FROM THE DESK OF MR. SIU TACK CHUAN, AMP
CHAIRMAN OF PERSATUAN DAYBREAK

Since the establishment of Daybreak in 1992, I'm honored to have served in my role as Chairman. In a little over a decade, Daybreak has rapidly developed with the kind support from the Government, philanthropic organization as well as generous and warm-hearted individuals from near and far. By providing support and subsistence, they have empowered our team of devoted professionals to persist in our cause of providing quality vocational training to people with disabilities.

As a caring NGO, we are keen to push the assistance of the disabled forward, higher and on to the national agenda. Hence, it is also very reassuring to know that in formulating the nation’s policies, the Malaysian government has not forgotten the welfare of this often marginalized group. Under the new budget for year 2009, various positive measures have been undertaken to assist people with disabilities. One worth mentioning is the RM150 allowance that is to be given to those disabled who are not able to work. This move will benefit many of the disabled under our care.

Currently we are giving vocational skills training opportunities to approximately 80 trainees and it is our hope that many more will benefit from our program in the years to come. We also have a job-placement process in place which allows a disabled person the opportunity to join society as an independent, self-sufficient and self-reliant individual as best as his physical and/or intellectual abilities allow him.

A number of our trainees have since gone on to start their own business, while others have been assisted in integrating into society and have found jobs. At present, we are working closely with GCH Retail (M) Sdn. Bhd. (Giant, Cold Storage and Guardian group) on their Corporate Social Responsibility initiative whereby they are offering jobs to the disabled in their stores located all around Malaysia. In Klang Valley alone, 75 disabled have been absorbed by the group. Here in Perak, I am proud to announce that GCH has chosen to partner with Daybreak for job opportunities for the disabled.

With the launching of our official website, we hope that we will be able to reach out to a larger audience. I would like to invite you to freely navigate our website to gain a better appreciation of what we do here.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Committee, staff members and volunteers for their effort and commitment to the services for people with disabilities and their families. Your dedication and hard work has played a significant role in the development of Daybreak. Together, we will continue to carry the torch to provide quality and cost-effective services the ones in need.