Corporate social responsibility remains high on the agenda of Malaysia’s boutique developer Selangor Dredging Berhad.

In an interview with Malaysian Business, SDB sales & marketing head Khong Wei Chung said that its CSR initiatives serve to offer support and create opportunities for people with learning disabilities to acquire skills that will prepare them for a life on their own.

“Individuals with learning disabilities, such as Autism and Down’s Syndrome, have few opportunities to make it on their own when they reach adulthood,” said Khong.

“These young adults need to get the opportunity to acquire independent living skills that will prepare them for life on their own, especially once out of their parents’ care,” he added.

Apart from offering them a channel for employment, these CSR initiatives undertaken by SDB also enable them to learn and improve their work and social skills.

“The ultimate objective is for these individuals to acquire sufficient living skills that will enable them to be economically independent and self-reliant so that they gain the dignity and self-confidence to lead more fulfilling lives,” said Khong.

“SDB is committed to creating greater awareness and informing the public on the serious employment issues faced by people with learning disabilities, especially when they reach adulthood,” he added.

“Through our projects, it is the hope that there will soon be sufficient public support and encouragement to help such individuals cope with their issues, especially on their need for independence, as well as enable them to become visible and gain self-importance in society,” Khong further said.

Khong was speaking during a recent event when SDB and its subsidiary Hotel Maya of Kuala Lumpur had hosted children from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Al-Firdausi to a breaking of fast event at the Maya Hotel.

Themed Warisan Delights, the buffet spread laid included roast lamb, together with dishes specially prepared by the hotel’s accomplished chefs.

Traditional favourites like ulam, jeruk buah and the special Claypot Mamak and Apam Balik were also offered together with traditional sweets such as the mouth-watering Ice-Kacang, assorted kuih-muih, bubur, cakes and the special Ice Cream corner that has local flavours like Teh Tarik and Durian.

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