RHB #Empower and Neurodiversity@Work enriches neurodivergent young adults with life skills

KUALA LUMPUR: The RHB Banking Group, in collaboration with the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), hosted the graduation of the RHB #Empower neurodivergent participants at the inaugural RHB #Empower and Neurodiversity@Work achievement ceremony.

The nine-month RHB #Empower programme, which began in October 2022, was designed to assimilate and integrate neurodivergent young adults, or neuro talents, aged between 17 and 35 into society by providing them with employment and independent living skills.

The programme comprises various training and development modules, including equipping the participants with specialised digital skills such as basic computer operations, graphic design and video editing, and enhancing their cognitive and social skills.

Among the 30 #Empower participants who had completed the three-month structured development programme, half were offered internship or job placement opportunities by RHB, HRD Corp, Yayasan Hasanah, Westin Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Touch ’n Go Sdn. Bhd, TNG Digital Sdn. Bhd, Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad, Eirli Systems Sdn Bhd, Mereka Innovative Education Sdn Bhd. and Infinite Impact Solutions.

“The RHB #Empower programme pools resources to bring inclusivity and diversity in hiring to the forefront by creating opportunities for the neurodiverse community, such as persons with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mild autism, and Asperger’s Syndrome,” said RHB Banking Group managing director and chief executive officer Mohd Rashid Mohamad.

“Under this initiative, we equip them with skills to secure an internship or job placement so they can be financially independent.

“We intentionally limit the annual intake for the #Empower programme to ensure that each participant is given the right amount of attention and opportunity to explore their potential fully.”

He shared: “I am pleased to note that three #Empower graduates today are proud RHBians as they have begun their internships here at the RHB headquarters.”

“As a financial services group, we stand by our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement of promoting and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace across gender, age, ethnicity, religion, nationality and differently-abled individuals.

“This initiative also further reinforces our Purpose Statement of “Making Progress Happen for Everyone” and puts us on the right track towards achieving one of our sustainability aspirations under RHB’s Together We Progress 2024 (“TWP24”) corporate strategy – to empower two million targeted individuals and businesses in ASEAN by 2026,” he explained.

The RHB #Empower further complements the Neurodiversity@Work movement that champions the inclusion of neurodiverse individuals in the workplace. It is also part of HRD Corp’s OKU Talent

Enhancement Programme (“OTEP”), which provides skills development, placement, employment, and income-generating opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (“PWDs”).

The programme leverages HRD Corp Placement Centre (HPC), a one-stop platform that matches candidates with suitable employment and career development opportunities through its extensive employer database.

“At HRD Corp, we believe diversity goes beyond race, gender, and ethnicity. It covers the full range of human differences, including neurodiversity,” said Human Resource Development Corporation chief executive Datuk Shahul Dawood.

“Our OKU Talent Enhancement Programme is designed to assist Persons with Disabilities, including neurodivergent individuals, to develop industry-relevant skills and connect them with meaningful employment opportunities.

“Furthermore, by partnering with RHB through this effort, we can strengthen public awareness and acceptance of Persons with Disabilities in the workplace. This will ultimately make Malaysia a more inclusive society,” he elaborated.

Mohd Rashid added: “Together with HRD Corp, we want to create more meaningful opportunities for the neurodiverse community and help them be part of the greater community.

“I am pleased to announce that RHB is now working closely with our collaborative partners to identify another 20 neurodivergent young adults to be part of the second intake of RHB #Empower programme.

“We will share more information on the next intake in due course.”