STEP into certain stores at a Petaling Jaya mall in Selangor and you may be served by a group of youths proving what is possible when given the right opportunity.
Aged 19 to 31, these five individuals are part of 1 Utama shopping centre’s pioneer Amaze Work Programme – an initiative connecting autistic young adults with meaningful retail careers.
For them, the job stint is much more than a paycheque; it is a gateway to self-worth, independence and an active social life.
Welcoming opportunity
When offered the opportunity to work at Nando’s restaurant, Nicholas Loh said he chose to work in the kitchen, as prep work was something he was familiar with.
“I used to work in the production side at Stand Pie Me and help with cleanup after that, but I wanted to learn something else after two years there,” Loh, 30, said of his previous experience with the social enterprise.
“At Nando’s, my duties include cutting and preparing onions, chillies and rice.
“I especially like cutting garlic for garlic bread and croutons.”
Loh initially found the new role difficult and required guidance, but has since adapted and welcomed it as an opportunity to learn.
“I am happy to be working here. I like observing how the team works and sometimes talk to them,” said the soft-spoken man.
Abdullah Razin Razman, 19, signed up for Amaze Work with a relative’s help, as he felt ready to start his career a year after completing school.
He works as a retail associate in the menswear section at Aeon department store, where his duties include folding and arranging clothes, moving stock and light cleaning.
“The work here is similar to the housework I do at home. I find it easiest to fold t-shirts.
“I work five to six days a week, doing either the morning or afternoon shift,” he said.
Abdullah Razin used to commute from his family home in Rawang, but has since rented a room in Bandar Utama to be closer to his workplace.
His father, a delivery rider, occasionally delivers food to the store to check on him.
Thomas Yeoh took on the role of barista at Starbucks Reserve premium cafe as he wanted a change of scenery and a new challenge.
“Amaze Work is a good platform for us to get exposure and find a job,” said Yeoh, 30, who has a background in hospitality and basic barista experience.
“I enjoy any tasks that I am asked to do.
“I just need my colleagues’ supervision to make sure I am doing it right.”
He expressed gratitude for the support from his colleagues, which helped him gain confidence in the workplace.
“My job coach also supports me by routinely checking on me and asking if I am doing okay, or if there is anything that I am concerned about at my workplace,” said Yeoh.
He feels that he has gained new skills and become more independent since joining the programme.
Ahmad Naim Ahmad Faisal is part of the IT support team at 1 Utama shopping centre.
“The team troubleshoots issues with the iPay payment systems and in-house advertisement channels, as well as provides IT support for events and roadshows,” he said.
“Some tasks are repetitive, but others are challenging as they are new, so I need somebody to spot and help me.”
Ahmad Naim, 24, had prior work experience at two multinational corporations, but found it difficult to fit in and wanted a fresh start in an inclusive workplace.
“One of the new skills I have learned is how to communicate with people.
“I observe how my teammates deal with a scenario and try to mimic that, but I will also ask for guidance if needed.
“Work can be overwhelming or underwhelming at times, so I will take a breather by listening to music or taking a short walk,” he added.
Likewise, Loh, Abdullah Razin and Yeoh said if their environment got too loud or stressful, they would inform a team member and take a short break.
The fifth youth, Alexander Ho works as a retail associate at Aeon.
Ho works in the hardlines department − handling non-apparel goods such as electronics, kitchenware and homeware − where he helps restock shelves, clean display aisles and maintain the section.
Championing inclusivity
1 Utama City Group corporate communications, sustainability and investor relations senior executive Jeremy Fong explained that Amaze Work served as a platform for young adults with autism to find careers in the retail sector.
“We launched this to help open more inclusive pathways into the workforce, as we recognise that the path to finding meaningful employment is very difficult for them, despite having relevant certifications and completing training programmes,” he said.
Amaze Work is part of 1 Utama’s “As I Am – Celebrating Differences” campaign to raise awareness of the autism community and facilities that are available to them within the mall.
The programme connects autistic young working adults with career opportunities among retail tenants called “Inclusive Retail Champions”, and the mall’s management team.
Applications opened in October 2025. Following a structured interview process between then and February 2026, the selected candidates began their three-month orientation in May this year.
“During the evaluation and interview stage, candidates were interviewed by us and job coach Yeong Moh Foong, who is provided and fully funded by 1 Utama,” said Fong.
“They were asked about communication skills, daily lifestyles and at-home behaviour, as well as how they respond to social cues such as customer requests.
“At the same time, we checked the tenants’ requirements for their potential hires, which typically include the ability to communicate and work with minimal supervision, flexibility to work on weekends as well as role availability, such as kitchen or service crew positions.”
He added that each candidate’s background, experience and support needs were evaluated, while their interests, strengths and abilities were matched to roles offered.
Although more than 40 people applied, Fong said, the pool of suitable candidates narrowed to fewer than 10 after the evaluation and interview stage.
“They are moderate- to high-functioning neurodivergent individuals who can handle scenarios involving noise and lights,” he elaborated.
“However, our retail partners have been advised to allow these employees to take a breather within a quiet spot in their store or at 1 Utama’s Sensory Pod if they feel overstimulated,” he said.
Yeong played an important role in job matching, assessing workspaces, advising on workflows and guiding the retail partners’ team leaders.
She also conducted ad-hoc visits to the stores and remained available for advice throughout the programme.
Fong said that it was up to the retail tenants to decide on employee remuneration and contract terms.
“The three-month orientation is treated like a probation period,” he said.
“Their work performance will be assessed after that, with the possibility of extending to permanent employment.
“We observed that autistic individuals are good with detailed instructions and repetitive tasks,” said Fong.
“They have high memory retention, so they can grasp a given task if it is demonstrated several times.”
He said there was a high possibility of hiring all candidates from Amaze Work’s pioneer group, with the next intake scheduled for the third quarter of 2026.
“The three brands that came aboard as retail partners have experience hiring people with disabilities, although for some it is their first time hiring neurodivergent individuals.
“While they have indicated a willingness to hire more young adults with autism, we hope to have other tenants aboard to expand the range of opportunities available,” he said.
On incentives offered to Amaze Work’s retail partners, Fong said these included brand awareness on 1 Utama’s marketing platforms besides guidance from Yeong.
On metrics used by 1 Utama’s management to evaluate the programme’s success, Fong said it would include testimonials from candidates and their supervisors as well as Yeong’s evaluation.
For details, visit www.1utama.com.my/amaze
Loh (right) working under the guidance of assistant manager Siti Saidatul Saadah Seman at Nando’s in 1 Utama shopping centre. Below: Yeoh (centre) on the job alongside part-time barista Bryan Bernard Solomon at Starbucks Reserve.
Yeoh (centre) working with fellow part-time barista Bryan Bernard Solomon at Starbucks Reserve in 1 Utama Shopping Centre.
Fong: Programme serves as platform for young adults with autism to find retail careers.
Abdullah Razin steaming a t-shirt as part of his job as a menswear retail associate at Aeon.
Ahmad Naim is part of the IT support team at the mall in Petaling Jaya.
