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“Design Your Change: Up+Rise Bangkok” Bangkok Design Week 2025: A Showcase of Creative Solutions Transforming Bangkok’s Future

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BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 February 2025 – Bangkok is no longer just a city of vibrant lights and ceaseless energy—it has emerged as a design hub that’s driving transformative change in urban living. By addressing challenges in city infrastructure, quality of life, environmental sustainability, and business innovation, Bangkok has positioned itself as a global leader in leveraging design to shape a better future.

Over the past seven years, Bangkok Design Week (BKKDW) has demonstrated the power of creativity in redefining urban spaces and fostering growth in the creative industries. The festival has contributed over 3.19 billion baht to the economy, attracted more than 2.51 million visitors, and strengthened Bangkok’s status as a City of Design under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Beyond numbers, it has revitalized once-quiet neighborhoods like Charoen Krung, Talad Noi, Hua Lamphong, and Pak Khlong Talad, turning them into thriving Creative Economy Districts. These transformations have created jobs, driven economic growth, and improved the quality of life for Bangkok’s residents.

As part of Bangkok Design Week 2025, designers and cross-sector collaborators are showcasing cutting-edge projects that underscore the potential of creativity to reshape cities. These works reflect how design can tackle pressing urban challenges, elevate communities, and open pathways for sustainable growth—all while reimagining Bangkok’s future as a city that thrives on innovation and inclusivity.

Design Your Change + Transforming Overlooked Spaces into Vibrant Public Areas

Bangkok’s dense urban population of over 5 million people makes it one of the most crowded cities in the world. While municipal budgets and policies alone are not enough to address the city’s challenges, innovative design provides exciting solutions to reimagine Bangkok’s limited spaces.

One shining example is Prompt Park a collaboration between we!park, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Netherlands Embassy. This project transforms unused land located under the expressway into a vibrant public park for relaxation and community gatherings. Designed with Dutch expertise in urban planning, Prompt Park integrates climate-resilient features, creating a functional space that addresses both environmental and urban needs. The park also features a Tactical Intervention installation that combines international urban planning expertise with creative solutions for Bangkok’s challenges.

Another we!park initiative transforms private land into a “Pop-Up Park.” This flexible green space is open to people of all ages and offers a variety of activities. It demonstrates that public parks don’t need to be restricted to government-owned land, creating a new model for urban greenery.

Other innovative projects include “MinutePocket_UrbanBed” by SP/N Design Studio, which reimagines neglected private plots as temporary structures such as napping pods and playgrounds for children. These creative installations highlight how unused land can be repurposed for the benefit of local communities.

Meanwhile, Urban Ally’s Puppup Parklet transforms two parking spaces into a small, temporary public area for relaxation. Located on Samran Rat Road, this compact but impactful initiative reclaims pedestrian spaces and offers an example of how even small design efforts can enhance urban life.

In Yaowarat-Song Wat, Attention Studio is transforming limited spaces into “Playground,” multifunctional areas that combine sports, art, and community engagement. This initiative maximizes the use of space to meet the diverse needs of one of Bangkok’s busiest neighborhoods.

Design Your Change + Using Design to Solve Persistent Urban Challenges

Design is a key tool for addressing Bangkok’s urban challenges, particularly those tied to daily life. MAYDAY! focuses on improving public transportation, shifting attention this year from buses to “Songthaews,” Bangkok’s iconic shared pickup trucks. Despite their decades of service, these vehicles face issues such as safety, comfort, and outdated designs that fail to accommodate all users. The Songthaew Transformation exhibition presents design solutions that tackle these problems, offering practical ways to modernize the songthaew for all commuters.

Another project addressing urban problems is “Street Vendor Grease Trapby Everyday Architect Design Studio. This portable grease trap, designed for street food vendors, prevents clogged drains caused by food waste while doubling as a parking aid for carts. It’s an ingenious example of how small-scale design can make a big difference in city management.

The “GAGEENANG” project was inspired by a love for Bangkok’s vibrant street food culture, particularly the iconic plastic chairs found at food stalls throughout the city. By creatively addressing small yet impactful details, the project transforms these everyday chairs by covering the hole in the seat and adding a built-in storage tray for personal belongings. This simple yet thoughtful redesign enhances both comfort and convenience for diners. These upgraded chairs are already being used at select eateries in Yaowarat, further elevating the street food experience.

Design Your Change Up+Rise Bangkok Bangkok Design Week 2025 (2)

Design Your Change + Promoting Environmental Awareness

Bangkok’s long-standing environmental challenges, from waste management to limited green spaces, have inspired innovative design solutions. One such project is the “Mega Mat” by MVRDV Architects, created in collaboration with CEA (Creative Economy Agency), the Netherlands Embassy, and PTT Global Chemicals. This 860-square-meter recycled plastic mat draws on traditional Thai mat designs and transforms plastic waste into a functional public installation. Located at City Hall Square, the Mega Mat blends Thai heritage with sustainability while promoting recycling as a core value.

Another standout project is “Habitat Network” by AP Thailand. By creating green spaces to attract native bird species through urban forests, this initiative restores biodiversity in Bangkok’s urban areas, proving that ecological balance can thrive even in densely populated cities.

For a hands-on experience, visitors can join workshops in Bang Pho, a historic neighborhood celebrated for its wood industry, to create “Sacred Incense Reinvented.” This activity highlights the local connection and sustainability by transforming teak sawdust, a byproduct of the community, into sacred offerings for Chao Mae Tuptim Shrine.

Design Your Change + Energizing Businesses Through Creativity

Creativity is not just a tool for enhancing quality of life or adding vibrancy to a city—it is also a powerful driver for business growth and innovation. A prime example is NEIGHBOURMART Bangkok, a marketplace for Bangkok lovers that celebrates local businesses. Created by CEA, in collaboration with the design team at iliU, NEIGHBOURMART curates products from local shops and nostalgic vendors across the city, reviving the charm of traditional grocery stores and corner shops that are rapidly disappearing. Visitors can discover vintage items like Roses brand sweet soy sauce, traditionally fermented in clay jars, or Mho Mee herbal inhalers, a nostalgic favorite for generations.

Another highlight is Made in Phranakorn, a bold Business Matching project that connects creative professionals with long-standing local businesses in Bangkok’s historic Phranakorn district. This initiative focuses on rebranding and modernizing classic products while retaining their authenticity. From heritage restaurants and vintage perfume brands to classic tea vendors and traditional snack shops, Made in Phranakorn helps businesses overcome challenges and unlock new potential for growth.

The project showcases “The Old Town’s Favorite 5” as a testament to its success:
  • Made in Phranakorn x Niyom Phochana (Sao Chingcha) by UA x Creator x Niyom Phochana
  • Made in Phranakorn: Re-scented Pranakorn by Eqlibrum x Nangloy
  • Made in Phranakorn x Yui Pheuak Tod (Sao Chingcha) by Jirayuth Pongwarut
  • Made in Phranakorn x Bai Cha Rabbit Mark by Chitsuda Amornsak
  • Made in Phranakorn x Orkraphan by Uksornsanan
Finally, Creative House by CEA offers a showcase of over 60 exceptional creative businesses selected by the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), or CEA, in partnership with Capital, a leading business publication. This campaign, Creative House by CEA: Creativity x Business, aims to foster new business opportunities, generate revenue, and create jobs through the power of creativity.

Design Your Change: Transforming Bangkok into a City That Leaves No One Behind

Bangkok is embracing its identity as a city for everyone—a place where no one is left behind. With a focus on inclusivity and innovation, creative projects at Bangkok Design Week tackle challenges affecting various groups, including the elderly, children, and stray animals.

One inspiring example comes from STUDIO150, which addresses a major shortfall in Thai educational tools. Current learning aids for children remain outdated and ineffective. In response, a mother teamed up with designers to create “Thai Alphabet Flashcards” (Flashcards Kor-Hor), a learning tool that simplifies the process of remembering Thai letters while reducing common writing errors. By analyzing and illustrating the unique features of all 44 Thai consonants, the flashcards connect traditional learning with modern design, making them both engaging and effective.

Continuing with a focus on children, the “Little more+” exhibition by Keep Right sheds light on the hidden stories of small businesses in Bangkok’s Salak Hin alley. This initiative grew out of the “Kid Guides of Salak Hin” project, which identified a key issue: many tourists overlook local businesses due to unfamiliarity or lack of trust, favoring larger establishments instead. Through the voices of young guides, the exhibition encourages visitors to explore and support these small, community-driven businesses, helping them thrive in a competitive urban landscape.

Inclusivity at Bangkok Design Week also extends to animals with the “Stand for Strays : Catsanova+ Ordinary Little Dogs” initiative. This collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and private individuals addresses the issue of stray cats and dogs in urban areas. Eye-catching artwork, including painted cat-themed visuals, raises awareness of the importance of sterilization and adoption, promoting responsible care for stray animals. The program also facilitates proactive rehoming efforts, finding new families for animals rescued from municipal shelters.

As aging is an inevitable part of life, the design team at RISE IMPACT has created the “Redesign services for the 60s+” workshop to spark critical conversations about how safe, accessible, and enjoyable Bangkok will remain for its elderly residents. Through an interactive activity, participants are invited to step into the shoes of senior citizens living in a bustling metropolis. The workshop highlights the challenges of aging, from declining physical mobility and health to feelings of loneliness and vulnerability. By engaging in this thought-provoking experience, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the realities faced by the elderly and the importance of designing cities that truly cater to all ages.

Bangkok Design Week: Redefining the City Through Creativity

Bangkok Design Week 2025 has become a vital platform for showcasing how design can bring about meaningful change. From solving urban challenges to fostering inclusivity and sustainability, the festival inspires fresh perspectives on the role of creativity in everyday life. Through bold ideas and innovative solutions, the festival positions Bangkok as a global leader in creative urban transformation.

Hashtag: #CEA #BKKDW2025 #BangkokDesignWeek #DesignUpRising





LINE: @bangkokdesignweek

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) or CEA

About Bangkok Design Week

Bangkok Design Week, first launched in 2018, has long been a fixture on the Bangkok event calendar It plays a pivotal role in fostering the creative economy and propelling Bangkok to stand out as a UNESCO Creative City Network, Bangkok City of Design. Organized by the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) or CEA in collaboration with over 60 public and private organizations, educational institutions, and international institutions, which draws an estimated number of 400,000 visitors at home and abroad each year. Bangkok Design Week is a growth engine for Thailand’s creative industries in a variety of ways, including showcasing creative businesses and designs, stimulating competitiveness, providing a local and international business networking opportunity, and generating economic momentum for downstream businesses such as marketing, printing, online media, galleries, cafes, restaurants, gifts & souvenirs, travel, hotels, and public transportation.

About Creative Economy Agency (CEA)

Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization), or CEA, is a dedicated government agency tasked with fostering creativity as a key driver of the creative economy. CEA focuses on developing various creative industries and encouraging the manufacturing sector to adopt creative approaches to enhance product and service value, thereby elevating Thailand’s global competitiveness.

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Etiqa’s Project Firefly Reinforces Mangrove Ecosystem in Sungai Panjang in Collaboration with Malaysian Nature Society

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SELANGOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 January 2026 – Etiqa has launched Etiqa’s Project Firefly a new environmental initiative dedicated to conserving one of Malaysia’s iconic firefly habitats while uplifting the livelihood of the communities living along Sungai Panjang in Sabak Bernam, who rely on eco-tourism and the mangrove ecosystem. The programme was carried out in collaboration with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and the Sabak Bernam District Council.

(L to R) Raffi Ismail, Marketing & Partnership Manager, Malaysian Nature Society; Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad; Zaki Parmin, Assistant Agricultural Officer, Sabak Bernam District Council; Amran Hassan, Chief Strategy Officer, Etiqa

Through Etiqa’s Project Firefly, Etiqa is taking proactive steps to preserve and sustain the ecosystem by planting 130 Sonneratia Caseolaris or locally known as Berembang saplings and 200 Sonneratia Caseolaris seeds, undertaking habitat restoration works, and mobilising 50 Etiqa volunteers for a community-driven initiative along Sungai Panjang, covering a total stretch of 10 kilometres. In addition, an awareness session was conducted by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Faculty of Science which aimed to educate participants on the ecological importance of fireflies and the need for long-term conservation.

Fireflies play an important role as indicators of mangrove ecosystem health, which in turn supports environmental balance and benefits surrounding communities. However, across Malaysia, firefly populations are declining due to rapid habitat loss caused by river pollution, deforestation, and increasing light pollution along mangrove-lined rivers. These threats not only endanger native species but also affect the livelihoods of local fishermen and villagers who rely on healthy river ecosystems and firefly-based eco-tourism. Protecting congregating firefly zones through the preservation of adequate vegetation buffers along riverbanks is therefore critical to ensuring the long-term survival of these species and the sustainability of local livelihoods.

Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad (EGIB) said, “We initiated Etiqa’s Project Firefly as conserving native firefly species is deeply connected to the well-being of the communities that co-exist around them. By conserving firefly habitats, we are not only protecting an irreplaceable part of Malaysia’s biodiversity but also helping sustain the eco-tourism and river-based livelihoods of Sungai Panjang residents. This reflects Etiqa’s purpose in Making the World a Better Place that includes meaningful environmental action which strengthens both nature and society, creating long-term value for future generations.”

Mr. I.S Shanmugaraj, Executive Director of Malaysia Nature Society says, “Fireflies are natural indicators of a healthy mangrove ecosystem, and their presence reflects the overall condition of our rivers and surrounding environments. We commend Etiqa for taking proactive steps through Etiqa’s Project Firefly to address the growing threats of habitat degradation along fireflies corridor. Meaningful conservation requires collective action, and we hope this initiative will inspire more companies to collaborate with environmental organisations and local communities to protect biodiversity while supporting sustainable livelihoods for the long term.”Hashtag: #Etiqamy

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About Etiqa

Etiqa is a multi-channel distributor of Insurance and Takaful products via its 10,000 agency force, 44 branches and 17 offices, over 490 bancassurance network (via Maybank branches, third-party banks, as well as co-operatives and brokers) through its presence in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia.

In striving to make the world a better place, Etiqa’s Sustainability journey focuses on internal initiatives that reduces its carbon footprint and increases its social impact, as well as external solutions that allow its clients to do the same.

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PolyU research teams and startups shine at CES 2026, winning three prestigious innovation awards

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2026 – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) led 19 startups to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, held from 6 to 9 January. Alongside the groundbreaking technologies presented by participating startups, the University also showcased its research achievements, covering fields such as human security, digital health and energy optimisation. PolyU delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s Show, with three projects winning one “Best of Innovation Award” and two “Innovation Awards”. This not only marks the University’s best result since it first took part in this event, but also accounts for two-thirds of all awards received by the Hong Kong startup delegation, underscoring PolyU excellence in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

PolyU delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s CES, with three projects winning one “Best of Innovation Award” and two “Innovation Awards”, underscoring the University’s excellence in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), remarked, “PolyU is committed to nurturing innovative research talent with both national and international outlooks. We empower our teams by leading them to major international innovation events and fostering close collaboration among industry, academia, research and investment sectors on a global level, creating opportunities for the overseas expansion of PolyU startups. PolyU was the sole university from Hong Kong to exhibit at the event, with its participating teams making up 30% of the Hong Kong delegation, contributing to Hong Kong’s advancement into an international innovation and technology hub. Our record-breaking performance at this year’s CES affirms international recognition of PolyU research and innovation, propelling our teams to continue striving along the path of innovation and technology to create even more profound social impact.”

PolyU led 19 startups to exhibit at CES 2026. Prof. Christopher Chao (centre) posed with representatives from the award-winning PolyU teams.
PolyU led 19 startups to exhibit at CES 2026. Prof. Christopher Chao (centre) posed with representatives from the award-winning PolyU teams.

Leveraging its robust research strengths and its unique startup ecosystem, PolyVentures, the University actively supports its research teams and startups in developing innovative technologies, bringing Hong Kong research achievements to the global stage. The Smart Firefighting Robot, developed by Mr WANG Meng, a PhD candidate of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering as well as Founder of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, along with his team, achieved the highest score in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category and earned the prestigious “Best of Innovation Award”. The Powered Rehab Skateboard, developed by Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, received an “Innovation Award” in the “Accessibility and Longevity” category. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, developed by a team spearheaded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Founder and Chief Scientist of PolyU startup Eieling Technology Limited, also won an “Innovation Award” in the “Digital Health” category.

The three award-winning innovations aim to enhance human security or health through cutting-edge technologies. The AI-driven Smart Firefighting Robot features autonomous patrol, burning materials classification, fire extinguishing and real-time data sharing functions in smoke-filled environments, protecting firefighters and the public simultaneously. The Powered Rehab Skateboard is a portable and cost-effective robotic system that supports home-based and community rehabilitation for stroke patients. The skateboard facilitates motor recovery in hemiparetic upper limbs and allows users to engage in effective therapy. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device is the world’s first lightweight intelligent assessment system for fatty liver detection. Weighs only 120 grams, the device can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds, achieving detection accuracy at medical-grade standards.

Organised by the Consumer Technology Association, CES is one of the world’s largest and most influential consumer electronics exhibitions, spotlighting cutting-edge technologies for modern living. This year, CES attracted over 4,500 exhibitors from around the globe. The PolyU startups participating in the exhibition were as follows:

PolyU Startups Featured Innovations Company Representatives
AniMed Technology Limited Contactless real-time AI-driven health monitoring Dr LYU Weimin
Co-founder and CEO, AniMed Technology Limited
CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited AI-powered energy optimisation platforms for smart buildings Ms Amber ZHANG
Co-founder, CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited
DRESIO Limited AI-powered physiotherapy assessments software solution Mr Alexander YING
CEO, DRESIO Limited
Eieling Technology Limited FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device
(CES 2026 Innovation Award)
Prof. ZHENG Yongping
Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, PolyU; Founder and Chief Scientist, Eieling Technology Limited
Entoptica Limited Cutting-edge ophthalmic diagnostic technologies Dr Mukhit KULMAGANBETOV
Senior Research Fellow, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research; CEO, Entoptica Limited
Feelings Group Limited AI-powered computer vision solution Dr WONG Wing-sze
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Language Science and Technology, PolyU; Clinical Consultant and Co-inventor, Feelings Group Limited

Ms YIP Chi-hay
Partner, Feelings Group Limited

Gembody Limited Next-generation portable AI ultrasound system Ms MAO Qian
CEO, Gembody Limited

Dr YANG Fan
CTO, Gembody Limited
ImageVector MedTech Limited AI-Vision for Joint Degeneration

Dr JIANG Tianshu

Executive Director, ImageVector MedTech Limited

Immune Materials Limited Innovative long-lasting antimicrobial self-disinfection materials Prof. Chris LO Kwan-yu
Professor, Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited

Prof. KAN Chi-wai
Associate Dean and Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited

Innobound Limited Portable smart terminal for emotional interaction, health monitoring and daily living assistance Ms GAO Lan
CEO and Founder, Innobound Limited
MedVision Limited AI-powered medical imaging solution Prof. CAI Jing
Head and Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Consultant, MedVision Limited

Dr MA Zongrui
Postdoctoral Fellow,Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Founder, MedVision Limited

Mirror Caring Limited Knee health management solution Prof. Stephen WANG Jia
Professor, School of Design, PolyU; Founder, Mirror Caring Limited
Nuvatech Limited Next-Gen Fashion OS powered by Multi-modal AI Mr DENG Yanheng
Founder, Nuvatech Limited
On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited Wearable Biomedical Electronic Device Dr Rayman GONG
Founder and CEO, On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited
ReSaTech Limited AI solutions for product reliability Mr Ricky LAW
CEO, ReSaTech Limited
UbiquiTech Innovations Limited Edge-AI robot for autonomous inspection and cleaning in confined spaces Prof. CAO Jiannong
Vice President (Education), Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, PolyU;
Founder and Chief Scientist, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited

Dr LIANG Zhixuan
Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Computing, PolyU; Founder and CEO, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited

Vcare Vision Technology Limited Non-invasive myopia prevention solution Dr TANG Yuk-ming
Senior Lecturer, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU; Co-founder, Vcare Vision Technology Limited
Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited Smart Firefighting Robot

(CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award)

Mr WANG Meng
PhD candidate, Building Environment and Energy Engineering, PolyU; Founder, Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited
XOXO Beverages Limited Automated Cocktail Machine for improvements event and hospitality efficiency Mr Nicholas YU Wo-ping
Founder, XOXO Beverages Limited

Hashtag: #PolyU

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Starlight Centre Launches New Program For Students with Autism Entering Mainstream Primary Schools.

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2026 – Starlight Centre has launched a new program designed for students with autism entering mainstream primary schools, including Pathlight and St. Andrew’s Mission School, next year. This school-readiness program is aimed at preschoolers (around 6 years old) in preparation for the challenges of primary school. Starlight Centre plans to utilise peer modelling and the RISE™ framework to equip these preschoolers with the essential skills needed for the transition to primary school.

Peer Modeling
Starlight Centre has provided specialised care services for children with high-functioning autism from primary 1 to 6 and have supported many students who are now ready to demonstrate positive behaviours from the programmes. Through peer modelling, younger students can observe and learn from their more experienced peers, helping them understand the acceptable boundaries of good behaviour.

RISE™
The Starlight RISE™ Primary School Readiness Program effectively prepares young children for formal education by developing their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills through engaging, play-based activities.

By actively involving parents in the process through comprehensive evaluations and strong partnerships, Starlight Centre aims to make parents feel valued and confident that their child’s development is being supported holistically, beyond just basic skills.

Hashtag: #AutismEducation #SpecialNeedsEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ParentingSupport #StarlightCentre

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About Starlight Centre

Starlight was founded by a group of parents and seasoned autism professionals who have experienced first-hand the challenges of finding the most effective therapy programs, preschools, and after-school care services. We understand what you’re going through and are here to help. No matter your child’s needs, come to us, and we will connect you with the right resources.

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