Events Boardroom Perspective #2 – Fairness at Work: Are We Ready for an Inclusive Work Environment?

JCU Events

Wed, 16 Sep 2026

Boardroom Perspective #2 – Fairness at Work: Are We Ready for an Inclusive Work Environment?


When: 16 September 2026, 6pm to 9pm
Location:James Cook University (Singapore Campus), Block C, Level 2, Auditorium Room C2-15

As Singapore moves towards the implementation of the Workplace Fairness Act (WFA), a landmark legislation that will prohibit workplace discrimination on grounds such as gender, marital status, nationality, disability, pregnancy and mental health conditions, organisations must go beyond compliance to embrace inclusive leadership and workplace cultures that truly empower every employee.

Hosted at James Cook University (Singapore Campus) and organised by Centre for International Trade and Business in Asia and Singapore Human Resource Institute, this boardroom perspective explores how progressive leaders can build inclusive work environments that recognise diverse capabilities, accommodate needs fairly, and foster belonging for all. Discussion will likely include understanding legal and ethical obligations under the WFA, meaningful accessibility and reasonable workplace accommodations, and strategic leadership practices that turn diversity and inclusivity into organisational strength.

Through this dialogue, participants will gain insights on:
* What inclusive leadership means in the context of Singapore’s evolving workplace fairness landscape
* Practical approaches to support employees with disabilities through policy, culture, and workplace design
* Outcomes of an inclusive workforce such as innovation, engagement, and organisational resilience

Register below to secure your spot!

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Agenda:

6:00pm - 7:00pm: Arrival and Networking with refreshments
7:00pm - 7:15pm: Opening Address
7:15pm - 8:00pm: Panel Discussion - Fairness at Work: Are We Ready for an Inclusive Work Environment?
8:05pm - 8:15pm: Closing
8:15pm - 9:00pm: Networking


Panel Discussion

Host/Moderator

Wang PengjiAssociate Professor Pengji Wang
Acting Academic Head, Business School
James Cook University (Singapore Campus)


Dr. Wang is an active researcher in the areas of corporate governance, international business and sustainable business practice. Much of her research aims to bridge the understanding between East and West, through refining theories developed in the West to Eastern contexts and/or comparing firms’ and individuals’ behaviours between East and West. Her research has been published in top ranked journals such as International Business Review, Journal of Business Ethics, Management and Organization Review, Corporate Governance: An International Review, etc. Dr. Wang teaches business courses related to Marketing and Management at the MBA level and Economics for undergraduates.

Panellists

Mr Patrick Tay

Mr Patrick Tay
Assistant Secretary-General, NTUC and Member of Parliament for Pioneer Single Member Constituency


Mr Patrick Tay is the Assistant Secretary-General, NTUC and Member of Parliament for Pioneer Single Member Constituency. He co-chairs the Financial Sector Tripartite Committee. As Director of NTUC’s Legal Services and Strategy Departments, he represents the Labour Movement in tripartite workgroups to review/update employment and industrial relations legislation and has been pivotal in lobbying for the many changes to manpower related laws and policies in Singapore. He also co-chaired the NTUC-Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) Professional Managerial Employees (PME) Taskforce and is the Executive Secretary for the United Workers of Electronics & Electrical Industries. As legal adviser to NTUC-affiliated unions in Singapore, he has advised/represented numerous unions/members in complex and contentious issues, dispute resolution, conciliation and in the Industrial Arbitration Court.

Mr Alvin Aloysius Goh Mr Alvin Aloysius Goh
Chief Executive Officer
Singapore Human Resources Institute

Alvin Aloysius Goh is the Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore Human Resources Institute (SHRI), where he leads the national institution in championing progressive people practices and shaping the future of human capital development across Singapore and the region.

With over two decades of experience in HR and organisational leadership, Alvin has served in diverse sectors including banking, finance, education, and consulting. His prior appointments include Chief of Staff, Chief HR Officer, and Senior Consultant with a global human resources consultancy. He has led major transformation projects, driven progressive people practices, and built strong partnerships across the APAC region and beyond.


Ms Joyce Bijl

Ms Joyce Bijl
Business Development Director, Asia Pacific & Middle East
ManpowerGroup


With over two decades of experience across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Joyce Bijl is a seasoned HR and Sales professional who helps companies, from fast growing SMEs to global brands, build stronger, more agile talent strategies. Passionate about helping organizations differentiate themselves in a competitive talent landscape and advance through thoughtful, people first strategies, Joyce collaborates closely with leaders across the region to address hiring challenges, build future ready teams, and implement practical workforce solutions that deliver impact in rapidly evolving markets.


Photos and recording will be taken during the event for news and various publicity purposes

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