Two established Malaysian artists, Imuda and Zuwairi, will contribute original works to raise funds for Pertubuhan R.I.S.E., adding a creative dimension to ArtRISE @ Dorsett’s mission to create opportunities for neurodiverse talents.
SUBANG JAYA: Two established Malaysian artists are lending their creativity to a cause that seeks to give neurodiverse talents greater visibility and opportunity, with comedian, actor and cartoonist Datuk Imuda and mural artist Zuwairi Rahman set to contribute artworks to raise funds for Pertubuhan Rentak, Irama, Seni & Ekspresi (R.I.S.E.).
The two artists will attend the official launch of ArtRISE @ Dorsett on 25 November, bringing together their respective artistic journeys in support of an initiative that aims to make creativity a more accessible platform for inclusion and participation.
Their contributions will add a meaningful fundraising element to the year-long collaboration between R.I.S.E. and Dorsett Grand Subang, which centres on showcasing and selling original works by neurodiverse artists.
Imuda – An Extraordinary Artist
For Imuda, whose real name is Abdul Rahim Muda, art has been a lifelong passion that preceded his fame as one of Malaysia’s familiar television personalities.
Best known for his memorable portrayal of Budin in the popular sitcom Pi Mai Pi Mai Tang Tu, Imuda has also built a career as a cartoonist and visual artist.
His interest in drawing began in childhood. By the time he was in primary school, he was already producing cartoon strips inspired by the comics he read. After completing his secondary education, he worked as an illustrator for children’s publications and later contributed cartoons to magazines including Gila-Gila.
His career subsequently expanded into theatre, television, film and music, making him a familiar figure across several areas of Malaysian entertainment.
Murals Brought To Life
Zuwairi brings a different artistic perspective, with a portfolio of murals that has helped shape the visual landscape of Melaka and other parts of the country.
The Melaka-based artist is known for murals at locations including Tengkera and several museums in the historic city. His works often capture local heritage, everyday life and cultural personalities, turning public spaces into visual storytelling platforms.
Beyond commissioned works, Zuwairi has also conducted art workshops for special needs communities in Melaka and elsewhere in the country, bringing creative expression closer to individuals who may have fewer opportunities to participate in the arts.
Their decision to contribute artworks to support R.I.S.E. gives the initiative an additional dimension, demonstrating how established artists can use their work to support a wider cause and help create opportunities for others.
ArtRISE @ Dorsett: More Than An Exhibition
At the heart of the collaboration is ArtRISE @ Dorsett, a year-long art showcase and sales programme featuring original works by neurodiverse artists at Dorsett Grand Subang.
Unlike a conventional exhibition that runs for a limited period, ArtRISE @ Dorsett is designed to remain active throughout the year, with artworks refreshed and replenished as pieces are sold.
The arrangement gives participating artists an ongoing platform to display and sell their creations, while hotel guests and members of the public can discover and engage with their work in an everyday hospitality setting.
For R.I.S.E. president Datin Hasnah Abdul Rahman, the initiative represents an important step towards moving inclusion beyond awareness campaigns and into practical opportunities.
“We want to move beyond simply talking about inclusion. We want to create opportunities where neurodiverse individuals can actually participate, contribute, earn and be recognised for what they can do. The presence and support of these two renowned artists will add a more exciting dimension to the whole programme and we are so grateful for this opportunity.
“Art and creativity give us a powerful starting point because talent does not need a label. It needs an opportunity to be seen, nurtured and given a platform,” she said.
The programme is intended to create a more sustainable pathway from creative development to visibility, community participation and income generation.
From The Canvas To The Stage
The collaboration will not be confined to visual art.
Through ArtRISE @ Dorsett Live!, R.I.S.E. and Unveiling Uniqueness talents will have opportunities to perform and share their musical and creative expression with hotel guests and other audiences.
The collaboration will also introduce R.I.S.E. Champions 1.0, a recognition initiative celebrating neurodiverse individuals for their talent, courage, creativity and personal journeys.
Rather than being positioned as a conventional competition, the initiative aims to recognise individual achievements and the determination shown by participants as they continue developing their abilities.
A Wider Role For Hospitality
The partnership also highlights how businesses can contribute to building a more inclusive community by opening up their spaces, networks and platforms.
Through ArtRISE @ Dorsett, neurodiverse artists will be able to connect with people in a hospitality environment and have their work appreciated by a wider audience.
For R.I.S.E., the longer-term ambition is to build an ecosystem connecting talent development with community participation, employment pathways, entrepreneurship and income generation.
The organisation believes partnerships with businesses, schools, community organisations and other stakeholders are essential to making such opportunities sustainable.
ArtRISE @ Dorsett is one step towards that ambition — creating a space where artistic talent can be experienced, appreciated and supported beyond a single event.
The official launch will take place on Wednesday, 25 November 2026, at 2pm at the Piano Lounge, Dorsett Grand Subang.
More than an art showcase, the initiative is an invitation to look at creativity differently — not simply as something to admire, but as a way to recognise ability, build connections and create opportunities for people to take their place in the wider community. – NMH
Emma Harith, a freelance writer, NGO activist and a mum advocate. Having written for a number of media organisations, she loves to focus her writings on adventures, lifestyle and the sky.
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