IPOH: Have you ever thought of how neuro-divergent youths can come together in making life
better for themselves? IpohGoers team explored a small social enterprise, Keen’s Kitchen Ipoh
where they hire and train young adults with special needs in the food & beverage industry.

Looi Wan Wai, 43, the founder of Keen’s Kitchen shared her story on her journey of the
establishment of the space and the goal behind it. It all started through her sister, Wan Keen,
who has autism. Wan Wai pointed out that Keen’s Kitchen Ipoh is a move to provide
independence.

“After my sister’s graduation from secondary school, we were not sure on what to do, so we
started training her at home with baking and she seems to have the talent in the baking field.
We decided to ask around for orders and it came up to a great start. The initial reason is to train
her so she will be able to work outside with the society. Thankfully the training paid off and she
managed to work for 10 months in a restaurant.”

Wan Wai foreseen the training as beneficial and could be a great opportunity for the other young
adults with special needs to explore their hidden talent and thus, Keen’s Kitchen Ipoh came into
the picture.

Wan Wai wants the society to see Keen’s Kitchen Ipoh as part of a contribution to a community
and not a charity space. The point of Keen’s Kitchen is to make sure that the young adults with
special needs get to experience and be trained like how normal people work in the working field.

Though it may sound impossible as there are limitations in terms of social skill and neurological
differences, reality is harsh and every individual has to go through obstacles at one point in life.

“Even if they are neurodivergent, it is important to treat them equally as neurotypicals. They are
able to live life by letting them experience it.” Wan Wai said.

When asked what she would say to parents who are worried about putting their young adults
with special needs out in life, Wan Wai gave heartwarming advice.

“Letting your young adults with special needs explore the world with minimal supervision might
be scary, but it is when you let go, they see and learn new skills. For instance, if you would like
your young adults with special needs to pick up money skills, do not just give them a little
amount.

Give them more to spend. Instead of RM10, give them RM100 in different forms. The more they
spend, the more they understand the power of money and they will know that they have the
power to purchase and money comes from work. Trust them and magic will slowly happen.”

Keen’s Kitchen Ipoh is an inspiring operation with good cause. They are also in plans of expanding Keen’s Kitchen Ipoh by accepting more trainees and hoping to have a permanent stall. Wan Wai hopes to get more sponsors and investments as Keen’s Kitchen Ipoh needs to maintain their production cost and keep the goals going to prepare more young adults with special needs for their bright future.

Keen’s Kitchen Ipoh too takes orders and caters for events. From finger food, desserts, to main
course meals they have a variety of menu to choose from. They use high quality ingredients
with the thought of making good quality food and bringing joy to people with their own
handmade goods. Fun fact, they also have a delivery service. How convenient is that!

Let’s support all the good deeds that we find along the way in life as every support could change
someone’s life and future no matter big or small.

For more information on Keen’s Kitchen Ipoh or to place your order, visit:
Instagram: @keenskitchenipoh
Contact📞: 012-5262637