A group photo taken at the Singapore Oceanarium, where APBS volunteers and SPD joined hands to kick off the second edition of Worlds Together. The event connected persons with disabilities (PWDs) and the wider community through meaningful shared experiences.
Singapore, 16 October 2025 – Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (APBS) has launched the second edition of Worlds Together, a social impact initiative that connects communities and lays the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable society. Following last year’s partnership with the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC), this year’s initiative sees APBS working with SPD to bring persons with disabilities (PwDs) and the wider community closer through shared experiences. The collaboration builds on APBS’s longstanding relationship with SPD, established through the APB Foundation Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities since 2004.
Moving from support to true inclusion
While volunteering is meant to uplift communities, PwDs and their caregivers can sometimes feel that activities are centered more on “helping” than on building genuine connections. This year’s Worlds Together sought to change that, with APB Foundation Scholars Winston Wong and Raphaella Gautama taking the lead in co-creating the event. From developing communication cards to designing a photo-hunting game at the Singapore Oceanarium, they shaped an experience that supported diverse communication needs, added fun and shared discovery, and most importantly, fostered meaningful connection.
(Photo of APB Foundation Scholars Winston Wong and Raphaella Gautama)
“It’s been a privilege to co-design and facilitate Worlds Together. This experience showed how simple interactions can break down barriers and normalise relationships between PwDs and volunteers,” said Winston Wong, APB Foundation Scholar and SPD Inclusion Champion. “Many of us have as much to give as we do to receive, and I hope more people will see that and walk alongside us to create true connection for a more inclusive society.”
Deepening collaboration with SPD to drive greater impact
APBS’s support for SPD over two decades has fostered trust and paved the way for deeper collaboration. With Worlds Together, that commitment has evolved into partnership, co-creating experiences that connect communities in more meaningful ways.
“We are grateful for our partnership with Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (APBS). APBS exemplifies the spirit of inclusion through Worlds Together, where persons with disabilities are engaged in the planning and facilitation of community-led experiences. This collaboration reflects true inclusive planning and serves as a testbed for new ideas in building more inclusive communities,” said Mr Abhimanyau Pal, CEO, SPD.
Creating ripple effects across communities
Each year, the Worlds Together platform grows, engaging new communities and inspiring long-term volunteer ownership. By empowering co-creation with beneficiaries, APBS is brewing the joy of true togetherness and helping to shape a more inclusive Singapore.
“In a world that can sometimes feel polarised, it is more important than ever to bridge connections that break down barriers and build mutual understanding,” said Anca Olteanu, Managing Director, APBS. “With Worlds Together, we are creating spaces where communities can come together, share experiences, and discover the power of true connection, one conversation at a time.”
There will be five more Worlds Together sessions with SPD, offering opportunities for members of the public to volunteer and take part in these inclusive experiences. Those interested in joining us can register their interest here – https://bit.ly/WorldsTogether2026.
About Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (Part of The HEINEKEN Company)
Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore is the nation’s leading and most sustainable brewery. Established in 1931, we are the home of the world-acclaimed Tiger Beer, and we house an unparalleled range of premium beers like Heineken® and Guinness. People are at the heart of our business, and we ignite the moments that brew the joy of true togetherness. We believe in sustainability as a positive force for change, and our Brew a Better World sustainability strategy raises the bar with new commitments to advocate for an inclusive, fair and equitable world. Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore is an operating arm of The HEINEKEN Company.
About SPD
Established in 1964, SPD is a Singapore charity dedicated to enabling people with disabilities, as well as those who may develop disabling conditions, to live independently and participate fully in society. Originally founded to serve people with physical disabilities, SPD has since grown to provide a wide range of services, including early intervention, day care, senior care, day rehabilitation, assistive technology, employment and educational support, community activities and lifelong learning, case management and caregiver support. Through these efforts, SPD supports people of all ages with different disabilities to thrive in school, at work and in daily life within mainstream society.
For more information, please visit www.spd.org.sg.