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.
Can a sport break barriers and bring people of all abilities together? Parabowls—a modified version of lawn bowls—is doing just that. Host Umayal Eswaran speaks with Ganesh Ramanathan, President of Parabowls Singapore, about his journey as an athlete and advocate championing accessibility in the sport. This episode also explores sports’ role in inclusion, Singapore’s leadership in disability sports, and the push for global representation. Tune in for an inspiring talk on breaking stereotypes and promoting equality!
00:00-02:21 – Introduction
– Welcome to RYTHM Connect
– Introducing Ganesh Ramanathan
– Parabowls: driving inclusion through sport
02:22-06:51 – Passion for Lawn Bowls and Advocacy
– An athlete and an advocate
– What the game entails
– Bringing lawn bowls to athletes with disabilities
06:52-09:58 – The Power of Sports in Inclusion
– The sport’s unique sportsmanship
– Playing for enjoyment and empowering others
– Expanding access through leadership
09:59-13:22 – Competitive Representation in Sports
– National and international level opportunities
– Gaining recognition on the big stage
– Platforms for athletes with disabilities to thrive
13:23-19:38 – An Inspiring Story of Transformation
– Mahindran Pasupathy’s inspiring journey
– A life renewed for an athlete with a visual impairment
– Family and community support for athletes with disabilities
19:39-25:00 – Breaking Stereotypes in Adaptive Sports
– The societal shift needed for true inclusion
– A rare sport uniting all abilities
– Plans for fully inclusive competitions
25:01-29:39 – Singapore’s Leadership in Disability Inclusion
– Government initiatives and policy changes
– The “Disability Sports Master Plan 2024”
– Expanding access and boosting participation
29:40-31:55 – Challenging Disability Stigmas
– How Parabowls Singapore is shifting perceptions
– Inspiring more people with disabilities to join sports
– The importance of long-term community support
31:56-38:52 – Expanding Accessibility Through Innovation
– Short mat bowls for easier accessibility
– Adapting Parabowls for All Ages and Environments
– Boosting participation through local partnerships
38:53-40:01 – Closing Thoughts
– The uniting power of sports
– Inclusion: Opportunity, not charity
– Inspiring communities to foster belonging
Social entrepreneur and gender equality advocate Eena Khalil Lim discusses community-driven change, holistic education, and the importance of fostering a love for learning in this engaging instalment of RYTHM Connect, hosted by Umayal Eswaran. She also shares insights into her work on social entrepreneurship with The Good Shop and the CHILD initiative, which empowers parents to make informed choices for their children’s well-being.
00:00-01:01 – Introduction
– Introducing guest Eena Khalil Lim
01:02-04:09 – About Eena Khalil Lim
– Growing up in a diverse community
– Interest in advocating for gender equality sparked
04:10-06:10 – Change Through Social Entrepreneurship
– The essential quality in driving social change
– Involving whole communities, listening to all voices
– Prioritising community needs
06:11-09:00 – Hope in Changemaking
– Real change happens when everyone is on the same page
– A “never-ending hope” keeps the vision alive
– No one issue is greater than the other
09:01-12:58 – Holistic Education
– Look at education holistically
– Education and empowering livelihoods
– Adapting to children’s different learning ways
12:59-15:20 – The Love of Learning
– Encourage a love for learning
– Avoid pressures and strict expectations
– Encouraging a reading habit from young
15:21-20:15 – Learning and Technology
– The power of AI and its timely introduction
– Excessive device use
– Reading for engaging imagination, cognitive growth
20:16-24:19 – The Arau Approach
– History of the Arau approach
– Malaysia’s own educational method
– The three pillars
24:20-29:40 – The Inspiration for CHILD
– The children’s industry covers medical care to tech
– Products should be guided by child experts
– CHILD helps parents navigate tough choices
29:41-35:25 – The Good Shop
– Understanding social entrepreneurship
– Aiming to bring social enterprises mainstream
35:26-40:25 – Creating Curiosity
– Integrate local culture for relatable learning
– Move beyond grades to foster interactive learning
– Nurture communication skills for fluency and expertise
40:26-42:59 – Closing Thoughts
– Education should be holistic
– Integrating local culture into education is empowering
In this episode, Ghana’s Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo, reflects on her distinguished journey as the country’s third female Chief Justice with host Umayal Eswaran. She delves into her guiding principles of authenticity, the complexities of balancing leadership demands, and the pivotal role of support systems. Join this captivating conversation on resilience, visionary leadership, and the pursuit of excellence at the highest levels.
00:00-00:40 – Introduction
– Introducing Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo
– Welcoming her to RYTHM Connect
00:41-01:55 – Ghana’s 3rd Female Chief Justice
– Chief Justice Torkornoo’s background and achievements
02:15-04:03 – Authenticity as a Philosophy
– Chief Justice Torkornoo’s guiding philosophy is authenticity
– Being yourself and not anybody else
– Your unique self is a gift to your community
04:04-05:31 – Challenges on the Journey
– Juggling multiple roles without conflict
– Balancing professional and personal responsibilities
– The burden of leadership
05:37-06:14 – The Weight of Leadership
– Balancing diverse expectations from 35 million people
– Leading a government arm for both the vulnerable and the privileged
06:15-08:16 – A Balancing Act
– Discovering balance without compromising well-being
– Staying true to her identity as Gertrude
– Women’s struggle to maintain a work-life balance
08:25-09:30 – Quietly Rising to the Top
– Surprised by anonymity despite years of service
– Women often identify themselves before their profession
09:38-12:48 – Strong Support System
– A loving family foundation instils confidence
– A supportive spouse offers stability
– A supportive work environment encourages growth
12:52-15:16 – Parents Shape Futures
– Parental support builds confidence from childhood
– Loving and supportive fathers play a key role in a daughter’s strength
– Balanced perspectives from both parents are essential
15:17-17:26 – Trust at the Core
– Trust is key to collaboration and teamwork
– Focus on real needs to build strong connections
– Clear communication ensures everyone works toward shared goals
17:27-20:39 – Curiosity Opens Doors
– Proactiveness led to an unexpected opportunity
– Expertise in business law opened new doors
20:40-24:13 – Learning is Lifelong
– Embrace deliberate learning for leadership growth
– Find role models to guide your journey
24:14-27:45 – On Creative Pursuits
– Creative pursuits enrich leadership perspective
– Humanity thrives on diverse experiences
27:46-32:06 – Pivotal Career Moments
– Gained trust through active involvement and support
– Led committees, shaping key reforms and initiatives
– Helped execute chief justices’ visions with dedication
32:07-36:26 – Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders
– Choose to understand where people are coming from
– Define your problems and develop solutions
– Engage people with kindness and compassion
36:27-37:38 – Closing Thoughts
– Owning your space is about making an impact
– Never be afraid to ask for help
In this inspirational episode, host Umayal Eswaran engages with Dr Suria Selasih Angit, a proud member of Malaysia’s Indigenous Orang Asli Temiar community and an educationalist at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. Together, they explore how to make education more inclusive and culturally responsive for indigenous and marginalised students. Tune in to this engaging dialogue as Dr Suria shares her innovative approaches to dismantling educational barriers and inspiring the next generation.
Learn more about:
Dr Suria on LinkedIn
Dr Suria at the University of Nottingham
0:00:04 – 0:00:55 – Introduction
– Introducing Dr Suria and welcoming her to RYTHM Connect
0:00:56 – 0:02:07 – A Proud Orang Asli’s Mission
– Dr Suria’s background, advocacy, and mission
– The concept of co-creation in indigenous education
00:02:08 – 00:06:32 – Foresight and Talent
– Factors leading to Dr Suria’s accomplishments
– Dr Suria’s exposure to mainstream education
– The early identification of her talents
00:06:33 – 00:08:00 – Indigenous Community Learning
– Basic education in Orang Asli communities
– Community learning centres in Orang Asli villages
00:08:01 – 00:10:37 – Dismantling Educational Barriers
– Underlying issues affecting school performance
– Economic, geographical, and personal barriers
– Employment challenges of Orang Asli graduates
00:14:57-00:21:00 – Engaging the Community
– The active role of parents
– Partnering with Orang Asli communities
00:21:01 – 00:25:09 – World Bank Project
– Dr Suria’s Bangladesh education project
– How this influenced her work in Malaysia
– Understanding context, needs analysis, and capacity-building
00:25:10 – 00:28:17 – Partnering Policymakers
– Integrating indigenous perspectives in mainstream education
– Coordination and knowledge sharing
– The RRCC model
00:28:18 – 00:29:43 – Closing Thoughts
– Borrowing Dr Suria’s insights
– “We are looking from the outside; you are an insider.”
00:29:45-00:31:02 – Outro
– Outgoing message to Dr Suria
– Directing listeners to Dr Suria’s work
– Reminders to subscribe and review the podcast
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!
