“Technology has further enhanced their ability to perform, and at times, they are even better than any other person. Sadly, those with learning disabilities still face the brunt of discrimination and bullying throughout their lives. It is my wish that they will be equipped with pre-vocational, vocational and job training skills and move towards independence.”
One of IMA’s success stories is Karan Singh, 13, who invented a 3D face mask extender. Today Karan, who is deaf, sells his products online and receives orders all the way from the United States, India and Britain.
Kiran wants more students to follow in Karan’s footsteps. Her hope is for them to take on more commercial projects like creating graphics and animated advertisements for corporations.
After that, her wish is for them to move towards earning a salary.
“We aim to empower each young adult with special needs with the necessary technology skills to help them be more financially independent.
“These skills have been carefully handpicked by observing the current demand for job skills in the market and matching them with the strengths and abilities of our students. Once they are equipped with the necessary skills, they can choose to be self-employed, or take on various projects from IMA.”
For more details, go to www.myspecialmall.com or email info@infinitemindsacademy.com or call 012-257 9498.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
