Erasing the invisible line: A man on a mission for inclusivity

Sometimes, it takes just one moment to spark a lifelong passion. For Syazwan, it was a field trip to the zoo that ignited his mission to advocate for inclusivity.

During the trip, he connected with a young girl using Singapore Sign Language (SgSL). In that moment, he saw her not as someone with a disability, but as a child full of joy, curiosity, and wonder, just like any other. It was a turning point that reframed his view of disability: it’s not a deficit, but a different way of experiencing the world.

What inclusivity means to me

“Inclusivity is about recognising the diverse experiences and challenges people face, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to engage and contribute fully in society,” Syazwan shares. 

This belief has burned brightly in him since 2019, when he joined the Nanyang Technological University Regular Service Project for the Deaf Community (NTU RSPDC) in his first year. Today, he works at the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and also volunteers with the Youth Corps Singapore Special Needs Cluster, driving initiatives that leave a lasting impact.

Fun should have no barriers

Syazwan has been dedicating his time to organising programmes such as Building Bites and Inclusive Camp, designed to bring joy, connection, and meaning to people of all abilities.

His passion is continuously reignited by small, powerful moments, like when he used SgSL to communicate with deaf participants while making sandwiches, despite not being entirely sure of the signs. That simple effort to bridge a language barrier meant the world to them. “It reminded me that inclusion goes beyond just providing access, it’s about making the effort to truly connect and be present,” he says.

Co-creating with, not just for

Syazwan believes everyone deserves a chance to contribute meaningfully to society. That belief shines through in his efforts to shift from “doing for” to “doing with” when it comes to inclusion.

Together with his peers in the Special Needs Cluster, they launched the Inclusive Recruitment initiative, empowering people of all abilities to lead, shape, and co-create community projects.

“Many brought unique perspectives, empathy, and a deep commitment to service—qualities that strengthened everything we did,” he reflects.

Inclusivity starts with us

You don’t have to lead a movement to make a difference. You can learn sign language, volunteer in projects that champion inclusion, speak up against insensitive behaviour, or simply start a conversation.

“These conversations often began casually, but they created space for deeper learning and reflection on their inclusion,” Syazwan notes.

So don’t wait for change. Be the one who makes it happen.

Singapore turns 60 this year! To celebrate this special milestone, let us strive to be bolder and kinder to one another; and play our part in building a stronger Singapore together. Find ways to Connect with fellow Singaporeans, Contribute to our refreshed social compact under ForwardSG, and show Care for those around us at www.SG60.gov.sg

Youth Corps Singapore, a division under the National Youth Council, offers a range of learning and volunteering opportunities to do good together. Find out more about their volunteering programmes and find one that fits your interests, time, and cause.