![ASIA'S MOST INFLUENTIAL: Life in the Spectrum](https://cdn.magzter.com/Malaysia Tatler/1690448720/articles/lB0fFyQ4z1690686719435/ASIAS-MOST-INFLUENTIAL-LIFE-IN-THE-SPECTRUM.jpg)
What struck me about Beatrice Leong is that she doesn’t want to pussyfoot around autism. “People say ‘she is a person with autism,’ but it’s not like a bag that you bring along. It’s who you are, so say you’re autistic and don’t call us ‘differently abled’. We’re disabled, and it needs to be recognised,” states Leong.
“And through that recognition comes empowerment, because once you acknowledge and normalise it, you don’t see it as a bad thing anymore. And always consult the autistic person. Don’t talk about them—whether it’s with their parents or caregivers—talk to them. If they’re able to communicate, talk to them, write to them, draw or use images and get their opinions and ideas. By referring to us as ‘special’— take, for example, the Malay term ‘anak istimewa’—you, in a way, state that autistic people have lower value and will be given less opportunities compared to the rest.”
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 2023 من Tatler Malaysia.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 2023 من Tatler Malaysia.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
![The 9-karat Charm](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1679192/v2JFV2GkO1716812407608/THE-9KARAT-CHARM.jpg)
The 9-karat Charm
Nine-karat jewellery is officially in - here's why you should hop on the bandwagon, according to 'Kin
![Spreading Joy](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1679192/ntTdz9Jdw1716812221725/SPREADING-JOY.jpg)
Spreading Joy
Through fashion, newly minted Rolex Awards for Enterprise Laureate Denica Riadini-Flesch simultaneously empowers rural women and tackles environmental issues in Indonesia
![Designs That Reward Observation](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1679192/HgBuyXkc31716812086545/DESIGNS-THAT-REWARD-OBSERVATION.jpg)
Designs That Reward Observation
Ming Thein, creative director and co-founder of Ming, an independent Kuala Lumpur-based timepiece brand, talks design and inspiration
![Daring Designs](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1679192/RgZL-kwwM1716811997716/DARING-DESIGNS.jpg)
Daring Designs
From architectural marvels to playfully expressive wonders, Louis Vuitton continues to push the boundaries of High Watchmaking
![Threading Wonders](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1679192/R6X4wv6Sb1716811881656/THREADING-WONDERS.jpg)
Threading Wonders
Delve into the sculptural creations of the avant-garde Indian designer known for reviving bridal couture in his hometown
![Defying Gravity](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1679192/tqx7SZyZ11716811740292/DEFYING-GRAVITY.jpg)
Defying Gravity
Kim Jones puts a spin on the Dior Oblique motif with Dior Gravity leather, redefining iconic bags, shoes and other menswear must-haves
![Designer of Futures](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1679192/pQA0COx481716811621303/DESIGNER-OF-FUTURES.jpg)
Designer of Futures
Datuk Jimmy Choo trains the younger generation at the JCA, London Fashion Academy
![Hello, Dolly!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1679192/Xlg6FBY_o1716811485619/HELLO-DOLLY.jpg)
Hello, Dolly!
Wesley Hilton is the founder of Borneo Doll, proudly showcasing Malaysian indigenous tribes through miniature recreations of ancient traditional costumes
![Digital Sanctuary](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1679192/wAQtTaoYZ1716811355038/DIGITAL-SANCTUARY.jpg)
Digital Sanctuary
Digital artist Chong Yan Chuah explores concepts such as techno-paganism to imagine worlds that are embedded in alternative cosmologies
![One Man's Trash, Another Woman's Art](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/405/1679192/nc94tca1x1716811270585/ONE-MANS-TRASH-ANOTHER-WOMANS-ART.jpg)
One Man's Trash, Another Woman's Art
Nor Tijan's art is a vision of sustainability