Unified National Networks (UNN) has donated vehicles and furniture to SMARTER Brunei to help sustain the non-profit organisation’s autism services amid rising operational challenges.
Two Gran Max vehicles were handed over by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy and UNN Chairman, Dato Seri Paduka Haji Khairuddin Haji Abd Hamid, alongside UNN Acting Chief Executive Officer Chris Phan and members of the UNN Senior Management Team.
The ceremony, held at the SMARTER B.A.C.A Centre in Sg. Hanching also featured the unveiling of newly installed signage for the centre, which is housed in premises donated by the Ministry of Health.
This event followed a previous donation on 25 September 2025, where UNN provided over 100 pieces of furniture, including office desks, armchairs, tables, mobile pedestals, sofas, cabinets, meeting tables, and a reception counter to the SMARTER E.D.G.E Centre in Mata-Mata. These items were received by the Director of Clinical Practices at SMARTER Brunei, Malou Radovan.
The donations address severe logistical and infrastructural hurdles for the non-profit organisation. SMARTER Brunei, which manages three centres and has provided specialised education, training, and support since 2001, relies solely on public donations and has historically charged low fees to help families with limited capabilities. Rising operational expenses for staffing, resources, and facility maintenance have made it difficult to maintain the quality and scope of its programmes.
SMARTER Brunei President Pg Zamri Pg Haji Bujang expressed gratitude to UNN for their generous donations, which came at a most opportune time.
“Most of our vans used to transport our students had broken down, leaving many families struggling with daily logistics. With no funds available, we were unable to put up signage after occupying the premises kindly donated by the Ministry of Health at Sg. Hanching, and we have also been facing a shortage of furniture for our offices and classrooms across our centres.”
He added: “These challenges were beginning to affect the quality and continuity of our programmes, which are vital for the progress and development of our students. UNN’s support has directly addressed these urgent needs, enabling us to maintain our programmes and continue providing a safe, structured and supportive environment.”
UNN, which had previously collaborated with SMARTER Brunei in its 6th Ramadhan Charity Drive earlier this year, recognised the organisation’s struggles and took initiative to provide support. The company stated that this effort aligns with its extensive corporate social responsibility programmes, which also include the Belia Pintar Siber, Core Value Programme, and Health & Wellness Programme, through which it continues to leverage its resources and expertise to help community organisations achieve greater impact.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
