GEORGE TOWN, April 18, 2025 — The spirit of acceptance and inclusivity will take center stage later this month with the Penang Shine Like Stars Association set to stage its highly anticipated 8th Annual Autism Acceptance Campaign 2025. In the vibrant setting of Prangin Mall, Penang, the event is guaranteed to be a fun and enriching afternoon dedicated to celebrating the unique talents of autistic people and fostering community awareness and understanding.
Scheduled on Saturday, 26 April, the campaign borrows its motivating theme “Empower Abilities, Inspiring Futures,” the association’s ongoing dedication to be a champion of inclusivity and to be a beacon of the potential of individuals with autism. Ground Floor Atrium A of the mall from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM will be abuzz with activities, performances, and workshops that aim to educate, entertain, and unite the community for a good cause.
One of the festival’s most eagerly anticipated attractions is the “Safari of Colour – The Art of Being Different” Colouring Contest, which will take place earlier in the day at 12:00 PM on the 3rd Floor, Centre Mall. Involving 80 young participants, the competition is divided into two groups: the Explorer Group for children with special needs 4-12 and above, and the Adventure Group for all other children in the same age group. Not strictly a competition, the activity also aims to kindle creativity and foster connections between children of all abilities through the one language that speaks to everyone – art. Each child will receive a certificate and goodie bag to take home, and the top artworks will be awarded trophies and cash vouchers.
To complement the art display is a Charity Food & Fun Fair, opening at 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Landscape A of the mall. With 40 stalls selling a variety of Penang local delights, souvenirs, and 8 game stalls, the fair is designed as a family affair where individuals can enjoy good food and fun while doing their part for charity. Charity coupons priced at RM20 and RM50 per booklet will be available for sale, with all proceeds channelled towards the association’s RM80,000 fundraising campaign. Proceeds will contribute towards paying operational costs, upkeep of the association activity fund, and assisting other organizations serving the special needs society.
In the afternoon, guests can also undergo a thrilling succession of workshops and exhibitions from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Included among these are a Special Needs Art & Craft Show, a do-it-yourself Spices workshop by LemmeLearn, a Science & Tech Workshop by Tech Dome Penang, and a whole-body learning session titled “Move, Balance & Think” by Health Vitality. The activities are carefully planned to highlight the potential of individuals with autism while promoting all-inclusive hands-on learning outcomes.
Speaking before the event, Penang Shine Like Stars Association Chairman Kathrine Koo expressed her sincere gratitude to the many government agencies, corporate sponsors, schools, and individuals whose contribution has made it possible for the campaign to operate.
“Our ambition is to unlock potential and forge futures,” she continued. “This campaign is not an event — it’s an opportunity for accepting differences, raising awareness, and closing gaps between individuals with autism and society. We hope to see people from all walks of life in Penang come together to show their support and be part of a compassionate society that is inclusive.”
The event is open to the public, and organisers invite families, friends, and supporters to join in this meaningful celebration. Anyone interested may contact Ms. Koo at 012-338 1641 or Ms. Lim at 016-471 8678.
Keep yourself updated through their official Facebook accounts:
Autism Acceptance Campaign | Penang Shine Like Stars Association.
