Chia Yong Yong and Zoe Zora on shaping a more inclusive future for PWDs

For lawyer, disability advocate and former Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Chia Yong Yong, inclusion is not just a moral cause, but a national imperative.

“Disability is not a lifestyle choice, it’s an imposition,” she states, highlighting the social and economic costs of exclusion.

The 63-year-old has pushed for employment and accessibility to ensure long-term support for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Yong Yong has also played a crucial role in shaping workplace inclusion policies and championed initiatives such as equipping PWDs with assistive technology for greater mobility and independence through Tech Able, a collaboration between local disability-focused charity SPD and SG Enable.

Under her leadership at SPD, the organisation expanded its support for PWDs through programmes encompassing areas such as assistive technology, employment support and social support.

Although progress has been made, Yong Yong stresses that legislation alone is not enough – true inclusion requires cultural and workplace mindset shifts.

“One of the biggest challenges is still in shifting the mindsets, attitudes and perceptions of people in the community and in the employment space,” she shares.

Yong Yong believes a national framework must go beyond financial incentives, focusing on career progression and independent living models.

“Inclusion begins with mutual respect,” she says. “It’s about seeing PWDs as equal contributors, not just beneficiaries of charity.”

Driving workplace inclusion

While Yong Yong drives policy-level change, fellow disability advocate and social media influencer Zoe Zora focuses on on-the-ground workplace inclusion.

As an inclusive employment recruiter at Inclus, the 28-year-old works closely with both employers and job seekers with disabilities to challenge stereotypes and implement inclusive hiring practices.

Her role extends beyond just job placements – she provides end-to-end support, ensuring that both PWDs and companies are equipped for long-term success.

This includes educating hiring managers on accessible workplace accommodations, advocating for fair employment policies, and guiding caregivers who may worry about their loved ones’ transition into the workforce. Her goal is clear: to ensure that PWDs are hired for their skills – not as diversity checkboxes.

“I hope to see more individuals with disabilities feel empowered to live independent lives,” she shares. “The goal is to create a much more inclusive society where inclusive hiring isn’t just an initiative – it’s the norm.”

The impact of her work extends beyond individuals. “When I successfully place someone into a job, it’s rewarding to know that I’ve helped them achieve independence,” she says.

One of her candidates told her that her support gave them the confidence to pursue opportunities they never thought possible. Beyond recruitment, Zoe uses social media to reshape disability narratives. By sharing her daily experiences on her Instagram account (@zoraaax6), which has 34K followers to date, she challenges outdated perceptions and helps society see disability as normal, not exceptional.

For Zoe, true inclusivity means changing these systemic issues from within. “I hope disability is no longer treated as an afterthought. Representation must be authentic and diverse – across fashion, media, employment and politics,” she says.

Photography Athira Annissa
Art direction Adeline Eng
Hair Adeline Siow, using Keune Haircosmetics
Makeup Benedict Choo, using YSL Beaute

In honour of International Women’s Day and Singapore’s 60th year, we’re celebrating the extraordinary women who have shaped its story. With Shiseido’s support, we honour the Advocators who are amplifying marginalised voices – and building a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate Singapore.

To learn more about the 60 women who have shaped Singapore as we know it today, click here.