Workability Asia Conference 2025 Launch: A Step Towards Inclusive Employment
The journey toward inclusive employment took a significant leap forward with the successful launch of the Workability Asia Conference 2025 on January 21, 2025, at Hotel Benilde, Maison De La Salle. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including corporate partners, non-government organizations (NGOs), government agencies, and representatives from the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) at Benilde.
A Platform for Inclusion
With the theme “Inclusion at Work: Transforming Perspectives, Creating Opportunities,” the launch served as a dynamic platform to discuss the current landscape of employment for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and to highlight ongoing efforts aimed at bridging gaps in workplace inclusivity. The event commenced with an inspiring welcome address by Dr. Marian Patricia Bea Francisco, Dean of SDEAS, who underscored the crucial roles of education and advocacy in cultivating an inclusive work environment.
Key Insights and Thought Leadership
A major highlight of the launch was the keynote address by Mr. Dipesh Sutariya, Chairperson of Workability Asia, who offered a global perspective on the state of PWD employment. His insights illuminated both the challenges and the progressive strides being made toward disability-inclusive employment on a worldwide scale.
This was followed by a robust panel discussion titled “Inclusion Challenges and Creative Solutions,” featuring distinguished experts from across Asia:
- Mr. Hiroshi Ayuha (Workability Asia Board Member, Japan)
- Ms. Emity Kuan Ju-lin (Workability Asia, Taiwan)
- Dr. Suporntum Mongkolsawadi (Workability Asia Advisor, Thailand)
The panelists exchanged best practices and innovative strategies from their respective regions, fostering a rich dialogue on enhancing employment opportunities for PWDs.
Looking Forward to 2025
The event set a promising stage for the upcoming Workability Asia 2025 Conference. In a pivotal moment, Mr. Oscar Sherlo Reyes officially introduced the Philippines as the host country for the conference—following Thailand’s successful hosting in the previous year, as highlighted by Dr. Suporntum Mongkolsawadi. Notably, the launch also celebrated the active participation of the Deaf community, with over 18 Deaf volunteers, comprising both students and alumni, playing critical roles in registration and ushering. Their involvement was a testament to the event’s commitment to meaningful engagement and empowerment.
Conference Schedule
The Workability Asia 2025 Conference will be held from September 22 to 24, 2025, at Novotel Manila Araneta City, and promises an engaging lineup of activities:
- September 22 (Day 1): The conference will commence with a series of opening sessions, culminating in an exciting cultural night.
- September 23 (Day 2): The day will feature a range of breakout sessions designed to facilitate in-depth discussions and collaborative exchanges.
- September 24 (Day 3): An exclusive industry/company tour is scheduled for the first 20–40 registrants. This special tour is integrated into the registration form and will automatically be deactivated once the available slots are filled, ensuring a seamless and efficient process.
A Unified Call for Change
The Workability Asia Conference 2025 Launch was more than an event, it was a clarion call for businesses, policymakers, and advocates to unite in transforming workplace perspectives and creating tangible employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. With the momentum firmly in place, all eyes now turn to the upcoming conference, where meaningful dialogue will evolve into concrete actions toward a more inclusive workforce across the region.