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A new national framework seeks to bridge workplace gaps by improving employer readiness, support systems, and job access for neurodivergent talent across Malaysia.
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), together with Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), has launched Malaysia’s first Employment Support Guidelines for the Neurodivergent Group. Neurodivergence refers to differences in how people think, learn, process information, and interact, including individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive variations.
The guidelines are the result of a collaboration involving knowledge integration, research, and social innovation between the two institutions, aimed at strengthening support for more inclusive and neurodivergent-friendly employment in Malaysia.
The launch ceremony, held at InterContinental Kuala Lumpur, was officiated by YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Human Resources in the presence of Prof Ts Dr Mohd Ikmar Nizam Hj Mohamad Isa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation, USIM.
The guidelines were developed through a strategic collaboration between SOCSO and USIM, involving researchers from the Ibnu Ummi Maktum Research Centre (UMMI).
According to USIM, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to ensuring neurodivergent individuals not only receive fairer employment opportunities, but are also supported through work environments that understand different abilities, communication styles, and support needs.
Labour market readiness remains a key challenge
According to a Facebook post by Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), YB Khairul Firdaus said at the event that the initiative was introduced to address underemployment among persons with learning disabilities.
He said the guidelines introduced by PERKESO would serve as a strategic framework to strengthen comprehensive workforce participation and become a national benchmark for developing more inclusive policies and programmes for persons with disabilities, especially the neurodivergent group.
Although 5,482 neurodivergent jobseekers have registered on MYFutureJobs so far, he noted that the main challenge lies in the labour market’s readiness to provide appropriate support.
Separately, as reported by Bernama, this includes workplace adjustments, flexibility, and more structured support systems.
“The role of the government today goes beyond merely providing job opportunities. We are actively building an inclusive and responsive employment ecosystem,” YB Khairul Firdaus said, according to Bernama.
YB Khairul Firdaus also said the neurodivergent community should be recognised as national assets with unique potential in high-impact sectors.
He added that Malaysia currently has approximately 333,474 individuals with learning disabilities, the majority of whom are on the neurodivergent spectrum.
Forum highlights need for inclusive employment ecosystem
The event began with a forum session titled Driving an Inclusive Employment Ecosystem for Neurodivergent Talent, featuring Associate Professor Dr Nurul Asiah Fasehah Mohamad, lead researcher for the development of the guidelines.
The session discussed the importance of building a more open, responsive, and sustainable employment ecosystem to empower neurodivergent talent in today’s workforce.
Dr Nurul Asiah said the guidelines are expected to become an important reference document for employers, organisations, government agencies, higher education institutions, and the wider community in shaping more comprehensive employment support policies and practices.
She added that the guidelines could also help create wider recognition of neurodivergent talent as part of the country’s high-potential workforce.
Research and innovation showcased
USIM said the production of the guidelines aligns with its philosophy of integrating knowledge, research, and innovation into practical solutions that benefit society.
Through community-based research, the university aims to ensure groups with special needs, including the neurodivergent community, are given more meaningful opportunities to contribute to national development.
Alongside the launch, UMMI USIM showcased several research and innovation products for the persons with disabilities (orang kurang upaya, also known as OKU) community.
The products included eBraille technology, the Braille Quran, a Braille version of the Hajj and Umrah guidebook, as well as the Quran Hand Code for the deaf community.
The event also brought together representatives from ministries, employers, higher education institutions, non-governmental organisations, researchers, and communities involved in Malaysia’s inclusive employment and social inclusion agenda.
In addition, Bernama reported that YB Khairul Firdaus said the memorandum of understanding exchanged between PERKESO and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reflects the MADANI Government’s commitment towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of education, employment, economic participation, and reducing inequality involving the neurodivergent group.
ALSO READ: 5 practical ways to support neurodivergent employees at work
Lead image / Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia
Photo / KESUMA
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