BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  Enterprise Explores  >  Empowering Neurodivergent Individuals

Empowering Neurodivergent Individuals

Mohd Rashid Mohamad, Group Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, RHB Banking Group | Izham Izhairy Zaini, RHB #Empower participant | Puan Suzannie Omar, Parent of Izham Izhairy

08-Feb-24 12:00

Empowering Neurodivergent Individuals

Neurodiversity refers to the recognition and acceptance of neurological differences in individuals. These differences can include conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and other cognitive variations.

In Malaysia, it is estimated that between 30% to 40% of the population falls under the category of neurodiverse, while the remaining majority is considered “neurotypical”, [according to Oasis Place, a transdisciplinary intervention centre].

According to the World Bank (2021), approximately 35.4% of those registered with disabilities in Malaysia are categorised under learning disabilities.

The conversation around neurodiversity in the workplace is gaining momentum, with increasing recognition of the value neurodivergent individuals bring to various sectors. Efforts are underway to create more inclusive employment opportunities that leverage the unique strengths and talents of people with neurodivergent conditions.

PETRONAS, in collaboration with Ernst & Young, for example, has been actively working to develop a neurodiversity ecosystem in Malaysia by promoting neurodiversity and organisational readiness for hiring neurodivergent individuals.

RHB is another organisation that has introduced its Empower Programme, an indication of a growing commitment among Malaysian corporations to support neurodiversity, focusing on tailored recruitment, training, and support systems to enhance workforce integration.

This shift towards inclusivity not only aims to improve employment rate among neurodivergent individuals but also enriches the workplace with diverse perspectives and skills.

Today, we speak with Mohd Rashid Mohamad, Group Managing Director (and) Group Chief Executive Officer, RHB Banking Group, together with Izham Izhairy Zaini, RHB #Empower participant and Izham’s mother Puan Suzannie Omar on the initiative RHB is taking in supporting and advocating neurodiversity in its organisation and in turn, contributing towards building a more inclusive workforce for the nation.

***RHB welcomes all forms of support and interest from businesses of all sizes, including corporates and SMEs, non-profit organisations, governmental agencies and other organisations who would like to participate in its #Empower Programme. Participation can be in the form of being a partner employer or as a sponsor for potential programme participants in the upcoming intake.

RHB is committed to making a difference and Making Progress Happen for Everyone. It appreciates the support from all organisations to provide employment opportunities or internships to neurodivergent young adults.

Interested companies may email the RHB Community Engagement team at rhbfoundation@rhbgroup.com.

Produced by: Carol Wong

Presented by: Richard Bradbury


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  educationthe workplacemanagingentrepreneurspersonal development

Tags:  neurotypicalneurodiversityadhddyslexianeurodivergentautismasdworkplace





Play / Pause

Listen now : BFM 89.9 -- The Business Station

Today’s Shows



11:00 AM

Best of Enterprise

(REPEAT) Kiron Kesav, Chief Strategy Officer at PHD APAC, OMG Malaysia On how Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) influence consumer trust, green marketing, and the rise of authenticity in sustainable fashion branding.

12:00 PM

BBC World Service

(REPEAT) This episode focuses on H5N1 bird flu cases with deaths rising sharply in Cambodia, raising concern among experts.

1:00 PM

A Bit of Culture

(REPEAT) This week, Kam Raslan, Sheryll Paul and Sudais Ferhard talk about fitness classes, actors speaking in foreign accents, and physical media.

2:00 PM

Ringgit & Sense

(REPEAT) Siew Yuen Tuck, CEO of Ringgitplus discusses the financial literacy and consumer behavior in Malaysia.

2:30 PM

The Property Show

(REPEAT) Cha-ly Koh, CEO of Urbanmetry, discusses how to design a walkable city and prioritise public transport under the KL Local Plan 2040.

3:00 PM

Best of The Bigger Picture

(REPEAT) We speak to Dr Peter Selzak about what being the descendant of holocaust survivors taught him about how to view the Zionist project of the State of Israel, how antisemitism is being weaponised by the right-wing and more.

4:00 PM

Best of Evening Edition

(REPEAT) This week on Good Things, we hear from Cikgu Rahayu about the fight to protect stateless children—and how Yayasan Chow Kit is helping them find a place to call home.

5:00 PM

BBC World Service

This episode of People Fixing The World invites us to rethink our ways of dealing with food waste, speaking to people who are trying alternative ways to tackle the problem.