The Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development (FCSHD), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), hosted the Galleria of the Gifted on 22 and 23 April 2025. Organised by the Psychology Students’ Association (PERSEPSI), this two-day programme combined an exhibition, marketplace, and educational engagement aimed at promoting inclusion, celebrating the abilities of individuals with special needs, and enhancing student understanding of neurodiversity through direct community collaboration.
Held at the Ruai Wacana, a dedicated learning space within FCSHD, the event was supported by two community partners: the Kuching Autistic Association (KAA) and the Kuching Association of Talent Development and Welfare of Special Needs (KATSN). The central feature of the programme was a curated gallery that displayed and offered for sale handmade merchandise, artworks, and crafts produced by individuals with autism and other developmental conditions. The exhibition served a dual purpose: to raise public awareness and to provide meaningful recognition of the creators’ talent and effort. Visitors were invited to engage not only as spectators but also as active supporters of the contributors’ work.
To complement the exhibition, two interactive sessions were held. On 22 April, Mr. Darren, Programme Coordinator at KAA, delivered a session that introduced the autism spectrum, levels of diagnosis, and the importance of early intervention strategies. He also provided an overview of KAA’s community-based services and its role in supporting families and individuals affected by autism.
The second session, held on 23 April, featured a presentation by Madam Lim Mei Yek, President of KATSN. Her session highlighted the lived experiences of individuals with autism, including a case study of an individual who overcame multiple barriers to achieve personal and professional success. Her narrative underscored the transformative role of inclusive practices and family and institutional support in shaping positive outcomes.
The event concluded with a closing ceremony that also marked its formal officiation. The ceremony was attended by faculty members, student organisers, and representatives from both KAA and KATSN. In their closing remarks, speakers from the organising committee, the collaborating organisations, and the Deputy Dean of Undergraduate Studies acknowledged the programme as an effective model of experiential learning. They emphasised its role in fostering empathy, civic responsibility, and practical insight among students, while also strengthening university-community partnerships.
The Galleria of the Gifted represents an integrated approach to inclusive education, bringing together academic knowledge, community engagement, and real-world application. By providing students with the opportunity to interact directly with underrepresented groups, the programme advanced both the university’s educational objectives and its broader commitment to social responsibility.
Contributed by Alya Husna