Neurohope Programme Expands

The State Government remains committed to prioritise communities who require assistance including persons with special educational needs. “We have implemented several welfare assistance schemes for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, children, single mothers, the Orphans Assistance Scheme, the Food Assistance Programme for the Poor and Underprivileged, and the expansion of the Sabah Autism Centre (Pusat Autisme Sabah or PAUS),” Hajiji said at the opening of The Neurohope Programme 2026 on 18 July 2026 at Keningau.

“The Neurohope Programme is a community-driven initiative that unites healthcare and government sectors, community organisations, parents and the wider community. Support must come from immediate family members and from the community, healthcare professionals and non-governmental organisations.”

The Kota Kinabalu PAUS is based in Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu, and it provides services for children with autism including quality and affordable early education for children with autism aged between three and seven years. The centres will be expanded to Tawau, Sandakan, Kudat and Beaufort in 2026. The SK Bingkor community has demonstrated that schools can serve as centres for community development and excels in building a holistic support ecosystem, Hajiji said.

The Neurohope Programme can inspire more schools, communities and districts to strengthen inclusive education, empower families and build a more caring society, he added. Hajiji commended and congratulated Dr Velerie Primus for her dedication in championing inclusive education, which has earned him international recognition.

Dr Velerie’s achievements include being the winner of the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards 2026 for the Southeast Asia and Pacific region; being listed among the Top 50 Finalists for the Global Teacher Prize; and receiving the Special Award from the Malaysian Minister of Education.