Carol boosts her confidence at work

Carol can only see light and shadows, but she has never considered that as a reason to aim lower. “Some jobs that rely heavily on vision are simply more challenging for me,” she says. “But I still want to contribute and be independent.” For her, the Global Week of Impact 2026 theme ‘Building bridges to employment’ is not just a slogan. It describes exactly what she needed: a bridge between her potential and a real opportunity in the labor market. Carol’s journey is one of many stories shaping RGF Connect in Hong Kong and Singapore – and a key inspiration for this year’s Global Week of Impact.

Participating like anyone else

Carol started as a participant in the work readiness program ‘Closing the Gap’ and soon joined RGF Staffing HKSG as an intern in the Sustainability Team. “For me, the reason to join was clear,” Carol explains. “I wanted to understand how a business environment works: how departments operate and what corporate language people use.”

In her day-to-day work, she supports research on Special Educational Needs (SEN) and helps prepare workshops and events, while learning how people operate in a fast‑paced office environment. At first, Carol’s colleagues guided her step by step in the use of Microsoft Teams. “Now I can accept meeting invitations, attach files, turn my microphone and camera on, and share my screen,” she says. “That may sound basic, but it makes me feel I can truly participate like everyone else.”

Reframing assumptions

Assumptions about visual impairment are still common. “Some people think we cannot travel to work on our own, or that our parents have to guide us everywhere,” Carol says. “Others believe we cannot use smartphones at all.”

Instead of trying to convince people through arguments, she lets her daily routine speak for itself. Each morning, Carol commutes independently across busy Hong Kong to the RGF Staffing office. She has memorized her route, uses a white cane, and relies on assistive technology to navigate safely. When she arrives, she contributes on an equal footing. “Carol asks questions, manages expectations and clearly explains what she needs to perform at her best,” says Annie Cheung, CEO of RGF Staffing HKSG.

Carol Lam: “I hope my story shows that people with a disability are capable of much more than others expect.”

These are exactly the kinds of stories Annie wants to see more of. “As a staffing company, we connect people to jobs every day. With RGF Connect, we go one step further: we build bridges for people who might not otherwise get that chance. Carol is a great example. She adds real value to our team, and when colleagues work alongside her, it changes how they think about disability. It reframes assumptions and helps us build a truly inclusive workplace.”

An extra pair of eyes

One of the biggest shifts in Carol’s working life has been the rapid development of AI tools. “AI helps me read documents, describe images, and navigate my phone and computer more smoothly,” she says. “Tasks that previously required assistance, like checking printed text, I can now handle independently, and that really boosts my confidence at work.”

Together with her colleagues, Carol also explores new ways to use AI. “During meetings or team activities, we sometimes take photos – with everyone’s consent – and use AI to generate descriptions that Carol can listen to,” Annie explains. “It’s like an extra pair of eyes,” Carol adds. “It helps me understand who is in the room and what is happening.”

From learner to advocate

After completing her internship, Carol continued her role at RGF Staffing HKSG. Step by step, she moved from learner to advocate. She wrote a practical handbook for employers on how employees with visual impairments can use Microsoft Teams effectively, including concrete tips on settings, shortcuts, and inclusive ways of working.

“That project made me realize that what I learn can also help others,” she says. Carol now gives talks and workshops for clients and partners, sharing her experience of working with visual impairment and using assistive technology in a corporate environment. She also offers practical advice to other candidates with disabilities – from planning routes to the office to selecting helpful tools such as a braille display. “When it comes to work, I always tell others not to be too hard on themselves,” she adds. “It takes time to adjust to a new job. Be patient, know your strengths and don’t be afraid to ask for support.”

Building bridges to employment

Inspired by Carol’s journey, Annie and her team are eager to support more people during this year’s Global Week of Impact. Throughout the week, RGF Staffing HKSG and its partners will offer interactive workshops that equip participants with practical work‑readiness skills, such as résumé writing, interview techniques, and career path insights. For Annie, the goal is simple: every participant should leave feeling more confident, better prepared and, where possible, a few steps closer to employment.

Annie Cheung: “Inclusive hiring is not charity. It works. For people, for teams and for business. And when employers focus on strengths instead of assumptions, they discover talent they might otherwise overlook.”

Annie’s involvement in RGF Connect has also changed how she sees her role. “Before, I was very focused on candidate placements and client relationships. This program made me realize that we have a responsibility to do more than just fill vacancies. We can change the system.”

So far, Annie and her team have reached out to more than 270 people through work‑readiness programs, training sessions, and workshops. But behind every number is a person like Carol, whose confidence and opportunities have grown. “When I see Carol navigating her work with such determination and positivity, it reminds me why we do this,” Annie says. “Inclusive hiring is not charity. It works. For people, for teams and for business. And when employers focus on strengths instead of assumptions, they discover talent they might otherwise overlook.”