The RYTHM Connect Podcast is the official podcast of RYTHM Foundation, featuring conversations with remarkable individuals making a difference in their communities. These are the unsung heroes, the guiding lights, and the unstoppable forces of change.
In each episode, host Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran delves deep into their lives and learns about their transformation journeys, challenges, successes, and hopes for the future. Just as we are inspired by their determination to make a difference, we hope these stories encourage you toward your own path of impact and the change you wish to see.
The RYTHM Connect Podcast is the official podcast of RYTHM Foundation, featuring conversations with remarkable individuals making a difference in their communities. These are the unsung heroes, the guiding lights, and the unstoppable forces of change.
In each episode, host Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran delves deep into their lives and learns about their transformation journeys, challenges, successes, and hopes for the future. Just as we are inspired by their determination to make a difference, we hope these stories encourage you toward your own path of impact and the change you wish to see.
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:
0:00:07-0:02:28 – Introduction
– Introducing RYTHM Connect, Dr Yatela, and YSD
0:03:40-0:08:36 – Of Adversity and Allyship
– Dr Yatela’s career and journey with YSD
– Challenges and discrimination “as a woman and in a hijab”
– A male ally emerges…
0:10:13-0:12:38 – Unconscious Biasness
– Opening minds with education and awareness
– Diversity for performance and profits
0:12:50-0:14:25 – Equality Everywhere
– Unpacking the paid paternity policy
– Equity in the workplace – and home
0:14:26-0:17:07 – Perspectives on Family and Talent Retention
– Umayal on what truly defines family
– Sharing the benefits and burdens
– Empowering women: TalentCorp’s solution
0:17:33- 0:24:01 – The Dilemma of Underprivileged Women
– The absolute unacceptability of domestic violence
– Advancing education and awareness
– Umayal on RYTHM’s Maharani Programme
0:24:26-0:29:33 – Effective Governance
– Dr Yatela on the YSD experience
– Women excelling in foundation leadership
– Dispelling corporate foundation myths
0:29:43-0:34:03 – Closing Thoughts
– The necessity of a diverse policy ecosystem
– The vital role of women in sports
0:34:04-0:35:26 – Outro
– Thank you for tuning in to RYTHM Connect
– Reminders to subscribe and follow us on social media
In this stimulating episode of RYTHM Connect, our host, Umayal Eswaran, discusses inclusivity in education with the formidable Dr Tricia Yeoh from the think tank IDEAS (Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs). They examine the persistent challenge of inclusivity and the crucial policy-driven actions to enable neurodivergent children for a better future.
Learn more about:
0:00:08-0:02:22 – Introduction
– Introducing RYTHM Connect and Dr Tricia Yeoh
0:03:23-0:06:10 – Equity and Policy Reform
– Dr Tricia’s passion for addressing social injustices and public policy
– Of lasting, impactful, and systemic institutional changes
0:08:22-0:10:25 – Inclusivity in Education
– The IDEAS Autism Centre
– Addressing educational disparities for marginalised communities
0:12:42-0:16:28 – The IDEAS Experience
– The think tank’s policy recommendations
– Dr Tricia on inclusive vs. specialised schools
0:20:44-0:24:23 – Challenging Policy Shifts
– The difficulty in executing changes
– The efforts of the private and third sectors
0:26:01-0:27:11 – Recommended Measures
– Inspiring students to pursue SEN studies
– Short-term stop-gap measures
0:30:09-0:32:08 – The Orang Asli Experience
– Exploring synergy with the Education Ministry
– “Taking what we can get”
0:36:41-0:40:00 – The Role of Parents and Communities at Large
– Managing misunderstandings and expectations
– An All-Party Parliamentary Group on SEN?
0:41:00-0:46:16 – Closing Thoughts
– The “art” of policy advocacy
– Dr Tricia on sustaining efforts
– Indicators of progress
0:46:16-0:48:38 – Outro
– Thank you for tuning in to RYTHM Connect
– Takeaways
– Reminders to subscribe and follow us on social media
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.
Links
– Women in Rail Malaysia: https://womeninrail.org.my/
– Connect with Natasha Zulkifli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-zulkifli-620351197/
00:00:01 – Introduction
– Welcome to RYTHM Connect
– Introducing our guest, Natasha Zulkifli
00:03:29 – Natasha’s Early Career
– Her early experiences in the construction and rail industries
– Exploring challenges within a male-dominated profession
00:04:15 – Founding Women in Rail Malaysia
– The inspiration behind Women in Rail Malaysia
– Natasha shares anecdotes from the organisation’s early days
00:07:22 – Exploring Science, Tech, Engineering, and Math subjects
– Why STEM matters, especially for girls
– Society’s role in fostering and supporting the initiative
00:09:29 – Overcoming Barriers
– An inspiring narrative of defying conventional norms
– Support for brave and adventurous women
00:13:18 – Future Aspirations
– Expanding Women in Rail across Asia Pacific
– “Don’t overthink it, just do it!”
00:15:18 – Closing Thoughts
– Natasha’s final thoughts and advice to our listeners
– Thanking Natasha for her time and insights
00:18:30 – Outro
– Thank you for tuning in to RYTHM Connect
– Preview of the next episode
– Reminders to subscribe and follow us on social media
Steel yourself for a moving journey as we delve into a subject that often goes unnoticed, unaddressed and has remained hidden in the shadows for far too long: the gripping plight of stateless people.
Joining us in conversation is Maalini Ramalo, a beacon of hope in the fight for the rights and inclusion of stateless communities. As Director for Social Protection at the Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas Malaysia (DHRRA), Maalini has worked tirelessly to break the vicious cycle of statelessness that traps families in Malaysia.
This episode explores the harrowing realities of those without a legal identity and forced to navigate a precarious existence on the fringes of society.
The discussion also uncovers the heart-wrenching realities stateless children face in their quest for education. We’re certain Maalini’s experiences and poignant accounts of these captivating stories will resonate deeply with you.
This is not just another podcast episode but a call to action. Stream this episode right now on your favourite platform!
Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary tale of a determined woman who chose to forego the comforts of a privileged life and a promising career, to improve the lives of rural communities in India. Meet Dr Madhavi Panda, the founder of Parinaama Development Foundation and our guest on the latest episode of RYTHM Connect Podcast.
Dr Madhavi started the non-profit after witnessing deprivation in various rural communities when she worked as a demographer, in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha in Eastern India.
As this episode unravels the intricacies of her journey, prepare to be moved by the challenges she overcame to establish Parinaama as a beacon of hope for the marginalised.
This episode also delves into the remarkable legacy Dr Madhavi continues to build through Parinaama. It is a captivating exploration of an extraordinary woman’s journey that will inspire and impact all who tune in.
Don’t miss out on valuable insights into Parinaama’s work and the experiences of Dr Madhavi in this brand-new episode, available to stream through your favourite podcast platform now!
In this first episode of the RYTHM Connect Podcast, we dive into the remarkable story of Amara Wichithong, a former Olympic windsurfer and passionate environmental activist. Against all odds, Amara never let her challenging upbringing deter her from pursuing her dreams and having a victorious professional career.
Amara’s journey of resilience began when she was just 13 years old, collecting and recycling rubbish to support herself. Little did she know that this path would lead her to discover her immense talent and love for the thrilling sport of windsurfing.
Amara discusses her incredible journey of breaking free from the constraints of fear and society’s patriarchal views on women in sports. In a reflection of sheer grit and determination, she also relates the challenges on her path to representing Thailand at the 1992 Olympics.
Today, Amara is also an influential advocate for environmental causes and a driving force behind empowering disadvantaged youth and women in Thailand.
Join us for this poignant and uplifting exploration of Amara’s incredible journey towards greatness, streaming right now on your favourite podcast platform!
