Patriotic young stars shine on the catwalk

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 13, 2026

A group of young Malaysians with Down syndrome showcased their fashion talents at an event organized by the Johor Down Syndrome Association to celebrate National Month. The show highlighted the importance of inclusion and self-expression, with hopes to expand participation in future years.

JOHOR BARU — A group of young Malaysians with Down syndrome showcased their talents on the runway during a fashion event held to celebrate National Month at Chikopi Cafe on Saturday. The participants, ranging in age from six to 24, displayed a range of colourful outfits and lively poses, drawing smiles and applause from the audience.

Among the contestants was 11-year-old Naira Muhammad Asraf, who wore a newly acquired dress paired with a white veil adorned with multicoloured flowers. Naira’s mother, Nur Raimi Mohd Abdul Rashid, said this was her daughter’s first time participating in a fashion show outside of school. “Naira loves dressing up, and events like this make her feel happy, special and pretty,” Nur Raimi said, adding that preparing for the show involved ordering the dress online and customizing her outfit a few weeks in advance.

Also featured was 14-year-old Nurul Qaleeshah Nurul Huda, who won first prize in the friendly catwalk contest. Her mother, retiree Masnishah Mohd Shahyar, noted that Nurul had been participating in fashion shows since early childhood and enjoys the experience. This event marked Nurul’s first time taking part in a show in Johor after previously performing in Selangor, where the family previously resided.

Another participant, 11-year-old Anas Mohd Nida, discovered on the day of the event that he would be joining the fashion show. His sister, 23-year-old Nurliana Athirah Mohd Nida, explained that they signed him up for the event simply for fun and kept the details a surprise until the last moment. Anas appeared comfortable and delighted, wearing a traditional Baju Melayu costume in the colours of the Malaysian flag, Jalur Gemilang.

The inaugural fashion show was organised by the Johor Down Syndrome Association to commemorate both Malaysia’s National Day and Malaysia Day. Noordini Che Man, president of the association, said about 11 participants took part in the event and expressed hopes of expanding the initiative next year to include more young people.

The event provided an opportunity not only to celebrate the nation’s pride but also to promote inclusion and joy for individuals with Down syndrome, highlighting the importance of creating spaces where they can express themselves confidently.

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