TOP businesswomen from the United Arab Emirates joined leading lights from the Malaysian business community at the “Hearts of Gold” gala to promote “social entrepreneurship” for people with learning disabilities at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Kuala Lumpur recently.The prominent women included Al Bashayer Investment Company chairman Fatima Al Jaber, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group managing director Raja Easa Al Gurg and Al Bashayer Investment Company board member and chief executive officer Sara Ismail Mohamed.
Gold, an acronym for Generating Opportunities for Learning Disabled, is a social, non-government-backed entity that enables people with learning disabilities to maximise their potential and become contributing members of society.
Her work of art: A proud member of the group of learning-disabled children present showcasing her design which was imprinted on a batik blouse worn by a model.
Through Gold, people with learning disabilities are taught vocational, recreational and life skills so that they can develop their full individual potential.
The nine businesswomen from the United Arab of Emirates (UAE), who were in Malaysia for the Power Ladies UAE-Malaysia Roundtable 2011 tour, attended the “Hearts of Gold” gala in support of Gold, which was jointly sponsored by iKARRTiNi, AmBank Group, YTL Corporation Berhad Group, Zain & Co and Inside Investor.
“We like the fact that social entrepreneurship underpins the business model of Gold and it is not a charity business model,” said AmInvestment Bank Group representing AmBank Group CEO of funds management division Datin Maznah Mahbob.
“Gold is an enabler that turns its members into entrepreneurs through social entrepreneurship by forming partnerships with successful organisations.
“By equipping Gold members with skills, they can contribute to society and at the same time gain self-esteem and a sense of achievement.
“This economic creation allows both the “Hearts of Gold” partners and these special Gold members to create an income generating business model.”
“Our ‘Hearts of Gold’ partners – AmBank Group, YTL Corporation Berhad Group, iKARRTiNi, Zain & Co and Inside Investor can be likened to ‘alchemists’ — they believe that every person with a learning disability can succeed in school, at work and within the community when provided the right opportunities,” she added.
The gala dinner featured a showcase of creations by members of Gold and a heartfelt rendition by a gifted autistic child, Umar, of I Gave the Best of Me, a song penned by himself.
The highlight of the gala dinner was a fashion show by iKARRTiNi, featuring a batik collection entitled “Tropical Birds” in which the designs were harvested from Gold members.
This special artistic collection, the first collaboration with Gold and the fashion industry, encapsulates the social entrepreneurship model of Gold, thus giving opportunities for special persons with learning disabilities to develop their full individual potential and achievements in a sustainable manner.
