Royal Family of Perlis Partners with Professor Mike Chan to Combat Autism in Malaysia

Royal Family of Perlis and Professor Mike Chan Join Forces Against Autism

In a landmark event that significantly boosts Malaysia's efforts to modernize autism care, the royal family of Perlis has partnered with Professor Mike Chan. This initiative was prominently highlighted during the International Congress on Advances in Autism, Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders (ICAANND 2025) held in Kuala Lumpur. The presence of the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, and his wife, Tuanku Dr. Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, signals a growing national commitment to early diagnosis and improved intervention strategies for families affected by autism.

A Growing Need

Perlis has seen a rising prevalence of autism among school-aged children. In response, the royal family has invested in early detection programs and teacher training through collaborations with UniMAP and the A-HEART Autism Hub. Their visit underscores the pressing need for these initiatives to expand throughout the nation.

Professor Mike Chan's Global Mission

Professor Chan's journey in autism began a decade ago in Baoding, China, where he trained pediatric teams to enhance diagnostic accuracy and early detection methods. His extensive research has led to the identification of two critical biological patterns prevalent in children with autism: severe gut dysfunction and heavy metal accumulation. Chan emphasizes, "Your gut houses more brain cells than your brain. If we neglect gut health, we cannot heal the child."

His precision care model establishes a correlation between specific gut precursors and targeted support for brain regions, including the frontal lobe and hippocampus. This organ-specific strategy is detailed in his publication, Human Cytology Atlas, which maps over 400 human cell types.

A Defining Moment in the US

In April 2025, Professor Chan presented at the Autism Summit in San Diego, where U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pledged to find a solution for autism. This high-profile event ignited global discussions on early intervention. Chan reiterated that autism cannot be managed with generic approaches; every organ and brain region demands tailored support.

Royal Recognition in Kuala Lumpur

During the Kuala Lumpur event, Chan honored the Raja Muda of Perlis with a plaque, acknowledging the royal family's dedication to combating autism. Although the royal visit was brief, it bore national significance, highlighting the essential alignment between scientific leadership and state action.

The Path Forward for Malaysia

With scientific frameworks established in Baoding and reinforced by experiences in San Diego and Bangkok, Chan asserts that Malaysia is on the brink of a significant transformation. The country is poised to lead regional efforts in advanced autism interventions and neurological development research. "No child should be left behind. Every family deserves adequate support for autism, regardless of location," he states.

As Malaysia aligns its scientific advancements with public awareness and leadership, its role in the global autism advocacy movement continues to grow.