Friday, 24 October 2025 – SMARTER Brunei is a non-profit organization that manages autism-related programs and services in Brunei Darussalam through its three centre – SMARTER B.A.C.A Centre, SMARTER E.D.G.E Centre (BSB) and SMARTER E.D.G.E Centre (KB), providing specialized education, training and support for individuals with autism since 2001.
Historically known to charge low fees with the intention to help families with limited capabilities, SMARTER Brunei solely relies on public support and donations to operate these centres but operational expenses such as staffing, resources and facility maintenance have increased, making it difficult to maintain the quality and scope of the programs and services they offer.
Unified National Networks (UNN), who previously collaborated with SMARTER Brunei in its 6th Ramadhan Charity Drive (RCD) earlier this year, observed various challenges that the non-profit organization is facing and took initiative to alleviate some of these challenges for them.
On the morning of 24 October 2025, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy and UNN Chairman, Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abd Hamid alongside UNN Acting Chief Executive Officer Chris Phan and members of the UNN Senior Management Team handed over two Gran Max vehicles to SMARTER Brunei at its B.A.C.A Centre in Sg. Hanching. During the handover ceremony, Yang Mulia Dato also unveiled the newly installed signages for the centre with SMARTER Brunei President Pg Zamri bin Pg Haji Bujang.
Prior to the handover ceremony, on 25 September 2025, UNN donated more than 100 pieces of furniture items such as office desks, armchairs, tables, mobile pedestals (drawers), sofas, cabinets, meeting tables and reception counter to SMARTER Brunei at its E.D.G.E Centre in Mata-Mata. These items were received by Director on Clinical Practices at SMARTER Brunei, Ms. Malou Radovan.
SMARTER Brunei President, Pg Zamri said, “We are deeply grateful to UNN for their generous donations, which came at a most opportune time. Most of our vans used to transport our students have broken down, leaving many families struggling with daily logistics.
With no funds available, we were unable to put up signages after occupying the premises kindly donated by the Ministry of Health at Sg. Hancing, and we have also been facing a shortage of furniture for our offices and classrooms across our centres. These challenges were beginning to affect the quality and continuity of our programs, 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 programs and continue providing a safe, structured and supportive environment. This partnership demonstrates how collective efforts can make a real difference in the lives of individuals with autism and their families in Brunei Darussalam.”
UNN recognizes the importance of supporting organizations like SMARTER Brunei to overcome financial and societal challenges. And through its extensive CSR programs like RCD, Belia Pintar Siber, Core Value Program and Health & Wellness Program to name a few, UNN continues to leverage its resources and expertise to help these organizations expand their reach, implement innovative solutions and achieve greater impact.
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