- PETRONAS (UTP) and the PETRONAS Neurodiversity Center (NCoE) held the inaugural Neurodiversity Seminar and Forum.
- Advancing towards a more inclusive environment for neurodiverse individuals.
- Recognition of neurodiversity’s importance grows globally.
The inaugural Neurodiversity Seminar and Forum, recently organized by Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) in collaboration with PETRONAS Neurodiverse Centre of Excellence (NCoE), signifies a pivotal stride towards fostering a more inclusive environment for neurodiverse individuals.
Enhance understanding of neurodiversity
The concept of neurodiversity is gaining global attention, challenging traditional views of cognitive variants such as autism, dyslexia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Neurodiversity redefines these differences as natural cognitive differences rather than defects or dysfunction, and they have the unique advantage of facilitating technological and cultural evolution. The workshop aims to raise awareness of the importance of neurodiversity. By promoting inclusion and dispelling misconceptions, the event sparked a conversation about the need for a supportive ecosystem that resonated not only in academic institutions like UTP, but also in the workplace and society at large.
Towards a neurodiversity-friendly world
Nor Hisham Hamid, UTP’s vice president for student affairs, stressed the importance of building a world in which everyone, regardless of their neurocognitive differences, is valued, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive. He called on everyone to work together to create a world that embraces neurodiversity. UTP, through its Center for Intelligent Signaling and Imaging Research (CISIR), strives to be a leader in the field of neurodiversity. The University strives to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all students and staff, regardless of neurocognitive differences.
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Shifting business Inertia
For Petronas, hiring neurodiverse talent offers transformative opportunities to meet business needs. It is also part of their efforts to develop compassionate and inclusive leaders who can foster innovation in the workplace and drive business performance. To guide the neurodiversity movement in Malaysia, Petronas has partnered with Ernst & Young to raise awareness and promote readiness for job opportunities that create neurodiversity. The collaboration aims to strengthen Malaysia’s neurodiverse ecosystem, unlock the potential of neurodiverse individuals and contribute positively to economic growth.
