Marching Towards Inclusion and Awareness with Taarana School’s ‘Walk For Autism 2025’

28 April 2025

PETALING JAYA: More than just a walk, this event was a powerful stride towards awareness, acceptance, and empowerment.

On 26 April, hundreds of participants gathered at Komplex Sukan PKNS in Petaling Jaya for Taarana School's annual "Walk For Autism 2025," a significant community event hosted by Taarana School under the RYTHM Foundation, the social impact arm of the QI Group.

Organised in conjunction with World Autism Month, the walk aimed to highlight autism awareness, celebrate neurodiversity, and reaffirm the community’s commitment to a more inclusive society—one in which individuals on the autism spectrum are not only embraced but also empowered.

As the event's anchor partner, QI Group played a pivotal role in amplifying the message of inclusion and empowerment. Beyond "Walk For Autism 2025", the Group's commitment to social equity is supported by a broader mission to drive transformative change across underserved and neurodiverse communities.

Through its social impact arm, RYTHM Foundation, QI Group champions inclusive education, skills development, grassroots empowerment, and climate-resilient solutions—especially for women, youth, indigenous peoples, and individuals with special needs.

"Walk For Autism 2025" represents just one of the many ways the Group translates its purpose into action, reinforcing its belief that sustainable progress must be community-led, culturally respectful, and rooted in dignity for all.

“RYTHM Foundation and Taarana School for Special Needs Children have always been at the forefront of inclusive conversations surrounding individuals with special needs,” said Group Managing Director Kuna Senathirajah. “QI Group is honoured to provide our support through both the foundation’s and the school’s social initiatives, such as Walk For Autism.”

He further added, “We recognise that behind each child with special needs is a family navigating challenges that often go unseen. It is our duty as a collective to offer not only the right tools for the children but also knowledge, community, and long-term support for their caregivers. In line with our corporate values—integrity, service, sustainability, and leadership—we encourage our staff to embody these values daily.”

Participants of all ages started the morning with an invigorating warm-up before embarking on a 45-minute walk around the sports complex. This was followed by a colourful and heartwarming gathering of families, educators, advocates, and members of the public, all walking side by side to raise their voices—and visibility—for autism inclusion.

“Now in its third year, Walk For Autism 2025 invites the community to walk alongside us,” said Dr. Sunitha Sivakumaran, Principal of Taarana School. “We aim for our message to resonate not only in terms of physical presence but also in spirit and intention. We want people to truly understand who our children are and what they need. Each step taken today is a powerful reminder that inclusion is not a destination but a journey we must traverse together with compassion, intention, and consistency.”

Enhancing this year’s event was the participation of Adli Yahya, founder of the Autism Cafe Project (ACP), who attended as a strategic partner. As a father to a young adult with autism, En Adli's inspiring journey—from concerned parent to social entrepreneur—resonated deeply with many attendees.

“I genuinely hope Walk for Autism 2025 fosters understanding that inclusion isn’t just a one-day campaign. It’s a principle we need to embody everywhere—be it in schools, businesses, or our communities,” he said. “We must continue to create environments where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive. That’s how we cultivate stronger, more compassionate communities.”

The event featured various engaging activities following the walk, including inclusive games, educational booths, therapy resource stations, and vocational training information—designed to create a more informed and supportive environment for neurodiverse individuals.

The first 50 participants to complete the route received medals in recognition of their effort and enthusiasm, while all participants received e-certificates as tokens of appreciation for their commitment to inclusion.

“As we mark the third year of Walk For Autism, what truly inspires us is witnessing this initiative continue to grow—not just in numbers, but in significance,” said Santhi Periasamy, Head of the RYTHM Foundation.

“This walk represents more than awareness; it is a living expression of our ongoing commitment to cultivating a world where every child, regardless of ability, is seen, heard, and afforded the opportunity to thrive.”

“Walk For Autism 2025” transcended the boundaries of a single event, emerging as a beacon of hope and unwavering commitment. It was a compelling demonstration of community unity—not merely to raise awareness, but to effect real change through compassion and understanding.

Motivated by every heartfelt insight and the steadfast spirit of all those involved, the walk reaffirmed the Group’s dedication to fostering a future where inclusivity is a daily lived experience and every individual is empowered to flourish.

To continue this spirit of support, Taarana students will showcase and sell their handcrafted merchandise— including greeting cards, tote bags, and flower plants—at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus on 29–30 April and 5–6 May. All proceeds will enhance educational programmes and student initiatives at the school, providing the public with a meaningful opportunity to continue supporting Taarana’s mission.

Established in 2011, Taarana School aims to unlock every child’s potential to equip them for the future with independence and confidence. The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum tailored to meet the needs of children with cognitive and sensory impairments that significantly impact their daily functioning and necessitate special accommodations or services. 

RYTHM Foundation, the core of social impact for the QI Group, champions Education, Empowerment, and Environmental Sustainability. An acronym for “Raise Yourself To Help Mankind,” RYTHM embodies the QI Group’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Since 2005, RYTHM Foundation has reached over 80,000 individuals across more than 20 countries, collaborating with over 115 organisations to launch more than 50 sustainable projects. Our initiatives, particularly in education, women’s empowerment, and inclusive support for youth and individuals with disabilities, have received international acclaim, including prestigious awards in India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Ghana. 

QI Group is a diversified multinational conglomerate with interests in lifestyle and leisure, luxury, training and education, property development and management, logistics, and e-commerce. With over 1,500 employees and a presence in nearly 30 countries, the Group operates regional offices across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. In Malaysia, it co-owns and operates Quest International University Perak (QIUP) in partnership with the Malaysian State Government. QI Group has also invested in the hospitality sector through a portfolio of resorts and boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, Thailand, South Africa, and Turkey.