On 8 May 2019, SNPC co-hosted with BP Singapore the third edition of BP-SNPC CEO dialogue. This event is to showcase how BP’s involvement in the Paralympic movement has helped create a more inclusive workplace, including in Singapore with the SNPC. It was to also raise awareness, promote understanding, and help advance the equitable inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workplace. 

At the beginning of the programme, SNPC brought the guests to the OCBC Aquatic Centre to understand how the 2019 World Para Swimming World Series was organised behind the scenes. Guests were excited and able to see how things run and witnessing athletes from around the world in training. Complimentary tickets were also handed out to invite the guests to watch the competition over the weekend.

Afterwards, the guests were brought to Bank of Singapore Lounge, National Stadium where the guest speakers shared on the topic of inclusive workplace. The speakers consisted of:

1. Mr Terry Yuen, Country President, BP Singapore
2. Mr Mark Hall, Country Manager, Adecco Singapore
3. Ms Nurulasyiqah Binte Mohammad Taha, Singapore Paralympian

Ms Nurulasyiqah shared about her career in the workplace and how she juggles her time between her work and training. She shared insights of how her company has been very supportive of her passion for Boccia, and granting requests to allow her to take leave of absence to attend competitions. Her sharing allowed the guests to ponder how they could support athletes to pursue sporting excellence while working.

Mr Mark Hall shared how Adecco is benefitting from its partnership with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in helping athletes transfer those unique skills and assets acquired during their sports career into the labour market through the Athlete Career Programme that reaches out to both sports and the corporate world.

Mr Terry Yuen also shared how BP has benefitted from its partnership with the IPC and SNPC. In Singapore, BP Singapore previously supported Yip Pin Xiu and Theresa Goh who were their athlete ambassadors. He spoke about how both swimmers have changed people’s perception of those who are differently abled, and help people to focus more on what can be done with their abilities. They showed BP employees what they achieved at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and that anything is possible with a positive mindset.

The event was a resounding success with corporate guests heading back thinking how they could get involved with para-sports!