Singapore Hosts First Zero Project Asia Pacific Symposium
SG Enable, Singapore’s agency for disability and inclusion, with the Zero Project, a global and research-driven initiative to support the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), co-hosted the inaugural Zero Project Asia Pacific Symposium 2024: Powering Inclusive Businesses.
The symposium brought together global thought leaders, social entrepreneurs, government representatives, NGOs, and businesses to advance disability inclusion through sharing good practices from around the world, developing partnerships, and the latest innovations in accessible technology.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Eric Chua, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Social and Family Development, attended as Guest of Honour, giving his support to this inclusive vision. The two-day symposium began with the Inclusive Business Forum, a biennial event organised by SG Enable. Over the last eight years, the forum has expanded its focus on disability-inclusive employment practices to include innovations in employment pathways and good practices in businesses to cater to persons with disabilities as customers or service users.
In support of the CRPD which Singapore ratified in 2013 and the Enabling Masterplan 2030, the forum featured perspectives on building an inclusive workplace culture from Enabling Mark organisations (Singapore’s accredited disability-inclusive employers), their Asia counterparts, and employees with disabilities. The plenary discussions also featured innovations such as intersections of inclusive arts and employment, and ICT that enable greater independence. Furthermore, the forum presented a panel discussion on building inclusive spaces.
Release of the New Zero Project Report
The Zero Project research publication “Champions of Inclusive Spaces” was unveiled at the symposium. The report selected eight exceptional accessibility projects and two urban planning initiatives which have undergone a rigorous selection process and feature insights from leaders in the field of accessible built environments as well as a curated collection of features and projects.
Two landmark projects in Singapore – Enabling Village by SG Enable and the Punggol Library by the National Library Board, both models of universal design and inclusive spaces – are featured in the report. As part of the Zero Project Asia Pacific Symposium 2024, participants also will have the opportunity to tour Singapore’s accessible attractions like Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa, and the Science Centre on 29 November.
Launch of Tripartite Partnership for Barrier-Free Accessibility
In one of the key moments at the symposium, SG Enable, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), and the Real Estate Developers’ Association of Singapore (REDAS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance barrier-free access (BFA) routes and scale inclusive infrastructure across Singapore. This milestone collaboration reinforces Singapore’s commitment to accessible spaces and urban innovation for persons with disabilities.
This tripartite MOU leverages the strengths of public-private partnerships to drive accessibility forward, using SLA’s geospatial data capabilities to map barrier-free access routes across Singapore. To date, SLA and SG Enable have mapped around 1,100 km of accessible routes in nine key areas such as Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah and Orchard, now accessible through SLA’s OneMap app.
Under the MOU, SLA will lead the OneMap BFA project, integrating new data from REDAS-member properties into its routing algorithm. SG Enable will guide disability inclusion efforts by advising on accessible design and innovations, while REDAS will engage its members in identifying properties for indoor and outdoor mapping, ultimately helping to improve wayfinding for persons with disabilities. Regular user testing will ensure the project remains responsive to the community’s needs, aiming for a truly inclusive built environment.
Mr Colin Low, Chief Executive of SLA, said, “SLA is delighted to partner with SG Enable and REDAS to leverage geospatial expertise to advance barrier-free access (BFA) routes and support more inclusive mobility across Singapore, following the success of the launch of pilot BFA routes on OneMap, Singapore’s authoritative map. This collaboration will augment the current BFA routes on OneMap with wider coverage of indoor routes and new locations, including private commercial properties contributed by REDAS’ members that will make wayfinding in Singapore more inclusive and accessible for mobility-challenged communities.”
Ms. Ku Geok Boon, Founding Chief Executive Officer of SG Enable, said, “Our partnership with the Zero Project, now in its second year, continues to expand our network of collaborators dedicated to creating inclusive, sustainable solutions that empower persons with disabilities to lead independent lives. As Singapore’s focal agency for disability and inclusion, we hope to advance, together with our partners, the critical discussions and actions shaping the future of inclusion across the region.”
Prof. Dr. Michael Fembek, CEO and Member of the Board, Essl Foundation – Zero Project, said, “The Zero Project works with carefully selected partners in important world regions outside Europe, with the goal of building bridges between the global disability inclusion community and regional innovation ecosystems. Our partnership with SG Enable is a testament to this vision, uniting diverse stakeholders to advance sustainable and innovative solutions for disability inclusion in Singapore and across the Asia Pacific. We are thrilled to have welcomed over 20 international delegates from more than 10 countries, whose participation underscores the power of global cooperation in driving meaningful change.”