Three major insurance organisations – SCOR, Howden, and Charles Taylor – have launched Project INmersAbility, a collaborative effort to support disability inclusion in Singapore’s general insurance industry. The initiative is intended to address the sector’s slow progress in hiring people with disabilities (PWDs) and to highlight the participation of PWDs in insurance operations.
Recent research from Singapore Management University (SMU) indicates that more than half of surveyed individuals believe that workplaces in Singapore are not sufficiently accessible for PWDs. The Engage.Me. study, led by SMU principal lecturer Rosie Ching, surveyed over 7,200 people, including individuals with disabilities and those who work or volunteer with them. The findings highlight ongoing barriers in physical, technological, and social accessibility for PWDs in the workplace.
Project INmersAbility is a new initiative in Singapore’s insurance sector. The programme aims to increase the employment of PWDs by providing a structured, multi-company work placement, and by sharing insights with the broader insurance community.
The six-month programme offers a rotational placement, allowing the selected participant to obtain work experience in three roles: broker, carrier, and adjuster. This structure is intended to provide an understanding of the insurance value chain and to give insight into roles available to PWDs in the sector.
After a selection process, Justin Wong (pictured) was appointed as the programme’s first participant. Wong, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at a young age, holds a diploma in Financial Technology and has previous experience in fraud analysis and professional development programmes.
During his time in the programme, Wong worked with Howden’s claims and strategic solutions teams, contributed to SCOR’s finance department, and is currently completing his rotation with Charles Taylor’s property and casualty and natural resources adjusting teams. He plans to begin a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Sydney in early 2026.
Reflecting on his journey, Wong said: “Being part of Project INmersAbility has opened my eyes to the means in which I can contribute to the industry. Each rotation has taught me something valuable, not just related to the workplace, but of people, teamwork, and self-confidence. I hope my story encourages others with disabilities and neurodiversity that there is a place for them in insurance, and the world at large.”
Leaders from the three organisations addressed disability inclusion in the sector. Adil Aida, chief financial officer at SCOR Asia-Pacific, commented: “Disability inclusion is a strategic advantage, and it requires intentional and concrete action. By opening our doors to diverse talent, we gain fresh perspectives that challenge social norms and make our business more resilient. Project INmersAbility has shown that meaningful inclusion doesn’t just change one person’s career — it transforms corporate culture. SCOR is proud to have engineered and led this industry initiative that will spark a new era of people with disabilities hiring within the insurance industry.”
Jenny Lim, CEO of Howden Singapore, commented: “Project INmersAbility was designed with clear and purposeful goals – to show the PWD community that insurance is a place where they can thrive, to help our organisation gain direct experience working alongside with PWDs, and to promote inclusive hiring across our industry. Through Justin’s journey, we’ve seen all three of these objectives come to life. His contributions remind us that inclusion is not just about opportunity – it’s about building a stronger, more representative industry for everyone.”
Meanwhile, Stephen Thorpe, managing director for Asia & Middle East at Charles Taylor, noted the ongoing talent shortage in insurance adjusting and the potential of PWDs to help address this gap. “Singapore’s general insurance sector continues to face a talent crunch, particularly within Adjusting, yet a significant pool of capable PWD professionals remains untapped. Project INmersAbility has shown that with the right support and mindset, PWDs can excel and bring fresh perspectives to our industry. Recognising this potential isn’t just socially responsible – it’s a strategic advantage in a competitive market,” Thorpe said.
The initiative will conclude with an industry event hosted by SCOR on Dec. 10, where the three partners will present their experiences and discuss similar programmes in the sector.
