Singapore Deepens Commitment to Disability Inclusion with Thought Leaders at the Second Zero Project Asia Pacific Symposium

SINGAPORE, 19 SEPTEMBER 2025 – More than 150 global thought leaders, social entrepreneurs, government representatives, NGOs, and businesses convened at the second edition of the Zero Project Asia Pacific Symposium 2025 in Singapore to share best practices from around the world, start partnerships, and highlight the latest innovations in accessible technology.

Held over two days on 18 and 19 September 2025, Zero Project Asia Pacific Symposium 2025, themed “Powering Accessibility Innovation”, is organised by SG Enable, Singapore’s agency for disability and inclusion, in collaboration with the Zero Project, a global and research-driven initiative to advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD).  Guest-of-Honour, Mr Eric Chua, Singapore’s Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development, attended the symposium on the first day and delivered the opening remarks.

Participants discussed a range of topics, including digital accessibility, regional and international collaboration in advancing disability inclusion, accessible tourism, and how inclusive design can create spaces that are welcoming, usable and empowering for everyone – including persons with diverse physical, sensory, and learning disabilities. The Symposium featured global experts across various sectors, including representatives of international organisations such as the International Labour Organisation, Nippon Foundation, Disability Empowerment Society Nepal, BRAC Bank, Special Olympics Asia Pacific, and Ascott. For more information on the speakers at the Symposium, please refer here. 

At the event, participants also took an exclusive tour of the Enabling Village, which included its new extension, and the refurbished Tech Able, an assistive technology resource jointly managed by SG Enable and SPD, which included a new Accessibility Lab, an experiential environment where developers, content creators, and corporate partners can learn, test and innovate towards digital accessibility. On the second day, foreign delegates were also treated to an immersive eight-hour tour that covered Singapore’s unique blend of cultures, food, and urban living in an accessible way, hosted by Singapore’s Ludus Lab, a travel and education startup focused on creating an inclusive tourism ecosystem for persons with disabilities. 

Ms. Lee May Gee, Chief Executive Officer of SG Enable, said, “Accessibility is the key that unlocks equal opportunities, learning and meaningful work for persons with disabilities. As Singapore’s focal agency for disability and inclusion, we are pleased to partner with Zero Project again to spotlight bold ideas and breakthrough solutions. Together with innovators and changemakers across the region, we can turn ideas into action, and take practical steps towards building a more inclusive society for all.”

Mr Michael Fembek, CEO of the Zero Project and Member of the Board of the Essl Foundation, said, “The journey toward accessibility is a global one, shaped by diverse perspectives and shared learning. This year, we are honored to convene over 40 international delegates from 20 countries here in Singapore, bringing together voices that reflect the richness of disability innovation worldwide. The Zero Project Asia Pacific Symposium offers a rare opportunity to exchange practical solutions, deepen regional cooperation, and accelerate impact. We are especially thankful to our partner, SG Enable, for making this gathering possible.”

More information on the Zero Project Asia Pacific Symposium 2025 is available at https://www.sgenable.sg/zero-project-apac/2025

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About SG Enable

SG Enable, the focal agency for disability and inclusion in Singapore, enables persons with disabilities to live, learn, work and play in an inclusive society. We create equitable opportunities for persons with disabilities through thought leadership, sustainable social innovation and impactful partnership. Guided by our core values of professionalism, innovation and empathy, we envision a more inclusive Singapore and enabled lives. Set up by the Ministry of Social and Family Development in 2013, we are a registered charity and an Institution of a Public Character. For more information, visit www.sgenable.sg.

About Zero Project

Founded by Austrian non-profit Essl Foundation in 2008, the Zero Project is a global and research-driven initiative to advance the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), by finding and sharing innovative solutions that remove barriers for persons with disabilities. Over the past decade, the Zero Project has established a global network of 10,000+ experts, policy makers, corporates, academics, and other persons with and without disabilities. This network contributes to the Zero Project’s work and continues to grow, fostering a global community for disability inclusion.