On 2 April 2023, World Autism Awareness Day, something happened that I am still humbled by when I think about it.

A video message I recorded, in Chinese, was projected onto the face of the Zhuhai Opera House, blown up approximately 90 metres high onto one of the most iconic and architecturally stunning buildings in South China. My face, and my words, visible across the Zhuhai waterfront on a night dedicated to awareness, understanding, and love for the autism community.

I have been involved in charity work in Zhuhai since 2011. I have organised festivals, visited schools, funded programmes, and sat alongside families navigating challenges that most people never see. But this was different. This was public. This was a statement, made visible to the entire city, that the autism community in Zhuhai is seen, valued, and loved.

The Message

I chose to deliver my message in Chinese, because this is the community I am aiding, and these are the people I was speaking to and for. The words I said were:

世界很大，希望每一位孤独症人士都可以融入这广阔灿烂的世界； 世界很美，因为有一群默默为孤独症人士无私奉献的人们， 4月2日是世界孤独症关注日，让我们一起拥抱星星的孩子！ 我是CTC主席Mark，关注孤独症人士，从我做起！

“The world is vast, I hope every person with autism can integrate into this great and brilliant world. The world is beautiful, because there are people who silently and selflessly dedicate themselves to those with autism. April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day, let’s embrace the children of the stars together! I am CTC Chairman Mark. Caring for people with autism starts with me.”

“Children of the Stars”

In Chinese, people with autism are sometimes called 星星的孩子 — children of the stars. It is one of the most beautiful phrases in any language for describing a community that so often exists on the edges of the world’s attention, shining quietly and brightly in their own way. To stand on the waterfront in Zhuhai and call on an entire city to embrace them, that felt like exactly what the day was for.

Why This Moment Matters

I did not found Come Together Community to receive recognition. I founded it because a friend died unexpectedly, because children in my city needed support, and because doing nothing felt impossible.

But moments like this, when a city projects that mission 90 metres high onto a landmark for the world to see, remind you that the work matters. That the community sees it. That it is making a difference.

To everyone at the Zhuhai Autism Society, to every parent, carer, teacher, and volunteer who shows up for these children day after day, this moment was yours as much as mine. More so.

Let’s keep embracing the children of the stars. It starts with each of us.

🔗 Come Together Community 🔗 Zhuhai Opera House 🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn

Mark Clayton FCMA CGMA CPA KOR — Group CFO, C2W Group | Chairman, British Chamber of Commerce South China | Founder & Chairman, Come Together Community