Building pathways
beyond awareness.
R.I.S.E. is a national development ecosystem for SEN and neurodiverse young adults aged 16 and above — built on the belief that talent changes perceptions faster than sympathy ever can.
Pertubuhan Rentak, Irama, Seni & Ekspresi · Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaRhythm
Music and rhythm as the universal language that opens doors to confidence and connection.
Interactive
Learning that engages, involves and responds to each individual — never one-size-fits-all.
Special
Celebrating the unique strengths of every SEN and neurodivergent individual.
Enabler
Not just support — real enablement toward independence, inclusion and opportunity.
A national development ecosystem — not a single programme.
Pertubuhan Rentak, Irama, Seni dan Ekspresi (R.I.S.E.) exists to answer one question every family of a neurodiverse young person eventually faces: when school ends, what comes next?
While significant support exists for children — early intervention, therapy, school-based programmes — that infrastructure largely disappears at 16, exactly when independence begins to matter most. Families are left searching for pathways towards independence, skills development, employment and community participation.
R.I.S.E. bridges that gap through a holistic ecosystem of four interconnected pillars, anchored by real partner organisations, leading to one destination: independent living.
At a Glance
Seni & Ekspresi
young adults, 16+
ecosystem
Leave No One Unheard.
From a drum circle to a national methodology.
The Music Mart years
Founded by Edwin Nathaniel, Music Mart spent two decades empowering individuals and communities through music, rhythm and inclusive learning — reaching 300+ neurodiverse and special needs participants, developing 100+ music students, and conducting drum circle sessions across Malaysia.
Rhythm Interactive Special Enabler
Working with academic researcher and special needs advocate Dr Tan Swee Chuan, Edwin co-created the R.I.S.E. methodology — a pioneering rhythm-based learning framework supporting individuals with diverse learning needs through structured percussion-based activities.
The R.I.S.E. Instructional Book
Co-authored by Dr Tan Swee Chuan & Edwin Nathaniel — an instructional book on the practical use of percussion for therapeutic benefits, used by drum instructors, organisations, practitioners and corporate trainers.
The people behind the movement.
Datin Hasnah Abdul Rahman
Parent-advocate and founding force of R.I.S.E., leading its vision of a national development ecosystem where neurodiverse talent is seen, heard and celebrated.
Edwin Nathaniel
Professional percussionist, music educator, drum circle facilitator and co-creator of the R.I.S.E. methodology. Star Golden Hearts Award 2022 recipient with 20+ years of SEN programme experience.
Dr Tan Swee Chuan
Academic researcher, special needs advocate, programme development specialist and co-author of the R.I.S.E. Instructional Book.
Four pillars. One destination.
Every R.I.S.E. programme sits within one of four interconnected pillars — each building toward independent living.
Social Development & Support
Talent Development & Mentorship
Academic & Skills Development
Career Development & Opportunities
Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Leave No One Behind.
Leave No One Unheard.
Partner with us, nominate a champion, or simply start a conversation.
hasnah@risepathway.org · +6 017 269 8740 · Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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