In this informative episode of RYTHM Connect, host Umayal Eswaran speaks with Dr Hajah Yatela Zainal Abidin, CEO of Sime Darby Foundation (Yayasan Sime Darby), who shares her rich experiences and deep insights on the topics of diversity, empowerment, and leadership. Through an engaging dialogue and thoughtful reflection, they navigate the complex terrain of societal challenges and triumphs, offering a compelling narrative that speaks to the heart of gender equality, social justice, and the full realisation of women’s talents.      Learn more about:  Dr Yatela on LinkedIn&nb ..read more

While prominent organisations and specialists around the world are helping to demystify neurodivergence and its various profiles, access to the necessary services and support systems remains scarce, especially in developing countries. In Malaysia, many neurodivergent children and their families struggle without life-changing interventions and support. Existing programmes are riddled with gaps and shortcomings, preventing children on the autism spectrum and those with other developmental disabilities from reaching their full potential and becoming meaningful contributors to society. In this epi ..read more

In this inspiring episode of RYTHM Connect, host Umayal Eswaran sits with the trailblazing Natasha Zulkifli, founder of Women in Rail Malaysia and a director at YTL Construction. Join us as we delve into Natasha’s remarkable journey, where she has consistently shattered glass ceilings in the traditionally male-dominated fields of both rail and construction. _____________________ Show Notes [00:00:01] – Introduction - Welcome to RYTHM Connect - Introducing guest, Natasha Zulkifli   [00:03:29] – Natasha’s Early Career - Her early experiences in the construction and rail industries - Explor ..read more

10 million stateless people in the world right now are denied a legal identity & access to basic human rights that the rest of us take for granted daily - like education, healthcare & employment. Beyond a life of deprivation, stateless people struggle the most with a sense of belonging & feelings of being rendered invisible in countries where they have lived their whole lives. As the Director for Social Protection at the Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas, or DHRRA in Malaysia, Maalini Ramalo has been championing human rights & dignity for stateless communities. She ..read more

The journey towards building resilient communities is one that also requires resilience of character, and Dr Madhavi Panda knows that all too well. As the Founder of the Parinaama Development Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering rural communities in India, Dr Madhavi has had to arm herself with grit in the face of barriers to building trust among the communities she helps. Inspired by the resilience of the women she works with; she shares her story of overcoming obstacles and persevering to keep helping rural women do better for themselves! Catch the deeply insightful segment wi ..read more

Despite growing up with the odds stacked against her, former Olympic windsurfer and environmental activist, Amara Wichithong never gave up on herself.  Amara began collecting and recycling trash to earn a living at the age of 13, until she discovered her talent and love for the wind sport, which propelled her towards a victorious professional career. She is the perfect guest to launch our brand-new podcast, RYTHM Connect, where #RYTHMFoundation Chairperson, Umayal Eswaran, talks to remarkable people who drive change.  Catch Amara's inspiring and riveting stor ..read more