Selangor Dredging Berhad (SDB), a Malaysian property developer recognized for its numerous international awards, has established a dedicated initiative to support the employment and development of neurodiverse individuals. Launched in 2020 under the subsidiary SDB Inclusion Sdn Bhd, the One-Two-Boost (OTB) programme aims to offer sustainable, meaningful employment opportunities rather than short-term corporate social responsibility efforts.
OTB was designed with the understanding that employing neurodiverse individuals requires more than just hiring; it calls for a structured environment that accommodates their unique communication, learning, and sensory needs. Rather than lowering standards, the programme focuses on adapting the workplace and processes to enable neurodiverse employees to meet expectations and thrive.
The initiative is led by Teh Lip Kim, Managing Director of SDB Group, who highlights the importance of businesses in creating supportive platforms where neurodiverse individuals can work productively. This includes a comprehensive system involving structured recruitment, specialized training, and ongoing coaching support. Employees receive clear task instructions, often supplemented by visual standard operating procedures, and their progress is monitored through individual development plans addressing technical skills, behavior, and independence.
Since formalizing its recruitment process in 2023, OTB conducts an annual intake of neurodiverse trainees who undergo a two-month, five-day-a-week training programme. This curriculum covers not only technical skills but also workplace discipline, emotional regulation, communication, self-advocacy, and awareness of workplace policies such as sexual harassment. The focus is on preparing each individual for long-term employment readiness, with a 47% conversion rate recorded between 2023 and 2026 from interviews to employment.
As of 2026, OTB employs 16 neurodiverse individuals—eleven full-time and five part-time—all receiving equal benefits consistent with SDB Group policies. For many employees, these roles provide more than income; they offer a sense of dignity, improved confidence, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
OTB’s business model integrates inclusivity with commercial viability. Its products reach consumers through multiple channels, including retail outlets, e-commerce, corporate deliveries, and partnerships with consignment vendors. In June 2025, OTB opened its first retail store at Mid Valley Megamall, marking a milestone in demonstrating the financial sustainability of an inclusive business.
Beyond internal operations, OTB actively engages with external stakeholders by hosting university interns, conducting workshops on inclusive employment, collaborating with schools and charities, and partnering with other organizations supporting neurodiverse individuals. Through these efforts, OTB extends its impact across a wider community ecosystem.
The program underscores that genuine inclusion depends less on single initiatives and more on creating supportive systems and cultures where neurodiverse employees can remain valued contributors. SDB and One-Two-Boost continue to advocate for workplace environments that foster long-term success for neurodiverse individuals, combining structured care with commercial sustainability.