Royal Support for Autism in Malaysia
On December 1, 2025, the International Congress on Advances in Autism, Neurodevelopmental, and Neurodegenerative Disorders (ICAANND 2025) gave Malaysia's efforts to modernize autism care a significant boost. Hosted in Kuala Lumpur, this event saw the attendance of the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, and his wife, Tuanku Dr. Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, marking a pivotal moment in the national campaign against autism.
The royal presence not only underscores Malaysia’s growing commitment to early diagnosis and improved support for families with neurodiverse conditions but also aligns with the scientific direction provided by Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mike Chan, a leading voice in precision neurogenesis throughout Asia.
Rising Need for Autism Care
In Perlis and other regions of Malaysia, there has been an increasing prevalence of autism among school-age children. The royal family, in partnership with UniMAP and the A-HEART Autism Hub, has invested in early detection, teacher training, and family support programs. Their involvement emphasizes that these initiatives need to expand on a national scale to effectively address the growing numbers.
Prof. Mike Chan's work addresses the urgent need for enhanced autism care, stemming from his early endeavors in Baoding, China, where he trained pediatric teams to improve diagnostic accuracy and early detection. His experiences and research have shaped a long-term vision for neurological developmental disorders.
At the heart of his model lies a focus on biological patterns observed in autistic children, particularly concerning severe gut dysfunction and heavy metal accumulation. Highlighting the importance of gut health, Chan stated, "The gut has more brain cells than the brain. If you don’t fix the gut, you can’t help the child."
A Global Autism Mission
Prof. Chan's approach is precise, integrating progenitor intestinal cells with region-specific brain support to target crucial areas such as the frontal lobe, hippocampus, and cortex. This tailored strategy aligns with his Human Cytology Atlas, mapping over 400 human cell types. During the Autism Summit in San Diego in April 2025, Prof. Chan emphasized the necessity of individualized treatment, underscoring that autism cannot be tackled with generic approaches.
He noted that each organ and brain region requires specific precursor support, advocating for a future focused on precision, early intervention, and environmental corrections.
Recognition in Kuala Lumpur
During the ICAANND 2025, Prof. Chan presented a plaque of recognition to the Raja Muda of Perlis to honor the royal family's commitment to autism advocacy. Despite their brief participation, the royal couple's visit was significant, highlighting the collaboration between scientific leadership and state-level initiatives in autism care improvements.
Prof. Chan reflected on the royal family’s passion: “We witnessed the Perlis Royalty’s dedication first-hand. They genuinely care about children, families, and the future of autism services in Malaysia.”
Moving Forward
With frameworks refined in Baoding, further developed in San Diego and Bangkok, and now supported by the Malaysian royal family, the country is entering a critical new phase in autism care. Prof. Chan stresses that no child should be left behind and that every family deserves access to appropriate autism support, regardless of location. As Malaysia aligns its scientific capabilities and leadership roles, its position in the global autism movement is set to expand further.
For further information, please contact:
Justin Chew
Gerald Chuah
Media Team
[email protected]