Singlife Unites Firms to Tackle First Wheelchair Rugby Corporate Challenge

Leading homegrown financial services company Singlife announces the lineup of corporate participants for the inaugural Singlife Wheelchair Rugby Corporate Challenge (“Corporate Challenge”), taking place today at the North London Collegiate School (Singapore).

The inaugural edition of the event brings together the Mandai Wildlife Group, JLL, Kelvin & Frank Reid, and Singlife subsidiary Singlife Financial Advisers, who join Team Singlife in friendly competition. Journalists of Malay newspaper Berita Harian, under SPH Media, will also take to the court, completing the six-team roster.

Organised by the Wheelchair Rugby Association (Singapore) (“WRAS”), this event builds on the success of the Singlife Wheelchair Rugby Cup held earlier this year in April. The Corporate Challenge helps engage companies to raise awareness of the sport to support the WRAS in its goal of building a competitive team for the 2029 ASEAN Para Games (APG), which will be hosted in Singapore.

Debra Soon, Group Head of Brand, Communications, Marketing, and Experience at Singlife, said: “Singlife is proud to champion inclusivity and resilience through this special event. Wheelchair rugby and the WRAS community is all about teamwork, determination and resilience – values that built our nation. We’re especially heartened to have brought together some of our corporate partners to amplify our support for the WRAS and provide a platform to make this incredible sport, and its athletes, better known in Singapore.”

Singlife’s two-year sponsorship is part of its year-long “SG60 and Beyond” campaign, enabling WRAS’ efforts in growing wheelchair rugby locally, recruiting new players, and providing essential resources like specially designed wheelchairs for the game. Bolstered by this support, WRAS is taking a major step toward their goal: sending Singapore’s first-ever wheelchair rugby national team to compete at the 13th APG in Thailand in January 2026.

Azhar Yusof, Head Coach of the Wheelchair Rugby Association (Singapore), said: “When people watch our players compete, they see what’s possible for persons with disabilities, and it inspires them to believe they too can overcome challenges. Singlife’s sponsorship and support have been instrumental in enabling us in our work, to expand our outreach programmes, provide specialised equipment, and prepare for international competitions like the upcoming ASEAN Para Games. Through their partnership, we’re able to make wheelchair rugby better known and show how sport can build confidence, resilience, and community.”

Following the Corporate Challenge, WRAS will embark on a hectic schedule in preparation for the APG in Thailand. In November, the team will compete in the Bali Fives club tournament, facing off against teams from Wales, Indonesia, Australia, and Timor Leste. Shortly after, they will return home for a special training camp conducted by coaches from the Japan Wheelchair Rugby Federation. The WRAS is expected to announce its first-ever national squad in early December, marking a significant milestone in its journey since its founding in 2020.

Tahlil Khan, Executive Director at JLL, said: “At JLL, we believe our unique differences make us stronger, and participating in the Singlife Wheelchair Rugby Corporate Challenge is a powerful way to put that belief into action. The athletes' inspiring resilience, skill, and spirit show what is possible when we champion inclusion. We are proud to join Singlife to support the Wheelchair Rugby Association’s vital work in building a community where everyone can thrive.”

Iming Bahari, Vice President of Human Capital Management at Mandai Wildlife Group, said: “At the heart of our corporate culture is a commitment to inclusivity, teamwork, and resilience – values that are powerfully embodied in adaptive sports like wheelchair rugby. Being a part of this is about standing alongside a community that champions strength in diversity and determination, as well as supporting the inspiring wheelchair athletes in their goal to represent the nation. We believe it’s important to show up, raise awareness, and contribute to a more inclusive society – on and off the field.”

The initiative has also raised a further S$10,000 for the WRAS through Singlife’s bancassurance partner, CIMB Bank. This shows how the collective impact of corporate partnerships can empower our para athletes and strengthen the sporting and Paralympic community in Singapore.