Autistic savant artist's Malaysia day gift to Obama

Malaysia's first autistic savant artist, Delwin Cheah Wien Loong, 11, will be presenting his work to United States President Barack Obama in conjunction with Malaysia Day which falls today.

Delwin's father Lawrence Cheah Guan Keong, 39, said the drawing featuring a diversity of wildlife species called 'African Safari', represents the stability of the ecosystem, reflecting the unity that prevails in the country.

The drawing was completed by Delwin within the last week and is expected to be sent to the White House before the end of this month, he told reporters yesterday.

He said the drawing was also a gesture of thanks for the letter of recognition his son received from Obama dated July 14, and a symbol to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Cheah said his son who had never set foot on an African Safari Park based his drawing on his visits to zoos in the country and watching documentary series on television.

Delwin was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome with an IQ of 114 at the age of five.

He started to draw at the age of three and has been recognised as the world's youngest autistic savant artist to hold a solo art exhibition by the Record Setter USA on April 28, 2013.