Maryland Dough dishes up hope and belonging in Kota Kinabalu

After more than 20 years in early childhood education, Tricia Richard Linsang met many parents who shared the same fear – what would happen to their children with special needs when they were no longer around to care for them?

This concern became especially apparent in recent years, as she encountered more children with autism and saw firsthand the anxiety their parents felt about the future.

At the same time, Linsang noticed another group struggling to find their place: senior citizens who, after spending decades working and contributing to society, suddenly found themselves with less income and a diminished sense of purpose upon retirement.

To her, both groups were in danger of being left behind. So, she and her friend Sharon Shilla Sylvester started a bakery where people with special needs, as well as seniors and retirees, could find opportunities to work, contribute and connect with others.

“Nobody was building a bridge for them. I decided that if I could help them, I would. So, I built Maryland Dough to give them a place to belong, to contribute and to earn with dignity,” Linsang, 40, told FMT Lifestyle.

For her, helping these groups also reflects the spirit of Malaysia Day, as building a more inclusive country means ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or ability, has the opportunity to take part and feel valued.

The bakery, located in Penampang, Kota Kinabalu, opened under the auspices of the NGO Persatuan Autism Pelita Harapan Sabah in May.

Linsang said the bakery – which has 15 special-needs youths and one senior participant – was named after her late mother, Mary, who instilled in her a passion for educating young people from an early age.

In 2002, Mary founded Maryland Nursery, which grew into the Maryland Learning Centre, providing children with opportunities to learn and develop.

“This is my way of continuing my mother’s legacy. I hope she’d be proud to see how far her vision has come,” Linsang shared.

Running the bakery has not always been easy, with Linsang and Sylvester often wondering whether things would work out. But they have vowed to keep going for the participants.

“Now, they’ve grown into a team. Our chef doesn’t just teach – he mentors. He knows each student by name, he knows their strengths. And the youths? They look up to him like a grandfather,” Linsang said.

Participants first undergo personalised learning and practical training at the associated Maryland Baking Centre. They then move on to Maryland Dough, which serves as a real-world working environment where they can practise and showcase their skills.

Linsang believes baking can benefit both groups by equipping them with practical abilities they can use daily. Beyond baking goods, they gain experience handling money, interacting with customers and communicating with others.

For her, watching both groups work together has been especially rewarding. Senior participants bring decades of experience, patience, technique and life wisdom, while the youths bring joy, honesty and perseverance.

“Together, something magical happens. The senior learns to be patient and playful again. The youths learn discipline and craftsmanship. They don’t just make pastries, they make each other better.”

For its efforts, Maryland Dough was named one of five state winners of the Shell LiveWire Malaysia Sabah challenge – which aims to support innovation and entrepreneurship – in June.

As for the future, Linsang dreams of expanding both Maryland Learning Centre and Maryland Dough to bring the model to other parts of the country.

More immediately, she hopes Malaysia Day will encourage greater awareness and compassion among Malaysians.

“I hope to ultimately create a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging. If we can help everyone feel included and accepted, just think how much more beautiful Malaysia could be,” she concluded.

Follow Maryland Dough on Instagram.

Maryland Dough
Lot 4, Block 35, Penampang Baru,
Phase 2B, Bandar Baru Penampang,
88300 Penampang, Sabah

Contact: 016-722 0718

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