Riz is a Perth based digital adviser, software developer, and neurodiversity advocate with over 25 years in the web industry. Known for his legendary coffee habit, quirky humour, and irreverent approach to life, he brings a boots-on-the-ground leadership style shaped by his years as a Platoon Sergeant in the Singapore Armed Forces.

Riz is recognised for his long-standing work in custom software development and his commitment to mentoring, volunteering, and diversity initiatives. His journey began in 2003, when he graduated from Curtin University of Technology with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, and worked as a programmer for three years before joining Platform Interactive , where he tapped into his design background and honed his skills toward the design and front-end aspects of web development.

In 2012, Riz co-founded Sidra Blue with his business partner Amel Holic, taking on clients who needed custom integrations with their websites and systems. They rebranded to BlueSky Digital Labs in 2018, pivoting their focus to building custom software and delivering digital solutions for clients across various industries.

With Riz's leadership in cultivating an inclusive team culture, BlueSky grew to 40 Perth-based developers and designers in just three years - culminating with BlueSky winning a judges' nominated award in the Business Person of the Year category, at the 29th Belmont & Western Australian Small Business Awards in 2022.

After successfully divesting ownership in 2023, and parting ways in 2024, Riz began lending his skills, expertise, and experience to various Perth-based companies including All Minds Belong , Ability Heroes , Xplorit , Nexion Group, and Based Wrestling.

An altruist and mentor, Riz gained a renewed focus to give back to the community and has stepped up his volunteering activities - from mentoring for organisations such as the WA Data Science and Innovation Hub , the Australian Computing Society , and She Codes Australia , to being actively involved in Curtin Alumni events like Graduation Ceremonies and Curtin Open Day.

Building on this commitment to community engagement, Riz now serves as an ambassador for Curtin University's Because They Dare campaign - leveraging his standing as a prominent Curtin Alumni professional, to spotlight student support initiatives that advance accessible higher education and improve the student experience.

This focus on accessibility and meaningful support extends beyond the student community and into his professional advocacy, where he champions neurodiversity and inclusive, diverse workplace environments. Informed by his decade of experience with BlueSky, Riz promotes practical, human-centred inclusion built on empathy, active listening, and respect for communication preferences and routines, rather than complex or burdensome adjustments.

This commitment to neuroinclusive practice also shaped his contributions as a former member of Engineers Australia's WA Division Diversity and Inclusion Committee, where he provided guidance on neurodiversity inclusion. He remains an active contributor through DEI-focused engagements, including speaking roles and coordination of neuroinclusion and accessibility-driven community events.

In his spare time, Riz loves to read Ms Marvel Kamala Khan comics and sci-fi fantasy books, support his favourite sports teams Boston Celtics and Watford Football Club, and enjoys chilling to the music of bands like The Cure, Smashing Pumpkins, and Pale Waves.