ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Executive Committee Meeting 8 May 2023 for April and May

• ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Executive Committee Meeting 8 May 2023 for April and May

ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) conducted its monthly Executive Committee Meeting of the year on Monday, 8 May 2023. The meeting was held online, and it was discussing the Autism Walk plans and activities from each country, as well the Autism Mapping Phase II.

Mr. Syvang reported that AfA has held the Autism Awareness event with local communities in Champasak province with around 100 people attending, and the local authorities understood and knew how to treat persons on the spectrum there. AfA also completed the concept design of the new Laos Autism Center, and it has already been submitted to the Ministry of Education for consideration.

Mr. Cason Tsze Chun Ong, AAN Honorary Chairperson, AAN Malaysia, NASOM reported that NASOM’s Walk for Autism is confirmed to be held on 27 May 2023, and they are expecting 1,000 participants. NASOM and Mr Cason also contacted many sponsors to organize more fundraising projects for NASOM. Additionally since the Spouse of the Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim, Mrs. Wan Azizah binti Wan Ismail, has visited APCD during the Prime Minister’ visit to Bangkok, Mr. Cason wants to hold a meeting with the Spouse of the Prime Minister of Malaysia on 16 May to possibly have them go on a tour to NASOM’s autism centers in Kuala Lumpur. NASOM is back online, resuming their activities as usual since the pandemic is declared over by WHO.

Mr. Frederik (Iki) Rotty, AAN Indonesia, YAI reported that YAI’s Walk for Autism even will be postponed from 23 July, the national Children’s day. In other news YAI held a painting exhibition in April, held some talks to hold another one in December, on 13 May they will have a job coaching talkshow. Mr. Muhammad Abijdzar Alghivari (Ghivar), AAN Secretariat, Indonesia added that LSPR and LSBA will hold their own Walk for Autism on 13 May.

Ms. Erlinda (Dang) Uy Koe, AAN Philippines, ASP presented a video about their Angels Walk for Autism 2023 event.  Theme was transformation – changing the narratives: what people on the spectrum can contribute at home, at work, in the arts and in policy making. The event was held at the SMX Convention Centre with over 10,000 participants. Ms Koe shared to the group how important it is to have very consistent messaging when it comes to our advocacy.

Ms. Pham Kim Thi Tam, AAN Vietnam, VAN  announced that VAN will hold their Walk for Autism event on 25-27 August 2023.

Since the finalization of AAM Phase 2 and JAIF Project Proposal taking longer than

expected, Ms. Dang Koe suggested an expedited method of approval through WahtsApp’s group chat feature.