Exercise 1: Market Research_Ng Jou Yee0138895

 A. Brief Introduction of the NGO

Q1: What is NASOM Setia Alam?

NASOM Setia Alam is a branch of the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), located in the Setia Alam area. It provides education, therapy, and support services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families (National Autism Society of Malaysia, n.d.-a).

Q2: What are the origins of NASOM, and when did the Setia Alam branch start serving the community?

NASOM was founded in 1986 by a group of concerned professionals and parents who envisioned the need for autism-related services in Malaysia. It was granted official status as a national charitable organization on 3rd March 1987. The branch in Setia Alam has recently been opened to meet increased community needs in that district (NASOM, n.d.-a).

 

B. Organisation’s Evolution Journey

Q3: Why was NASOM created, and who were its founding members ?

NASOM was established to reverse the dearth of aid and specialist services for individuals with autism in Malaysia. It was started in 1986 through a combined effort of concerned parents and professionals and was formally registered in 1987 to provide countrywide aid and advocacy (National Autism Society of Malaysia [NASOM], n.d.).

Q4: What role does the Setia Alam branch play in NASOM’s overall growth?

NASOM’s Setia Alam branch is one of its Central Region centres, offering assessment, diagnosis, creative arts, therapy, and intensive intervention programmes—key services that extend NASOM’s reach into the Klang Valley (National Autism Society of Malaysia [NASOM], n.d.).

 

C. Core Cause and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Q5: What is the core cause of NASOM?

NASOM’s core mission is to provide quality, autism-friendly education, early-intervention therapy, and lifelong support services so individuals with autism can achieve greater independence, inclusion, and quality of life (National Autism Society of Malaysia [NASOM], n.d.).

 

Q6: Which SDGs does NASOM align with?

NASOM’s work supports the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

            •          SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being- Therapy and early intervention programmes help identify and support health or development issues early, improving long-term well-being and reducing future health risks (United Nations Human Settlements Programme, 2021).

            •          SDG 4: Quality Education- Early and mainstreaming education programmes ensure children, including those with special needs, are prepared for and included in quality learning environments (United Nations Human Settlements Programme, 2021).

            •          SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities- Inclusive services make sure people from disadvantaged backgrounds get fair access to things like education and healthcare (United Nations Human Settlements Programme, 2021).

 

D. Mission and Vision

Q7: What is NASOM’s mission?

The National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) strives to enhance the well-being of autistic people and their families. It achieves this by delivering a wide range of programmes, services, and resources that cater to their special needs. Through knowledge sharing, community building, and promoting social innovation, NASOM empowers individuals with autism, as well as their families. Besides, the organization is more concerned with giving a voice to people with autism concerning their rights, ensuring that they are provided with equal opportunities to contribute meaningfully toward society, achieve their potential, and lead dignified lives (National Autism Society of Malaysia [NASOM], n.d.).

Q8: What is NASOM’s vision?

The vision of NASOM is a compassionate and accepting society where individuals with autism are fully accepted, respected, and empowered to reach their highest potential. In this ideal society, individuals with autism have equal access to actively participate in all aspects of community life — including education, employment, and social activities — without discrimination and barriers. NASOM believes that with the right support, acceptance, and inclusion, individuals with autism can lead independent, meaningful lives with dignity, self-esteem, and a good sense of belonging. This vision guides all of NASOM's efforts in making the environment more supportive and accepting of the Malaysian autism community (National Autism Society of Malaysia [NASOM], n.d.).

 

E. SWOT Analysis

Q9: What are NASOM’s strengths?

NASOM’s strengths include its long-standing experience since 1986, a nationwide network of centres, and a team of qualified professionals offering a variety of autism support services (NASOM, n.d.; Giving Hub, n.d.). It also enjoys strong community trust, built through years of engagement and partnerships.

Q10: What are NASOM’s weaknesses?

One of the main resource constraints is the shortage of experienced therapists and instructors; due to manpower shortage, there are longer waiting lists (The Star, 2025). The organisation also has to deal with high staff turnover in specialist positions, which impacts programme continuity and service delivery (The Star, 2025).

Q11: What opportunities are available to NASOM?

Corporate CSR partnerships — Recent collaborations with SME Bank (via The Autism Café Project) and MTT Shipping reflect growing interest from businesses in supporting autism inclusion, opening up long-term opportunities for funding and visibility (Malaysia SME, 2025).

Q12: What are the threats NASOM faces?

NASOM faces several external threats that could impact its sustainability and growth. One key challenge is the increasing competition from other autism service providers, which may lead to reduced funding and donor attention as more organisations emerge in the same space (The Star, 2024).

 

F. Recent Creative Campaigns (Last 2 Years)

Q13: What major campaigns has NASOM Setia Alam conducted in the past two years?

In the past two years, NASOM Setia Alam has conducted many successful campaigns with the vision of developing autism awareness and enhancing services for the welfare of its recipients. In September 2024, Universiti Utara Malaysia partnered with them in the "Program Kami Sayang Kamu" community outreach program that involved 24 autistic students in interactive and stimulating activities such as spelling bees, rhythmic chair exercises, and balloon games—increasing inclusion and promoting public awareness (UUM Today, 2024). Previous this January 2024, the centre received a RM100,000 grant from the Selangor State Government under the Early Intervention Programme (EIP) which it utilized to enhance its therapy and support services (Selangorkini, 2024). It is proof of NASOM Setia Alam's dedication to both advocacy and service improvement towards individuals with autism.

 

Q14: Has NASOM collaborated with any corporate partners recently?

NASOM has entered into major collaborations with corporate organizations and malls to raise autism awareness and engage the public. Particularly, NASOM partnered with Sunway Velocity Mall in April 2025 for the "Autsome Art Exhibition" that showcased artwork by autistic individuals in an attempt to promote inclusion and highlight their artistic talents (NASOM, 2025a). In another collaboration, NASOM collaborated with AEON Mall Shah Alam in June 2024 to launch "The Art of Autism" awareness program, which included public exhibitions and free autism screenings conducted by NASOM therapists (NASOM, 2024). These events reflect NASOM's active engagement in approaching corporate collaborators to create engaging, informational, and inclusive programs.

Q15: Is NASOM active on social media for advocacy?

Yes, NASOM is very active on social media like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to support autism awareness. On Facebook, NASOM shares videos, updates from their centres, and campaigns like the “Sensory Pod” at 1 Utama Shopping Centre to help people understand autism better (NASOM, 2023a). On Instagram, their page @nasomcares shows parent stories, short videos like “You contribute, together we celebrate!”, and calls for volunteers to join their work (NASOM, 2024a). On TikTok, they post videos explaining things like sensory overload and use hashtags like #AutismeBersamaNASOM to reach more people (NASOM, 2023b). These social media activities help NASOM teach the public about autism and involve more people in their mission.

Q16: What fundraising campaigns has NASOM initiated?

NASOM has, in the past two years, organized several fundraising events, including charity runs, e.g., the NASOM Alor Setar Autism Charity Run 2024, which garnered public support and promoted awareness through a 5km run (Ticket2U, 2024). They also partnered with Golden Screen Cinemas in 2023 in the #LovingAutism campaign, where they utilized T-shirt sales designed by autistic children to raise funds (SAYS, 2023). In addition, NASOM initiated online crowdfunding efforts through platforms like GivingHub to raise money for facility upgrades in its centres (GivingHub, n.d.). These activities reflect NASOM's sustained efforts in engaging the public through creative and community-oriented fundraising.

 

G. Operational and Audience Insights

Q17: Who are the primary beneficiaries of NASOM Setia Alam?

The core customers of NASOM Setia Alam are autism children and families, to whom individualized support is offered through early intervention, assessment, intensive therapy, arts, and vocational preparedness programmes (NASOM, n.d.). These are to cater to the development, social, and educational needs of autism children and provide strength to their caregivers through counseling and training.

Q18: Who manages the Setia Alam branch?

The NASOM Setia Alam branch is managed by a dedicated local staff led by a branch coordinator, consisting of special education instructors, therapists, and administrative staff who collaborate to deliver effective day-to-day operations and quality support services. According to NASOM's official website, services provided by the center include assessment, individualized intervention programs, and creative learning activities. The key contacts for this centre are Nur Faizah and Khairul, who handle enquiries and programme coordination (The National Autism Society of Malaysia[NASOM],n.d.).

Q19: How does NASOM evaluate the effectiveness of its programs?

Though individual data from NASOM cannot be accessed online, organizations which work with autism more frequently than not employ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to design specific, quantifiable goals for communication, socialization, daily living skills, and behaviour (Autism Society, n.d.). IEPs are the basis of monitoring progress, teachers and therapists track goal accomplishment on a regular basis by constant auditing of structured tools like daily recording logs, checklists, or session reports.

Q20: How does NASOM engage volunteers and the public?

NASOM warmly welcomes dedicated, compassionate volunteers to help with its programmes, events, and early‑intervention centres—anybody who is fun, gentle, and patient is welcome, from any walk of life, and can register via their website or email address (National Autism Society of Malaysia, 2025). It also organizes awareness campaigns and public events—such as their World Autism Awareness Month open days and joint walks—where members of the public are rallied by social media announcements and campus partnerships (e.g., Sunway University's "Artistic Autistic" exhibition) to learn about autism, view performances, and fundraise (Sunway University, n.d.).

Reflection

  Through understanding NASOM and its Setia Alam branch, I understood the plight of the autistic community and the key role that organisations like NASOM play in assisting them. I understood the importance of early intervention, special education, and awareness among society towards improving the well-being of autistic individuals. I also gained an appreciation of how inter-organisational collaborations between NGOs, government, and corporate interests can facilitate social impact.

  This experience influenced me to become more empathetic, sensitive, and appreciative of diversity and inclusion in society. It also pushed me to be more active in social causes and consider ways I can support communities in need—whether it is through volunteering, advocacy, or future career choices.

References list

 Autism Society. (n.d.). Goals/Objectives/Evaluation. https://autismsociety.org/resources/education/goals-objectives-evaluation/?utm_source

 GivingHub. (n.d.). NASOM campaigns. https://www.givinghub.asia/campaigns/nasom

Malaysia SME. (2025, April 2). SME Bank partners with Autism Café Project to champion inclusive entrepreneurship during World Autism Month 2025. https://www.malaysiasme.com.my/sme-bank-partners-with-autism-cafe-project-to-champion-inclusive-entrepreneurship-during-world-autism-month-2025

 National Autism Society of Malaysia. (n.d.). Our centres. https://www.nasom.org.my/our-centres/

National Autism Society of Malaysia. (n.d.-a). Setia Alam Centre brochure. https://www.nasom.org.my/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Setia-Alam-Centre-Brochure.pdf

NASOM. (2023a, November 24). 1 Utama Shopping Centre unveils “As I Am” celebrating differences [Facebook post]. https://www.facebook.com/nasomcares/posts/1-utama-shopping-centre-unveils-as-i-am-celebrating-differences-with-the-new-sen/560331679982399

NASOM. (2023b, April 1). Understanding Sensory Overloads in Autism [TikTok video]. https://www.tiktok.com/@nasomcares/video/7216667152881962245

NASOM. (2024, June 24). Come and join us in the upcoming Autism Awareness Programme “The Art of Autism” [Facebook post]. https://www.facebook.com/nasomcares/posts/come-and-join-us-in-the-upcoming-autismawareness-programme-the-art-of-autism-hap/460631919952376

NASOM. (2024a, March 25). You contribute, together we celebrate! [Instagram reel]. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4MxLAtxJYG/

NASOM. (2025a, April 3). Don't miss the Autsome Art Exhibition in collaboration with Sunway Velocity Mall [Facebook post]. https://www.facebook.com/nasomcares/posts/dont-miss-the-autsome-art-exhibition-in-collaboration-with-sunway-velocity-mall-/699893376026228

SAYS. (2023). GSC collaborates with NASOM for Autism Awareness. https://says.com/my/lifestyle/gsc-autism-awareness-2023

Selangorkini. (2024, January 26). Program Intervensi Awal (EIP). https://arkib.selangorkini.my/tag/program-intervensi-awal-eip/

Sunway University. (n.d.). Education for SDGs and the wider community. https://sunwayuniversity.edu.my/sustainability/what-we-do/sdg17/education-sdgs-wider-community?utm_source=chatgpt.com

The Star. (2024, May 7). Planning ahead for kids with autism to carry on. https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2024/05/07/planning-ahead-for-kids-with-autism-to-carry-on

The Star. (2025, May 6). Manpower woes hamper autism care. https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2025/05/06/manpower-woes-hamper-autism-care

Ticket2U. (2024). NASOM Alor Setar Autism Charity Run. https://www.ticket2u.com.my/event/35433

UUM Today. (2024, September 26). Program Kami Sayang Kamu santuni pelajar autisme NASOM. https://uumtoday.com/education/program-kami-sayang-kamu-santuni-pelajar-autisme-nasom/

 United Nations Human Settlements Programme. (2021). SDG Alignment Paper. https://www.urbanagendaplatform.org/sites/default/files/2021-05/TC%20SDG%20Alignment%20Paper.pdf