RYTHM Connect

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 episode of RYTHM Connect, our host Umayal Eswaran sits down with the indomitable Dr. Tricia Yeoh of IDEAS (Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs) to address the ongoing struggle of inclusivity in education and the critical policy-driven interventions that must take place in order to empower neurodivergent children for the future.

Learn more about: 

Dr Tricia Yeoh on LinkedIn  

IDEAS Malaysia 

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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.

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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

- 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

- 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 on social media

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RYTHM Foundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rythmfoundation/ RYTHM Foundation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RYTHMFound Women in Rail Malaysia: https://womeninrail.org.my/ Connect with Natasha Zulkifli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-zulkifli-620351197/

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