Inclusive Employment: Jackie Chionh shares about overcoming his disability with determination and pursuing his passion for connecting with people at Ludus Lab

Inclusivity is Empowering Everyone!

As part of Wantedly’s new series on inclusive hiring in partnership with i’mable by SGEnable, we talk to disabled employees and their employers to get to know more about their challenges, their culture, how they overcome, and thrive together to reach their goals.

We are privileged to spotlight Jackie Chionh in this series. At 6 years old, Jackie was involved in a road accident that damaged his right limb's nerve system. He has persevered through the challenges since then, and as a motivational speaker, Jackie is keen on sharing these life lessons.

"Disability may have presented obstacles, but it has also fuelled my determination to turn the impossible into possibilities." - Jackie

As a PwD (Persons with Determination), Jackie has completed over 40 marathons! He also pursued his interest in magic since 2006. Although it seemed impossible at first, he persevered and is now known as the One-Handed Card Illusionist!

In pursuing his passion, Jackie became one of Ludus Lab's pioneer docent guides at Enabling Village. Here, he shares with us his professional journey and his aspirations.

Jackie, can you share more about your career and how it has led you to working at Ludus Lab today?

I’m a freelance motivational speaker and magician, often performing and speaking in front of large audiences. Sharing my story and using magic as a form of expression has opened many opportunities for me to inspire others. This passion for connecting with people led me to my current role at Ludus Lab.

At Ludus Lab, I serve as a docent guide, leading tours for corporate groups and schools at Enabling Village. I share the stories behind each space and its purpose while also integrating my personal journey into the tour experience. It’s a meaningful way to raise awareness, inspire visitors, and promote inclusion within the community. 

Each tour I conduct feels like a win especially when I see smiles and receive encouraging feedback from participants. Knowing I’ve made a positive impact or inspired someone gives me a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Can you share your experience with the hiring process for Ludus Lab, and also your perspectives based on past professional experience?

When I sought full-time employment through SG Enable, I was introduced to Ludus Lab and the docent guide role. Although I had no prior guiding experience and the job was part-time, I went ahead with the interview and training. The interview was casual and welcoming. I felt comfortable being open about who I am. The focus was on my strengths rather than my limitations, which was very different from other interviews where I often felt judged or stereotyped based on my disability. I’m grateful for the opportunity and the trust Ludus Lab placed in me.

That is the biggest takeaway for me and my message to organisations on how they can support Persons with Disabilities more - Focus on our strengths, not just our limitations. Create environments where employees with disabilities feel seen, heard, and understood. Accommodations and empathy go a long way in enabling us to thrive, not just survive in the workplace.

Ludus Lab is truly inclusive, and what stands out most is the kindness and personal support I’ve received - When I was going through a difficult time after not passing probation at a previous job, Yock Song, my mentor at Ludus Lab, reached out with encouragement, offered to catch up over coffee, and even arranged some tour assignments so I could earn an income. This human touch and understanding made me feel truly supported, not just as a worker, but as a person.

At the end of the day, the encouragement and belief people have shown in me have stayed with me and continue to push me forward.

What is something you are currently pursuing that excites you?

I’m currently learning Chinese Orchestra Drumming and West Coast Swing dance. Both are new and exciting challenges that allow me to express myself creatively and continue growing through the arts.

I’m motivated by personal growth and the desire to become a better version of myself every day. I don’t like feeling left behind or stagnant, so I always seek new challenges to overcome and new ways to improve.

"I want to be treated like a normal guy." - Jackie

My dream is to become a world-renowned motivational speaker and one-handed magician, someone who inspires people across the globe by showing that limitations can be turned into strengths.

What is one thing you wish more people would know about being you?

As a person with a physical disability, I may come across as cheerful and strong on the outside, but I have moments of loneliness and sadness too. I often keep those feelings to myself because I don’t want to burden others or bring them down. I wish people would see that I’m just like anyone else, someone who needs care, connection, and understanding. Independence isn’t always easy, and I often stretch myself so that I don’t have to rely on others. But deep down, I hope people can understand that behind every smile is a real human being who also needs love and support.

More than sympathy, I appreciate empathy and being treated as an equal.

Thank you, Jackie!

If you are interested to engage Jackie's expertise as a motivational speaker, or for a magic performance, get in touch with him.

About the campaign

Inclusivity is Empowering Everyone! is a Public Education for Disability Inclusion campaign by Wantedly Hire in partnership with i’mable by SGEnable.

For more inspiring stories on Inclusive Employment, you can follow the series here.

Our public inclusive Job Portal is now live.

If you are an inclusive employer and wish to list your openings, please send your JDs to [email protected].

About i’mable by SGEnable
i’mable celebrates the abilities of persons with disabilities and encourages everyone to take positive action for disability inclusion and commit to building a more inclusive society and enabling lives.

About Wantedly
Our mission is to create a world where work drives passion. We champion employer branding for companies to attract the right talents for the right opportunities. Wantedly Hire is an application tracking system optimised for modern hiring practices.