Inclusion in a virtual organisation

Solution
Inclusion in a virtual organisation
Organization
Genashtim Innovative Learning Pte Ltd.
Country of Implementation
Singapore
Region
Asia & Pacific
Subregion
Southeast Asia
First published
31.12.2012

Genashtim delivers online education and support services, operated as a virtual organization with people working from home in five countries. For this reason it can effectively engage people with disabilities. In 2012 Genashtim had 60 people on its payroll, of whom 35 were persons with different disabilities.

Solution details

People

Thomas NG Website

Persons with disabilities work side-by-side with staff without disabilities, with no difference in pay rates and full equality. In addition, staff without disabilities report to managers with disabilities. The company, which delivers online education and support services, operates as a virtual organisation, with people working from home in five countries. The company deploys processes akin to ones used in large multinational companies, in delivering world-class services to world-class companies. Because of the way the company operates, it can effectively engage persons with disabilities. PWD staff have direct contact with clients who are multinational companies. PWD staff are treated equally; it is not about sympathy or charity. The mentality and philosophy of Genashtim`s management team, leveraged by technology and the Internet, overcomes the disabilities of PWD and taps their strengths. Genashtim, which is a for-profit organisation fully subscribing to the 3P concept (Profits, People and Planet), is one of 40 companies invited to join the ILO Global Business and Disability Network, a global network of multinational companies and employers’ organisations. Genashtim’s Founder, Thomas Ng, was recently selected by UNESCAP as one of seven “Promoters” for the new Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities 2013-2022, in recognition of his substantive expertise and experience, and extraordinary record of achievements in mobilising support for the empowerment of persons with disabilities.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

Genashtim is a Singapore-registered company and currently has about 60 people on its payroll, of whom 35 are PWD (visually impaired, wheelchair-confined, missing limbs, autistic, cerebral palsy etc.), who are based in Malaysia, China and the Philippines. Genashtim’s vision is to have 1,000 staff within three to five years, and is committed to keep the ratio of PWD to at least 50%. Of the top management team of six persons, three are PWD.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

Persons with disabilities are already engaged in Malaysia, China and the Philippines. Services are delivered to multinational clients in Japan, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Related information

Solutions with the same:

Country of Implementation

Singapore

Region of Implementation

Asia & Pacific