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PETALING JAYA: In the annals of child welfare, some people shine brighter than others. Dr Neville Anthony Fernandez is one such person, whose fight for the rights and welfare of Down syndrome children has made him a legend. Having dedicated himself to the Down syndrome cause, Fernandez sowed the seeds of compassion and care as the founder of the Kiwanis Care Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Despite his immense sacrifices in terms of time, energy and financial resources, his commitment remains a beacon of hope for those he serves. Reflecting on his journey, he recounted that his mission to help children with Down syndrome began during his service with the Armed Forces in Sibu, Sarawak, in 1981. “Back then, I noticed that a lot of children with Down syndrome could not attend school because of their physical challenges. I felt sad to see them left out. “My only worry at the time was that their exclusion would hinder their intellectual development and perpetuate harmful societal stigmas surrounding them.” Fernandez emphasised that like any child, those with Down syndrome deserve the opportunity to learn, “and so, I resolved to help them reach their fullest potential”. His vision extended beyond individual efforts and emphasised the importance of collective action in improving the welfare of children with Down syndrome. He joined Kiwanis International in 1985, and when the Kiwanis Club of Kuala Lumpur decided to undertake a long-term project in 1986, he suggested focusing on Down syndrome. He led the project despite facing health challenges and secured a building for the first Down syndrome centre in Petaling Jaya in 1989. The centre became a foundation the following year and now operates six centres with 350 children. From 1995 to 1997, Fernandez served as president of the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation and raised over RM2.5 million for it. He was also appointed vice-president of the Asia-Pacific Regional Federation of Down Syndrome Associations in 1996. For his years of hard work and efforts, Fernandez received the MyHero 4.0 Award from the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “This award is a deeply meaningful one for me. I am deeply touched as it reaffirms the value of the work I dedicated myself to. “As I stood on stage to receive my award, surrounded by applause and recognition, I could not help but reflect on the journey that led me to this moment.” However, amid the flurry of emotions, one sentiment stood out above all, gratitude to his son. “My son’s belief in me, and his encouragement kept me going, especially during tough times. My nomination reminded me of how much one can influence another and the importance of family bonds.” Today, Fernandez remains focused on advancing the welfare and care of children with Down syndrome and is thankful for the opportunity to serve them. He also acknowledged the efforts of all the staff and parents of Down syndrome children who came together to support him during trying times.

The 2nd of December marked a significant moment as the Malaysian Professional Centre (Balai Ikhtihas Malaysia, BIM) joined hands with the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation (KDSF) in a heartwarming initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity and support for children with Down syndrome. The collaborative event, held at the KDSF Klang Centre, stood as a testament to the power of unity and empathy in creating a positive impact on the lives of these exceptional children. With a core focus on raising public awareness, creating fellowship, and fundraising for refurbishment, the objectives of this meaningful initiative were firmly set. The event sought to shed light on the incredible potential of children with Down syndrome, advocating for their right to quality education and equal opportunities. Professionals from diverse backgrounds engaged with the KDSF community, fostering mutual learning and understanding about Down syndrome while aiming to raise funds for the refurbishment of the KDSF centre. This effort aimed at ensuring a conducive and uplifting learning environment for these exceptional children. The day was filled with interactive sessions that brought smiles and joy to the faces of the children, panel discussions addressing inclusivity and education, engaging fundraising activities, and opportunities for networking and fellowship. Reflecting on this initiative, Andrew Tan Eng Joo, Vice President and Head of Membership/Welfare/CSR at BIM, shared, “We are honoured to collaborate with KDSF in this heartwarming initiative. It’s crucial to raise awareness about the potential and rights of children with Down syndrome. Our collective goal is to ensure they have access to quality education and a supportive environment where they can thrive.” The Malaysian Professional Centre (BIM) extends an open invitation to the media, supporters, and the public to participate actively and contribute to the cause of creating a more inclusive society for children with Down syndrome. This collaborative effort underscores a commitment to social impact and inclusivity, demonstrating how professionals from diverse fields can unite to support and uplift the KDSF community, paving the way for a more inclusive and compassionate society.