Dig into one of these piping hot pies and you’ll be rewarded with a satisfying, buttery crust and savory fillings. These gourmet pies are skilfully made by a team of young adults with learning disabilities in Persatuan STAND, a social enterprise specialising in hearty pies.
Image by Sara Lam (Instagram: @saralam7).
What does Persatuan STAND do?
Mr Lee Hock Cheng (Far Left) with Trainees at STAND’s Shop.
STAND was founded by Mr Lee Hock Cheng with a mission to equip and train persons with learning disabilities (PLDs) to obtain work readiness. STAND’s services started off 10 years ago with packing F&B supplies like serviettes and ketchup. Mr Lee gradually noticed that some of his PLDs were high-functioning and could attempt more complex tasks. He took a bold step forward and sought funding to upgrade STAND into a pie-making business. In 2018, Mr Lee stepped down and Sarjit Singh took the position of chairman, registering STAND as a social enterprise.
Sarjit Singh Is the Current Chairman of STAND.
Now, STAND is known for serving up delectable pies across Kuala Lumpur that you cannot miss out on. Priced competitively at below RM8 (S$2.60), their pies are a steal. They are filled generously with contemporary flavours and local specials like beef rendang and chicken curry. It comes as no surprise that their pies are incredibly popular among KL locals. Walk in any day and you’ll be warmly welcomed by the faces of the friendly trainees, aged between 21 and 47. They would typically be measuring ingredients, chopping vegetables, making crusts, and packing the pies.
Each Individual Is Involved in Constructing a Delicious Meal for Their Customers.
Due to the precise and detailed nature of pie-making, it allows the adults on the autism spectrum to tap into their strengths. STAND acts as a safe place for them to learn the ropes of operations and teamwork under the guidance of the coaches. At the same time, being a part of something big boosts their self esteem and sense of belonging. Despite their learning disabilities, they are the lifeline of the pie business which could crumble without them.
How do adults with learning disabilities get jobs?
While many of us are set on climbing the corporate ladder or starting a side hustle, adults with learning disabilities have trouble even taking the first step into the workforce. Depending on where they are on the spectrum, their ability for social interactions can be very limited. Making small talk, reading facial expressions, and communicating needs can be an incredible feat. They can also take longer to adapt to new surroundings.
Adam Khoo (Far Left), Who Raised His Own Son with Autism, Joined STAND to Empower More Young Adults with Learning Disabilities.
Adam Khoo is one of the most joyful and encouraging people you’ll ever meet. He is one of the coaches at STAND. When he isn’t cooking the pie fillings and cleaning up the kitchen, he’s motivating the trainees with passion and patience. He also looks for external job opportunities for the young adults at STAND. This helps them integrate into working society and earn a higher monthly salary (averaging RM1,200 or S$386, just slightly above Malaysia’s minimum wage).
So far, STAND has successfully found jobs for two of their trainees: one in a restaurant and another in a kindergarten. This job hunting process presented its own challenges. “It wasn’t easy to find a company that would have the patience and empathy to train a person with learning disabilities. Many rounds of discussion, negotiation, and persuasion were needed before the employers could accept one of our trainees in their workplace,” recalls Adam.
Securing a job also depends on whether it is logistically viable. Many of the adults aren’t able to drive, so they have to walk or rely on their parents or public transport. After they had been signed onto their new jobs, Adam had to drop by at their new workplace to provide technical and emotional support until the PLDs were fully able to adapt to the new workplace.
“We are glad to hear reports from the employers that our trainees are showing a huge improvement in their work,” he adds, beaming with pride.
So far, STAND has successfully found jobs for two of their trainees: one in a restaurant and another in a kindergarten. This job hunting process presented its own challenges. “It wasn’t easy to find a company that would have the patience and empathy to train a person with learning disabilities. Many rounds of discussion, negotiation, and persuasion were needed before the employers could accept one of our trainees in their workplace,” recalls Adam.
Securing a job also depends on whether it is logistically viable. Many of the adults aren’t able to drive, so they have to walk or rely on their parents or public transport. After they had been signed onto their new jobs, Adam had to drop by at their new workplace to provide technical and emotional support until the PLDs were fully able to adapt to the new workplace.
“We are glad to hear reports from the employers that our trainees are showing a huge improvement in their work,” he adds, beaming with pride.
What can you do to support persons with learning disabilities?
Part of the development plan for STAND is to recruit more persons with learning disabilities in their training centre. With a continued supply of manpower, STAND can empower more PLDs, expand their operations and send out more trainees to find external jobs. They also want to have several kiosks selling pies, completely managed by a special needs adult.
STAND’s Variety of Savoury Pies, Quiche and Dessert pies Are Well-Loved by KL Locals Like Jasmine Kaur (Instagram : @jaseatshereandthere).
Whether you’re in Kuala Lumpur or in a neighboring country, you can do your part in supporting STAND. Place an order for their pies (they currently deliver within KL only), or make a PayPal donation. If you know any companies that will hire adults with learning disabilities, reach out to STAND and see if you can collaborate! If you are a business owner, take a look at your operations and see if there is any space to welcome a differently-abled employee to the team.