“When women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. 

Everyone, everywhere can #InspireInclusion”

• International Women’s Day 2024

The theme for International Women’s Day 2024,  #InspireInclusion, puts forth the aspiration of the world to embrace diversity and pushes for equality and a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. This is in line with EAP’s hope for a world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive and a world where difference is valued and celebrated. In conjunction with International Women’s Day, we would like to celebrate all women for the EAP team for their selfless contribution that continuously makes a difference in the lives of our kiddos.

On this special day, we would like to feature two incredible role models at EAP, Senior Supervisor Jean Lim as well as Senior Therapist, Ginny Loo.

Jean Lim

1. Tell us a little about yourself 

Hello, my name is Jean, and I’m the proud mother of a 15-month-old baby. I’ve been working at EAP Malaysia since 2017, initially starting as a line therapist. Over time, I’ve progressed through various roles, including training as a supervisor and currently serving as a senior supervisor. My academic background is in child psychology.

Throughout my professional journey, I’ve had the privilege to work in diverse capacities, assisting various clients, enhancing operational processes, and engaging with children across different age ranges. With nearly a decade of experience, I’ve worked extensively with children aged 2 to 15 years old. I find great joy working with children; their natural innocence and unconditional nature are incredibly inspiring to me.

2. As a Senior Supervisor in EAP Malaysia, what does your role entail? How did it change over the years? 

Throughout my tenure at EAP, I’ve contributed to EAP Operations, managing center operations, and assisting in establishing the Sunway branch. As I continued to grow within EAP, I underwent training to become a supervisor. Currently, I conduct Diagnostic Evaluations,Initial Screening andDevelopmental Assessments, manage the onboarding and training of Therapists  as well as oversee the clinical programming for children across various age groups and abilities and a team of therapists as well.

3. What inspired you to work with children with autism? What kept you going? 

I was inspired by a boy I encountered in my previous workplace, observing the lack of understanding regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the need for early intervention motivated me to pursue a career in the autism-related field. I gained insight into the significance of early screening and intervention, and contributed to raising awareness about their importance. 

What drives me? It’s witnessing the daily progress made by the children we work with, regardless of the challenges posed by their autism. These children show remarkable learning capabilities when provided with time, space, belief, and extra care and effort. Knowing that my efforts positively impact not just the child but also their family members keeps me motivated.

Furthermore, working with a team of dedicated and passionate individuals provides invaluable support along my journey in this field. Together, we strive to make a difference in the lives of those touched by autism.

4. Who are the women you look up to in life? 

The women I admire in my life include my mom, my grandmother, and the group of female leaders at EAP that I work with. Their commitment to family, the determination and resilience they show in caring for both children and the family, truly exemplify the saying, “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Their approach to facing various challenges and navigating through different seasons, persisting despite hardships, is commendable. Now that I am a mother myself, I have immense respect for all moms who skillfully manage multiple roles, prioritizing the well-being of their children and family. Truly hats off to them.

5. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, #InspireInclusion, is very much in line with THP’s 2024 vision as we embrace the diversity and inclusion amongst the autism community through the launch of our subsidised units. What does the theme mean to you and the work that you do here at EAP?

#InspireInclusion involves creating an environment where individuals from various backgrounds feel seen, valued, accepted, and empowered to contribute regardless of their abilities. Aligned with Early Autism Project Malaysia’s vision, our commitment is to make our services universally accessible and available to all. Through our work in EAP and The Hope Project, we persist in delivering high-quality clinical services to our children and families, ensuring they receive adequate support to learn different skills and integrate effectively into the community. We strive to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder, engage in ongoing dialogues, advocate for the community, and celebrate the achievements, no matter how small, of our children in EAP.

6. What are the changes you would like to see in the future that would #InspireInclusion? 

This involves advocating for environments where all individuals feel accepted. Families should be able to integrate their children into their daily routines. It’s about promoting compassion and embracing differences within society, ensuring that individuals are respected, accepted, and visible within their communities.

7. What advice would you offer to women intending to pursue this field?

First educate themselves about ASD and pursue relevant training. Also to gain hands-on experience through volunteering or internships, to gain insight to the nature of the work that you are pursuing. As an advocate for the community, is it also important to stay current, work with multidisciplinary professionals in the field, share resources, exchange ideas, and learn from each other’s experience.

Working with individuals with ASD requires a high level of empathy, patience, and understanding. Nurturing these qualities enables effective support and rapport-building with both individuals and their families.

Working in the field of ASD can be emotionally and physically demanding. Given the emotional and physical demands of ASD work, prioritizing self-care is important. Establish healthy boundaries, manage stress effectively, and make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation!

Ginny Loo

1. Tell us a little about yourself 

Hello,my name is Ginny. I grew up in a family with five siblings. I graduated with a degree in Psychology and am currently pursuing my masters in Educational Psychology . I enjoy teaching and dispensing knowledge, and it has always been a dream of mine to be a teacher. I grew up within a family that cherishes and prioritizes education. My siblings and I were taught the importance of lifelong learning.

2. As a Senior Therapist in EAP Malaysia, what does your role entail? How did it change over the years?

As a Senior Therapist, our role is not limited to conducting sessions with the children. We also support our team members in strengthening their clinical skills and enhancing our leadership skills along the way by doing overlaps and participating in team discussions. The job description and expectation were clearly stated and support was provided throughout my development. All therapists will undergo a structure and supportive training before running sessions and have monthly one-to-one catch ups on top of our fortnightly team meetings for every child we work with the supervisor to make sure we are on the right track and receive the right support.

3. What inspired you to work with children with autism? What kept you going? 

I have always wanted to work with children but had not specifically thought of working with children with special needs. It was an opportunity for me to join EAP and along the way, I discovered my passion for working with children with autism. The role is challenging but it is also very meaningful and fulfilling. 

4. Who are the women you look up to in life? 

My mom has always been my role model in life. She is a strong lady who raised six children and always reminds us to do meaningful things in our lives and be generous to everyone. She never skimped on helping anyone in need. The kindness she has shown me has reminded me that everyone deserves the right to be treated well and deserves a good life. 

5. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, #InspireInclusion, is very much in line with THP’s 2024 vision as we embrace the diversity and inclusion amongst the autism community through the launch of our subsidised units. What does the theme mean to you and the work that you do here at EAP?

I like this year’s theme, which correlates with the quote “no man gets left behind”.  We tend to classify some groups as minorities, but how can we support the minority and include them in society? To do it, we must first understand them, support them, and include them and with inclusion, the minority will then join the majority. Through The Hope Project at EAP, we are working hard to make autism resources accessible to everyone. Through this initiative, we hope that with the launch of the subsidised unit, families from the B40 community can benefit from it and that their children with autism will be able to get the necessary intervention needed.

6. What are the changes you would like to see in the future that would #InspireInclusion? 

I really like the quote “One small step for me, one giant leap for mankind”. Making an effort to understand the child with autism and accepting them is a big step in fulfilling inclusion. My hope is for all differently-abled individuals to be loved and accepted in society.

7. What advice would you offer to women intending to pursue this field?

Being in this field has its challenges, however, these challenges have enabled me to grow and learn with the children!