From One Child’s Journey to Hundreds of Families

From One Child’s Journey to Hundreds of Families.

About Us

MIJ Hub is a non-profit organisation supporting individuals with special needs, aged 4 to 35, across different stages of life.

We provide structured academic learning and daily living skills for individuals with autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, dyslexia, Down syndrome, and global developmental delay. Every programme is personalised to help each individual build independence, confidence, and the ability to navigate everyday life.

Because every child deserves the chance to be understood, not left behind.

But MIJ Hub did not start as an organisation.

It started as a parent’s journey.

About us

Where It Began

Our founders, Mohammad Ali Dawood and Faraliza Zainal, were both working in corporate roles when their son, Ashraf, was diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis at just 18 months old. By the age of two, he began experiencing frequent seizures. A year later, he was diagnosed with autism and sensory integration difficulties. Everyday life became unpredictable, and support was limited.

“I was in denial for two years,” Mdm Fara shared.

Everything changed when she chose to take things into her own hands.

She left her career and began learning how to support her son, taking courses and exploring different approaches. Along the way, she discovered that movement-based learning worked best for him.

In 2011, she started MIJ Hub as a small weekend class for 15 students with special needs, held at Sultan Mosque.

What began as support for one child slowly became a space for many families.

No family should have to figure this journey out alone.

How We’ve Grown

As more families came forward, MIJ Hub grew alongside them.

Today, we have centres across Singapore and Malaysia, and have supported over 900 individuals with special needs. Our programmes have expanded beyond weekend classes to include weekday programmes such as Student Care and support for both children and adults.

We have also created pathways beyond the classroom.

Through Ashraf’s Cafe and INSPO, individuals gain vocational training and paid employment, building confidence and taking steps towards greater independence.

15 years strong 
Independence is not just about skills. It is about dignity, purpose, and belonging.

Over the years, our work has been recognised on national platforms and through partnerships that allow us to reach more families and create more opportunities.

What We Believe

MIJ Hub is built by a caregiver, for caregivers.

Everything we do is shaped by lived experience and refined through years of working closely with families. We understand that behind every child is a caregiver navigating daily challenges, big decisions, and uncertain paths.

That is why our programmes are designed not just for the individual, but for the family as a whole.

When a child is supported, a family breathes a little easier.

Because progress is not just about learning new skills.

It is about making daily life more manageable, more hopeful, and more independent over time.

Our Journey Over the Years

From one classroom to multiple centres, here’s how MIJ Hub has grown alongside the families we support.

  1. 2011

    2011

    Where it all began

    MIJ Hub started with 15 students in a storeroom at Sultan Mosque, offering weekend programmes only.

  2. 2015

    First big leap

    Moved to a bigger space in Ubi and launched the Adult Programme, MIJ Hub's first weekday offering.

    From One Child’s Journey to Hundreds of Families
  3. In The National spotlight 

    2018 - 2019

    In The National spotlight

    Ashraf's Cafe was established, bringing in customers from all across the country. Our founder was also featured in NDP 2018 and as an SG Bicentennial individual in 2019. MIJ received the 5th Enabling Employers Award by SGEnable.

  4. Now

    15 years strong

    Three branches across Singapore, a presence in Malaysia, and a community that keeps growing. What started in a storeroom is today a home for hundreds of students, and the journey is far from over.

    15 years strong 

Our Commitment

We continue to grow with one purpose in mind.

To support individuals with special needs in building meaningful, independent lives, and to ensure that families do not have to walk this journey alone.

This journey does not end in the classroom. And neither does our support.