Over 300 people, including 100 children with Down syndrome and their family members, gathered at APU Centre Point and Atrium for a day of fun and enrichment activities, such as eduplay, games, and performances, while their families enjoyed the opportunity to socialise and learn more about Down syndrome.

In conjunction with Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of General Studies (SoGS) has joined forces with Persatuan Bunga-Bunga Syurga Down Syndrome Malaysia (PBBSDSM) to organise ‘Our Colours’ event on 29 October 2023.

PBBSDSM is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Malaysia that operates as a support group for Down syndrome children and their families/caregivers.

They began informally in 2010 through Facebook, and on 7 October 2019, PBBSDSM officially registered as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) under the Registrar of Societies (RoS), with 4,000 informal members to date.

Our Colours is a joyful and inclusive event that strives to raise awareness of Down syndrome while also honouring the unique abilities and talents shared by individuals with this condition.

This exciting event took place on APU’s state-of-the-art campus in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur to celebrate the diversity of all children with Down syndrome, their families, and the APU community.

Around 100 children with Down syndrome and 200 family members from all over Malaysia took part in a variety of fun activities at APU Centre Point and Atrium.

Zumba/Aerobics, Bunga-Bunga Syurga children’s performances (singing, storytelling, and dancing), Eduplay (fine motor station, gross motor station, and colouring), and fun games (penalty shootout, shooting tins, ball in basket, shuttlecock kick, exhibition on Down Syndrome and many more) were among the activities available at this inaugural event.

Cik Piah, or her real name Irdina Saffiah Mohd. Azhar, Afif Diaz Arbi, and Muhammad Luqman Nazim Mohd Fadzli delighted visitors with songs of their choice while Ng Sing Hon performed K-Pop dance, and Maira Zahra Rosli Yacop amused them with her storytelling.

Amidst cheers and applause, APU Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Ts. Dr. Murali Raman which is accompanied by the Head of SoGS Mr. Ragunathan Ayyavoo, and APU Project Lead Ms. Munirah Salamat, presented a token of appreciation to the representative of Our Colours, Mr. Rosli Yacop, the Deputy Chairman of PBBSDSM.

Mr. Rosli Yacop, PBBSDSM Deputy Chairman beamed with excitement as he talks about Our Colours event, a collaboration between PBBSDSM and APU SoGS volunteers to provide a fun and enriching experience for children with Down syndrome.

“Down syndrome is a genetic condition, but it is not a barrier to these children’s potential. They are just as capable of love, learning, and friendship as anyone else.

“Our Colours is a chance for them to shine and show the world their unique talents and abilities. Our Colours is a celebration of all that they are,” he said.

In a touching remark about parenting Down syndrome children, Rosli advised parents to “Do not be discouraged” since “Caring for a child with Down syndrome can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding as these children bring so much joy and love into our lives.”

Inspired by the positive feedback from PBBDSSM after the children and parents from Bunga-Bunga Syurga participated in the APU Merdeka Fiesta 2023, SoGS decided to organise Our Colours event to provide a fun and enriching experience for children with Down syndrome.

“The Bunga-Bunga Syurga children were so happy and enjoyed the games at the APU Merdeka Fiesta 2023 that they approached us to organise another event, and we were more than happy to oblige,” said Mr. Ragunathan Ayyavoo, Head of SoGS.

Under the guidance of SoGS lecturers Ms. Munirah, Ms. Nurul Farhanah Mohd. Nasir, and Ms. Neeshanti Rhamaroo, all volunteers put together a fun and engaging event that allowed them to hone their event organisation skills and connect with children.

The event was a success, with students working together to coordinate all aspects of the event, from planning and logistics to execution and follow-up.

They also had the opportunity to interact with the children and witness first-hand the positive impact that their efforts could make.

“We thank our students from CC2 APU1F2309 who are dedicated to running this event. From the same intake, we also run fundraising events to purchase two oxygen machines for PBBSDSM,” said Ms. Munirah.

For the students, the event was a valuable learning experience that provided them with the opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world setting.

It also helped them to develop a deeper understanding of the importance of community engagement and the role that events can play in bringing people together.

According to Thohira Azhaaru, Project Manager for Our Colours event, the team overcame obstacles to create an amazing day that was both fun and informative for all involved.

“We have been working since the beginning and expected it to be difficult to make this event a success, but we are very pleased with how it turned out,” said Thohira, who is from the Maldives.

“It was a fantastic experience to host this event, where we were able to hone our skills in managing team members and events. Thanks to Ms. Munirah and the SoGS team, and hope that APU will support more events like this in the future.

“It is a privilege to serve the children. We learned a lot from today’s event, especially about love because they have a pure heart,” added Ingrid Calista, from Indonesia.

Inspired by the experience, the volunteers, who are the APU students vowed to continue organising similar events in the future to support children with Down syndrome and their families.

Our Colours event aligned with Goal 10 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), which aims to reduce inequality and empower all people, including those with disabilities.