Redefining ability in Singapore's workplaces

“When I first started working in the late 90s, it was extremely challenging to apply for a job,” recounted Adrian Yap, who was born deaf. He found it hard to speak about his disability, for fear of receiving immediate rejections by employers.

Even after landing jobs, communication continued to be tough, as sign language was not widely used. Adrian had to rely heavily on meeting minutes and colleagues’ notes to keep up with updates at work.

Today, Adrian is a data analyst at Standard Chartered Bank, an organisation conferred the Enabling Mark Platinum Award for its strategies to achieve an inclusive, sustainable, and empowering workplace. The bank is also one of the first few organisations that have adopted the Enabling Skills and Competencies Framework (ESCF) framework by SG Enable’s Enabling Academy.

“Every individual should be given the chance to reach their full potential, regardless of their ability. Tote Board supported the set-up of the Enabling Academy, which developed the ESCF. The development of the ESCF serves as a bridge for current gaps, providing both employers and employees with disabilities a headstart in establishing the necessary accommodations and acquiring relevant skills for the workplace,” shared Tan Su-Yin, Senior Director for Grants at Tote Board.”

The Enabling Skills and Competencies Framework (ESCF) maps essential skills for persons with disabilities, their caregivers, employers and professionals in the disability sector.

For persons with disabilities and their network of support, the framework helps them identify relevant skills for employment and independent living. Training partners can also use this framework when developing courses to ensure that the content meets the needs of persons with disabilities.

For employers in particular, in adopting the ESCF, they take a proactive step to familiarise themselves with the needs of these employees, and put measures in place to ensure they are included, cared for, and empower them to contribute fully at work.

“The framework has helped us better support employees with disabilities like Adrian by giving us a clearer understanding of their needs,” commented Lee Woei Shiuan, Head of the Singapore CEO’s Office at Standard Chartered Bank, and colleague to Adrian.

With accommodation, Adrian is able to better communicate with his colleagues and contribute meaningfully to collaborative team efforts.

“The ESCF has been a great guide in helping me navigate and grow in my role. I have great support from my employer which uses the framework to develop inclusive work culture and practices,” Adrian remarked.

At his current analyst role, Adrian is equipped with a slew of assistive technologies. For instance, live captioning tools are used during meetings so that Adrian can follow along as quickly as his peers, allowing him to fully participate in the discussions.

“The Enabling Skills and Competencies Framework is central to building a more inclusive Singapore. It identifies the essential key skills needed by persons with disabilities across their life stages, while also equipping caregivers, employers and sector professionals to support them meaningfully. By fostering a shared language of inclusion and lifelong learning, the framework encourages mindset shifts and a more inclusive workplace. Since its launch, 145 employers have adopted the framework as of May 2025, showing strong collective commitment to driving real, lasting change,” said Nirmala Palaysamy, Director, SG Enable’s Enabling Academy.

Beyond Tools to Mindsets

Opportunities continue to flourish for persons with disabilities among us. The progression of assistive technology, tools, and greater understanding among society have paved the way for greater inclusion across workplaces and communities with the promise of better coordination, patience, and fair treatment in view of their needs.

Perhaps more important than the integration of tools are mindset shifts that employers must take on, with work practices in place that create fulfilling experiences for persons with disabilities who are charting their careers.

Woei Shiuan herself is a champion for more inclusivity and workplace diversity at the bank, believing that it would pave the way to more innovation, empathy and creativity.

The bank also has its very own employee resource group on disability awareness, which serves as a supportive platform for colleagues and those who are caregivers of persons with disabilities. Members can share accessibility resources, host events such as Purple Parade, or participate in fireside chats with co-workers who have disabilities. to share stories and educate the wider community about best practices in building a better, more welcoming workplace.

Adrian (rightmost) participating in the Purple Parade contingent along with other Standard Chartered Bank representatives

Looking forward with greater strides

Across Singapore, we find more coordinated efforts to uplift persons with disabilities and empower them to contribute in ways they find meaningful and fulfilling.

For example, the government has developed the Enabling Masterplan 2030, which looks to create a more inclusive and disability-friendly Singapore by 2030. Three key strategies have been laid out: they seek to strengthen support for lifelong learning, enable persons with disabilities to live independently with jobs that align with their interests and create environments that are disability-friendly.

Persons with disabilities and their caregivers can also look to the Enabling Services Hubs for community-based support closer to their homes. Here, social service agencies, community partners and volunteers offer Information and Referral, continual education and learning courses, inclusive social and recreational activities, as well as caregiver support to enrich the lives of the differently abled and their families.

The measures, along with initiatives like the ESCF, continue to move Singapore towards being a caring, resilient and inclusive society for all.

“Every step towards inclusion brings us closer to a Singapore that's Better Everyday – where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and thrive. When we create pathways for persons with disabilities to realise their potential, we're not just building inclusive workplaces or neighbourhoods; we're strengthening the fabric of our society and ensuring no one is left behind in our journey forward,” said Su-Yin.