Participants and employment partners at the RHB #Empower&Neurodiversity@Work achievement ceremony.
THE RHB Banking Group (RHB) in collaboration with Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) has seen the graduation of neurodivergent participants under its inaugural RHB #Empower programme.
The nine-month programme, which began in October 2022, is designed to integrate neurodivergent young adults 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 participants with skills such as basic computer operation, graphic design and video editing, as well as enhancing their cognitive and social skills.
Of the 30 participants who completed the programme, half were offered internship or job placement opportunities.
These came by way of RHB, HRD Corp, Hasanah Foundation, Westin Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Touch ’n Go Sdn Bhd, TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd, Eirli Systems Sdn Bhd, Mereka Innovative Education Sdn Bhd and Infinite Impact Solutions.
Speaking at the RHB #Empower&Neurodiversity@Work achievement ceremony, RHB Banking Group managing director and chief executive officer Mohd Rashid Mohamad remarked on the programme’s aims and successes.
“RHB #Empower 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 syndrome.
“Under this initiative, we equip them with skills to secure an internship or job placement so they can be financially independent.
“We limit the annual intake for the programme to ensure that each participant is given the right amount of attention and opportunity to explore their potential fully.
“I am pleased to note that three #Empower graduates have begun their internships at RHB headquarters.
“This initiative puts us on track towards achieving one of our sustainability aspirations under RHB’s Together We Progress 2024 corporate strategy – to empower two million targeted individuals and businesses in Asean by 2026,” said Mohd Rashid.
RHB #Empower is also part of HRD Corp’s “OKU Talent Enhancement Programme”, which provides skills development, placement, employment and income-generating opportunities for persons with disabilities (OKU).
“At HRD Corp, we believe diversity goes beyond race, gender and ethnicity. It covers the full range of human differences, including neurodiversity,” said its 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,” Shahul added.
Mohd Rashid also spoke of more intakes in the future.
“I am pleased to announce that RHB is working closely with our collaborative partners to identify another 20 neurodivergent young adults to be part of the second intake of RHB #Empower.
“We will share more information on the next intake in due course,” he said.
