JOHOR BAHRU: The Multisensory Therapy Classroom was successfully opened at SJKC Foon Yew 3, thanks to a Global Grant project, which the Rotary Club of Puteri Lagoon is happy to have supported.

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Puteri Lagoon in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Taipei Sun Joy, the opening ceremony was officiated by District 3310 Governor Dr. Yap Lip Kee, the guest of honor, who commended this significant undertaking. The Rotary Clubs of Taipei, Hsin Chuang Central, Sentosa, and Tanjung Pagar are also supporting this program.

Dr Kate Chan Sook Cheng, president of the Rotary Club of Puteri Lagoon, emphasized that the PPKI (Program Pendidikan Khas Integrasi) plays a crucial role in providing an inclusive learning environment for students with special needs within regular schools.

She stated, “We acknowledge that each child has a unique learning approach. The PPKI program serves as a vital link that integrates special needs students into the mainstream education framework while respecting their individual learning preferences.”

Furthermore, the multisensory classroom is advantageous not only for PPKI students, the majority of whom (75–80%) are on the autism spectrum, but also for mainstream students facing difficulties with emotional regulation and sensory integration.

This specially designed classroom is equipped with sensory integration tools, emotional regulation resources enhanced by lighting and sound effects, and fine motor development materials aimed at fostering social communication skills, cognitive abilities, and hand-eye coordination.

“This classroom is a space where children can feel safe, calm, and supported,” said Dr Kate. “We’ve seen that when children have access to the right tools and environments, their potential truly begins to shine. It’s not just about therapy — it’s about dignity, opportunity, and hope.”

Dr Kate emphasized Rotary’s ongoing commitment to creating safe and nurturing spaces where all children can develop essential life skills.

“Our role as Rotarians is to serve — not just through charity, but through meaningful impact. Inclusivity must be intentional, and that’s what this project represents,” she said.

This project is part of a broader Global Grant effort uniting Rotary Clubs from Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, and Brunei, combining financial support with professional guidance to establish four multisensory therapy classrooms across Johor Bahru.

The four beneficiary schools are SJKC Pei Hwa, SJKC Foon Yew 3, SJKC Johor Jaya, and SJKC Ping Ming. Following the opening at SJKC Pei Hwa last month, SJKC Foon Yew 3 is now operational, with the remaining two schools set to open next month.

Dr Kate expressed profound gratitude towards their international partners, stating, “Their confidence in our vision and their invaluable contributions—ranging from financial support to the sharing of expertise—have been crucial in transforming this aspiration into reality.

Not mincing her words, she said this exemplifies the remarkable outcomes we can achieve when we unite across nations for a shared purpose.

Looking ahead, the Rotary Club of Puteri Lagoon intends to host professional development workshops aimed at teachers, parents, and the wider community. These workshops, led by occupational therapists, speech therapists, and psychologists, are designed to enhance understanding of the specific needs of children with special needs and to promote inclusive educational practices.

“Our goal is not just to build classrooms,” asserted Dr Kate. “It’s to build communities of support. Educators and families are key allies in this journey, and empowering them is just as important as equipping our schools.”

She concluded with a heartfelt message: “We want every child to know that they are seen, valued, and capable. Through initiatives like this, we hope to rewrite the narrative for special needs education in Malaysia — one of empathy, inclusion, and endless possibility.”

“We extend our deepest gratitude to all our partners, sponsors, and volunteers for their unwavering support. Your dedication ensures that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive,” she added.

Together, we are building a more inclusive future — one classroom, one child, and one community at a time.