About the Symposium
The Zero Project Asia Pacific Symposium 2024 hosted by SG Enable and the Zero Project aims to build bridges between global and regional innovators to drive inclusive businesses and spaces. Over two days, the symposium will showcase innovative solutions and good practices, starting with the Inclusive Business Forum (IBF), a biennial event by SG Enable to promote inclusive employment and business practices at the Fairmont Singapore on 28 Nov followed by an Inclusive Spaces Learning Journey on 29 Nov.
Join us for insights on Powering Inclusive Businesses, and engage with global thought leaders, discover good practices, and explore impactful solutions in inclusive employment, accessibility, spaces, innovation and more. Don't miss the chance to drive change and connect with forward-thinking leaders in disability inclusion.
Watch this space for more details coming soon!
This partnership with the Zero Project is a great opportunity to exchange best practices with international experts and catalyse greater disability inclusion in Singapore and beyond.
Ms Ku Geok Boon
CEO, SG Enable
Shared at the UNCPRD 2024
[This] sets the foundation for scaling proven solutions within and beyond the region with an immense potential to positively impact the lives and legal rights of persons with disabilities.
Mr Michael Fembek
CEO, Zero Project
Shared at the launch of Zero Project x SG Enable Forum 2023
Programme
Programme Highlights:
Presentations and Panel Discussions: Innovating for more Inclusive Employment & Businesses
Come hear from Enabling Mark accredited companies, and both local and international inclusive businesses on their journey and best practices to create more equitable opportunities for persons with disabilities in employment and opening up their market segments while providing greater access to products and services for persons with disabilities.
Research & Case Studies
This sharing by the Zero Project spotlights research and innovations from around the world that effectively remove barriers in the fields of Education, Employment, Accessibility, Independent Living, Political Participation, and ICT.
Launch of Inclusive Spaces Report
Be the first to get your hands on an exclusive report on universally designed architectural projects for diverse public spaces. The report features a selection of global "Champions of Inclusive Spaces" and thought leadership from leaders in the field of inclusive employment, accessibility, ICT, and innovation, including two landmark projects from Singapore, Enabling Village by SG Enable, and Punggol Library by National Library Board.
Networking
Build valuable connections with business leaders, subject matter experts and thought leaders in the fields of inclusive employment, accessibility and innovation. Exchange insights, share experiences and explore potential collaborations that drive more inclusive practices and open up new opportunities not just for persons with disabilities but also for businesses.
Speakers
Eric Chua
Mr Eric Chua is Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development, as well as Culture, Community and Youth. Mr Chua was previously a lifesaver in the Singapore Civil Defence Force for 17 years before being elected to Parliament in July 2020. Before joining politics, Mr Chua spent a good part of his time volunteering in the community. Over the span of his professional and volunteering journey, he discovered his passion for working with and empowering people. Having come from a humble family background, Mr Chua advocates strongly for social mobility and is a strong believer of the power of mentoring.
Most recently, Mr Chua was the co-chair of the 27-member Enabling Masterplan 2030 Steering Committee, that sets out the vision for Singapore as an inclusive society in 2030. He was also the Head of an inter-agency delegation for Singapore’s first Constructive Dialogue with the United Nations committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, where Singapore shared the progress we have made, and our continued commitment in our journey towards an inclusive society.
Michael Fembek
Michael Fembek is the CEO of the Zero Project.
A former business journalist, he has initiated and developed the Zero Project since 2008. In July 2022, Michael Fembek joined the Board of Directors of the Essl Foundation, in charge of strategy, international cooperations and communications. He is also head of the Disability Thematic Network of Philea, the leading European Association of foundations.
As the former Editor-in-Chief of "Gewinn", an Austrian business magazine, Michael has been keen to pair his entrepreneurial ambitions with value and purpose. Consequently, in 2009 he initiated "Sinnstifter", a project by Austrian philanthropists, and launched the annual Austrian Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Guide. His work with foundations was further enriched when in 2014, he co-initiated the Austrian philanthropic association, called "Verband für Gemeinnütziges Stiften", where he serves as Vice President. In 2016, he co-initiated the Haus der Philanthropie, a novel co-working space dedicated to NGOs, as well as the Sinnbildungsstiftung, a foundation focusing on innovations in education, on which he currently serves as a Board Member.
Michael Fembek holds a graduate degree in Economics from the Vienna University of Economics and Business.
Moses Lee
Mr Moses Lee is currently the Chairman of SG Enable and Special Needs Trust Company (SNTC). Under his stewardship as Chairman of Tote Board (2013 to 2020), the SNTC (since 2019), and SG Enable (since 2022), many initiatives were launched to strengthen the social service sector, enhance the financial security of persons with disabilities, and support their aspirations. These include the Enabling Lives Initiative, by SG Enable and Tote Board, and the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund, administered by SG Enable.
Mr Lee retired from the Singapore Civil Service in October 2012 after a distinguished career in both the development and regulatory areas of the public service. His appointments included being Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister and Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Labour, Community Development and Health.
Mr Lee was the Commissioner of the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) from 2005 until his retirement. As the Commissioner, Mr Lee pushed for IRAS to excel in managing both tax compliance and customer service.
Suranga Nanayakkara
Associate Professor, Augmented Human LabNational University of Singapore
Beh Siew Kim
Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment and Managing Director, Japan and KoreaThe Ascott
Nur Arfa Taqiah Binte Mohamad Noor Azhar
Nur Arfa Taqiah Mohamad Noor Azhar, 18, is an engineering student at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).
Ms Arfa is one of the first four students benefiting from the Enabling Pathway Programme (EPP) which was officially launched by Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat at Sengkang Rail Depot on 3 Sept 2024. The inaugural partnership under this programme focuses on land transport engineering, bringing SBS Transit onboard as the first employer to support students with disabilities studying engineering courses at ITE.
Under a three-year partnership, SBS Transit will offer six- to nine-month internships to up to 10 ITE students per year – the first of which started in July.
Before starting an internship with SBS Transit in July, the engineering student worried about how colleagues would view her disabilities as she is hard of hearing and has multiple sclerosis. However, her colleagues have turned out to be “very accommodating, very welcoming to people like me”, and she has enjoyed work so far.
Ms Arfa is currently based in the signalling department of the bus and rail operator’s North East Line component service centre at Sengkang Rail Depot.
Photo source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction
Edward Chew
Director, Employment & Employability and Service Development (Employment)SG Enable
Registration
Be part of the movement towards building a more inclusive future! Whether you're in business, social sector, innovation, ICT, design, or architecture, this symposium offers the opportunity to gain fresh insights into scalable and innovative solutions driving disability inclusion.
Secure your spot today and help shape a more accessible world with zero barriers!
Click here to register now!