Speakers
Eric Chua
Senior Parliamentary SecretaryMinistry of Law & Ministry of Social and Family Development
Eric Chua
Mr Eric Chua is Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development, as well as Law. 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.
Martin Essl
Martin Essl is an entrepreneur, coming from an entrepreneurial family in Austria that is also well-known for its dedication to social responsibility and modern arts. Its main operation in the past, the bauMax company group, was sold in 2015, and Martin Essl now concentrates on real estate investing and philanthropy.
Martin and Gerda Essl, together with their children, established the Essl Foundation in 2007. The Essl Foundation supports social innovation and social entrepreneurs, with a focus on persons with disabilities and employment. Currently the main project of the foundation is the Zero Project, researching Innovative Practices and Policies that support persons with disabilities globally, and organizes the annual Zero Project Conference in Vienna.
Martin Essl is also Member of the Board of the Verband für Gemeinnützes Stiften (Association of Austrian Charitable Foundations), and supports Ashoka Austria and the Sinnstifter, a joint initiative of 12 Austrian Foundations.
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.
Chan Yan Kit
Yan Kit Chan is a Marketing Science Partner at Meta, where he bridges data and strategy to help brands grow. Outside the corporate world, he's a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner — bringing the same discipline and resilience from the mats
into every area of his life. Yan has been blind since the age of two, and independence and full integration into mainstream society are values he holds deeply. He's also the only blind player competing in professional backgammon tournaments worldwide,
proving that barriers are often just invitations to adapt.
Edward Chen
As NCS' first Chief AI Officer, Edward leads the organisation’s AI transformation, building AI platforms and products and ensuring their safe, secure, and responsible deployment at scale.
Edward brings over 26 years of public sector
experience across cyber operations, digital transformation, and national security. Prior to NCS, he served as Deputy Chief Executive at the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), where he led national cyber defence operations and oversaw the cybersecurity
of Singapore’s Critical Information Infrastructure.
As a brigadier-general, Edward also held several senior leadership roles in the Singapore Armed Forces. These included Defence Cyber Chief, where he built key cyber capabilities
in the newly formed Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS), and SAF Chief Information Officer, where he oversaw 24/7 network operations and drove large-scale digitalisation and cloud transformation.
Edward holds engineering and management
degrees from Cornell University, Stanford University, and the Australian National University. He is GIAC-certified in malware reverse engineering, cloud security, and incident handling. He serves on several education and industry boards, including as
Vice-President of the Singapore Computer Society and board director of the Singapore Chinese High School.
Edward Chen | LinkedIn
Dorcas Fong
Dorcas Fong is Director of Human Resources at the Central Provident Fund Board (CPF Board), where she leads workforce and people strategies to build a future-ready, inclusive and high-performing organisation. Under her leadership, CPF Board has strengthened
its commitment to workplace inclusion and accessibility, creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to contribute meaningfully and thrive at work. CPF Board was recently awarded the Enabling Mark (Platinum) in recognition of its inclusive employment
practices and efforts to foster an accessible and supportive workplace culture.
Dorcas is passionate about harnessing technology, progressive employment practices and partnerships to expand opportunities for all workers. She believes that inclusive
workplaces are not only more equitable, but also more innovative, resilient and effective.
Dorcas Fong | LinkedIn
Anja Günther
In her current role, Anja Günther oversees Zero Project's leading international conferences and manages strategic partnerships within India, Kenya and the Asia-Pacific region.
Prior to joining the Zero Project, Anja built a portfolio in
the Austrian philanthropic and sustainability sectors. She served as a Project Manager for the Austrian philanthropic association, called "Verband für gemeinnütziges Stiften", and managed funding for netidee, the Internet Stiftung’s
prominent grant program for internet innovation. Her commitment to social impact is further highlighted by her work with Danachda, focusing on education for sustainable development. Anja’s professional background is rooted in organizational management
and administration, having held roles at TÜV SÜD, and the BMW Group.
Anja holds a Master of Arts in International Development from the University of Vienna, and a Bachelor of Arts in Management of Social Innovation from the Munich
University of Applied Sciences.
Anja Günther| LinkedIn
Stewart Hay
Stewart Hay is the Managing Director and one of the co-founders of Intopia, a specialist inclusive design and accessibility social enterprise working towards creating a more inclusive digital world. Stewart has helped grow Intopia from initial beginnings
in Australia to a global team working with some of the largest brands in the world. He is also one of the original founders for A11y Bytes events and the A11y Camp Australia conference. He has made a career helping organisations to successfully embrace
technology for improved business and social outcomes. Stewart has a passion in the convergence of topics around strategy, innovation, technology, culture, diversity and inclusion.
Stewart Hay | LinkedIn
Madina Karsakpayeva
International disability inclusion and human rights specialist from Kazakhstan with over 10 years of experience supporting governments, organizations of persons with disabilities, and United Nations agencies, including UNICEF, UNDP, the United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO), and UNODC.
Anna Königseder
Anna Königseder is Executive Director of the Zero Project, where she co-leads the organization’s global operations, research, partnerships, and programmatic delivery.
Building on her previous role as Director of Business Partnerships
and Operations, Anna has a particular focus on data-driven processes and the integration of new technologies in line with the organization’s mission. Moreover, she continues to develop business sector partnerships and engagement across the Zero
Project’s activities.
Anna graduated from the University of Vienna with a Master’s degree in Translation and holds a Master’s degree in International Economics from the Université Paris Nanterre.
Growing
up with a brother with Down Syndrome, she was fueled with a passion for disability inclusion from a very early age. Thus, after working for ten years in the private and industrial sectors in Austria and internationally, Anna joined the Zero Project in
2019.
Anna Königseder | LinkedIn
Tze Lee
Tze is a co-founder and director at STUCK—a multidisciplinary design studio that fluidly bridges physical products, digital interaction and human experiences—and Senior Adjunct Lecturer at the Division of Industrial Design, National University
of Singapore (NUS).
Since founding in 2010, STUCK has helped to define market shifting innovations across strategy, industrial design,UI/UX and social impact for bold startups and forward thinking brands around the world. The studio’s
progressive work has garnered over 30 international awards, including the Red Dot, iF, IDSA and the prestigious President’s Design Award.
Over the past decade, his work has focused on creating systemic human-centred solutions in health
and community contexts, including partnering with SG Enable to develop Singapore’s first Inclusive Design Playbook, for brands and organisations to embark on their own inclusive design initiatives.
Tze Lee | LinkedIn
Jonathan Ley
Jonathan Ley is Director of Community Networks and Partnerships team at Temasek Foundation, where he develops cross-sector partnerships and innovation platforms to address social and community needs. He has over 14 years of experience across the private, public and philanthropic sectors, spanning catalytic capital, venture building, healthcare innovation and impact measurement.
His work focuses on structuring partnerships across government, corporates, funders and community stakeholders, and on supporting high-impact programmes and social innovations to achieve sustainable scale. At Temasek Foundation, he manages philanthropic capital, develops co-funding partnerships and supports initiatives that strengthen social impact across Singapore and the region.
Prior to Temasek Foundation, Jonathan held roles at the MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation, Smarter Health, Deloitte Singapore and the Economist Intelligence Unit. His experience spans digital health, healthcare transformation, venture building,
strategic advisory, market development and commercialisation across Asia."
Jonathan Ley | LinkedIn
Jacelyn Lim
Jacelyn serves as the Executive Director of Autism Resource Centre (Singapore), a social service agency that supports autistic individuals across the life course, from school-based education to adult services. Jacelyn has led the development of key programmes that open pathways to meaningful work for autistic adults. These include the Employability and Employment Centre (E2C), Singapore's first autism-focused employment programme, and two social enterprises: The Art Faculty, which nurtures and showcases the work of talented special needs artists, and Professor Brawn Café, which provides training and employment across its cafes.
.jpg)
Lim Lee Lee
Lim Lee Lee is a visionary cultural leader, artist, producer, scriptwriter, and actor whose remarkable journey demonstrates how creativity can challenge perceptions, bridge differences, and transform lives. Born totally blind, Lee Lee has turned lived
experience into a powerful force for advancing inclusion, accessibility, and representation in Singapore’s arts landscape.
A recipient of the Goh Chok Tong Enable Awards in 2022, she has distinguished herself through pioneering
artistic work and sustained advocacy for persons with disabilities. From pro bono performances to groundbreaking productions, she creates platforms where diverse artists are not merely included, but recognised for their talents, creativity and contribution.
As Co-founder and General Manager of Collective Perspectives and DARE Festival, Lee Lee champions inclusive collaboration and is shaping a more equitable creative ecosystem. During the pandemic, she produced, wrote, and starred in Perspectives,
Singapore’s first disability-led film, earning acclaim for its authentic storytelling. Through her projects, grants, and venture Ville of Joy, Lee Lee continues to inspire, empower, and redefine what is possible.
Lim Lee Lee | LinkedIn
.jpg)
Patrick Lim
Patrick has served as CEO of ACE.SG since October 2023. With over 20 years of experience in public service, Patrick brings a track record across a diverse portfolio spanning industry and ecosystem development, policy formulation, and venture building.
As a member of the pioneer secretariat team, Patrick played a foundational role in driving Singapore’s national entrepreneurship movement. His contribution was instrumental in key milestones, including the corporatisation of ACE.SG
and the strategic development of JTC LaunchPad @ One-North.
Patrick Lim | LinkedIn
Lim Tze Yang
Tze Yang is the Deputy Director of the Employment & Employability Division at SG Enable. His team works with employers to curate job opportunities and develop innovative employment models for persons with disabilities. He also oversees partnerships
with the SPED schools, Institutes of Higher Learning and employment support partners to extend transition-to-work services to jobseekers with disabilities.
Tze Yang has more than 20 years of experience in the Singapore Public Service,
with stints at the Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of Education and SkillsFuture Singapore Agency. He started his career at the Singapore Economic Development Board, where he was involved in investment promotion and industry development for the professional
services sector.
Tze Yang holds a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular & Cell Biology and Economics from the University of California, Berkeley.
Lim Tze Yang | LinkedIn
Yvonne Ng
Ms Yvonne Ng is Deputy Director of the Equaliser Office at the National Library Board.
She leads efforts to bridge societal gaps through inclusive library initiatives, working closely with persons with disabilities to co-create meaningful
services and experiences that respond to diverse needs. Passionate about accessibility and inclusion, Yvonne is committed to making libraries welcoming, empowering spaces where everyone can participate and thrive.
Yvonne Ng | LinkedIn
Dr Adaobi Victoria Nwoye
Dr Adaobi Victoria Nwoye is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Coordinator in Continuing Education and Development Studies, and Coordinator of the Post Graduate Diploma in Education programme at Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria. She holds a PhD in Adult Education/Community Development and has extensive experience in teaching, research, community development, environmental education, gender and inclusive education. Her research and professional interests include climate action, accessibility and inclusion in higher education, lifelong learning, disability inclusion, community development, and sustainable development. She is particularly interested in strengthening inclusive learning opportunities and empowering underserved populations through education, innovation and collaborative partnerships. Dr Nwoye is also a writer and Chairperson of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Enugu State Chapter.
Alfie Othman
Alfie Othman heads the Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise, raiSE.
Alfie has had a successful banking career of over twelve years in the banking sector. Alongside his private sector work, Alfie has devoted significant time to the public
sector and civil society.
Alfie is recognised as a Social Enterprise practitioner within Singapore. He founded his own social enterprise to support ex-offenders, single mothers, and persons with disability. Since then, he has also served as
advisor and mentor to many social enterprises in Singapore and in the region. Before raiSE, Alfie was the Executive Director of the Social Enterprise Association.
Since 2016, Alfie has been appointed as a Fellow at SUSS, providing advice on
Fintech and Inclusive Finance.
Alfie Othman | LinkedIn
Rachit Pandey
Rachit Pandey is an international disability inclusion practitioner, educator, and social entrepreneur dedicated to advancing community belonging, self-advocacy, and person-centered support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives at Bayberry Inc., where he leads global partnerships, curriculum development, workforce training, community-based initiatives, and inclusive leadership programs.
Rachit has worked across India and the United States to develop innovative models that promote social inclusion, community participation, supported living, self-determination, and meaningful lives beyond traditional service systems. His work focuses on helping organizations, universities, families, and support professionals move from program-centered approaches toward authentic community connection and belonging.
A frequent speaker, trainer, and facilitator, Rachit has collaborated with universities, disability organizations, self-advocates, and government stakeholders to advance inclusive practices internationally. He is a recipient of the ANCOR Rising Star Mid-Career Impact Award and is recognized for his contributions to leadership development, community capacity building, and disability inclusion.
His current work explores community mapping, social capital, third places, self-advocacy movements, workforce development, and innovative pathways that enable people with disabilities to build valued roles and meaningful relationships within their communities.
Jung-Suk Ryu
Jung-Suk (JS) Ryu is the founding President and CEO of the National accessArts Centre presented by TD (NaAC), Canada’s largest multidisciplinary disability arts organization. His leadership has seen NaAC quadruple in size and expand from Calgary to Toronto, creating new opportunities for artists with disabilities to learn, create, and share their work. He is leading the development of the world’s first accessible arts learning campus in Calgary alongside new arts facilities in Toronto. Together, these projects will provide more than 50,000 square feet of dedicated creation and training space by the end of 2027. JS brings experience spanning arts, disability advocacy, healthcare, and diplomacy, having held senior roles at Canada’s Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, and Alberta Medical Association, and served as Principal Speechwriter to Japan’s Ambassador to Canada. A Salzburg Global Fellow, he serves on national and international nonprofit boards.
Gerald Teo
Gerald Teo is Deputy Director (Membership & Volunteers) at Gardens by the Bay. With over 20 years of experience in community partnerships and social impact, he leads initiatives that make the Gardens more inclusive and accessible to diverse communities. He has grown Gift of Gardens into an experience-led programme that has reached over 280,000 beneficiaries, while developing partnerships and inclusive experiences for persons with disabilities, seniors and other underserved groups.
Philipp Willigmann
Philipp Willigmann is the Founder and Managing Partner of U-Path Venture Advisors and Chair of the CVC | Open Innovation platform. He works with CEOs, boards, investors and institutions on strategy, capital allocation, partnerships and execution as AI,
robotics and geopolitical change reshape industries and societies.
Previously, Philipp served as Interim Chief Strategy Officer and VP Corporate Strategy & Partnerships at Vontier, where he also founded and led the company’s corporate
venture and innovation platform. Earlier, he helped build Deloitte’s global Future of Mobility and Smart Cities business across Europe, North America and Asia.
Across more than two decades, his work has spanned corporate strategy,
venture, M&A, mobility, technology and international expansion. Today, he is particularly focused on how emerging technologies can strengthen competitiveness while expanding human capability, independence and participation in work and society.
Fathima Zohra
Fathima Zohra is an Inclusive Employment Recruiter at Inclus with more than eight years of professional experience working across the disability sector. Her work spans inclusive recruitment and employment, disability inclusion, organisational training and advisory, education and public advocacy. At Inclus, she works directly with employers and candidates across the end-to-end inclusive employment journey, from talent sourcing and screening to interviews, selection and placement.
Alongside her recruitment work, Zohra develops and delivers tailored disability inclusion training, education and advisory programmes for organisations, schools, professional teams and wider community audiences. Her work extends beyond Singapore, with experience delivering disability-focused engagements across different markets, including Asia, the UK and US. Her corporate engagements have included Meta, Chanel, L’Oréal, BBC Singapore, Sephora, Unilever and the European Union Delegation to Singapore, among others.
A wheelchair user and quadriplegic following a spinal cord injury, Zohra combines lived experience with extensive professional experience in disability, employment and inclusion. She also uses social media and public advocacy to reach wider audiences and challenge misconceptions around disability. Her contributions have been recognised through the Goh Chok Tong Enable Awards (UBS Promise) Award and NCSS 40 Under 40.