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In a community-driven initiative titled Inclunema: A Sensory-Friendly Movie Experience, the Lions Club of Singapore Lotusia partnered with MINDS Raintree Special Student Care Centre (SSCC) to bring 15 children aged 7 to 18 with intellectual disabilities on a meaningful cinema outing held on 11 September 2025.
The event was held at EaglesWings Cinematics at KAP Mall.The theatre was specially adapted for the occasion with reduced audio, softened lighting, and a relaxed seating environment tailored to the children's sensory needs. Each child was accompanied by a volunteer from the Lions Club ofSingapore Lotusia throughout the experience, which included a movie screening of an animated film and a hosted lunch at Carl's Jr Singapore.
"This outing is about walking the talk, so every child feels included and valued," said Jacob Tao, President of the Lions Club of Singapore Lotusia and Co-CEO of Lotusia Group.
The event reflects the club's mission to embed structured, inclusive and values-based philanthropy within Singapore's evolving social fabric. Established in 2023 under the charter of Lions Clubs International, the world's largest volunteer service organisation, the Lions Club of Singapore Lotusia is uniquely positioned at the intersection of business, social responsibility and community service. The club is supported by Lotusia Group, a Singapore-based consultancy that helps businesses go global through cross-border strategy and compliance solutions.
The event was made possible through the collective support of several partners. Special thanks go to Mr. Xie Wenfei, a fellow Lions Club member, for his sponsorship and support. Appreciation is also extended to Carl's Jr Singapore, a quality-driven burger brand known for its juicy, made-to-order offerings and signature chargrilled flavour. Thanks also go to EagleWings Cinematics, a boutique cinema at KAP Mall, for helping to create a safe and welcoming experience for the children.
The participating children are supported by MINDS Raintree SSCC, a before-and-after-school care centre for students from Special Education Schools. The programme offers structured learning and social engagement while providing respite for caregivers.
For many of the children, Inclunema was their first time experiencing a movie outing designed entirely around their needs. Some clapped and swayed to the music during the film, other lit up with smiles as they engaged with their buddies over lunch.Simple moments like high-fives, laughter or just sitting side by side became small celebrations of connection and trust. For the volunteers and caregivers, it was a day filled with joy, connection, and a shared sense of purpose.
Singapore has made steady progress in supporting persons with intellectual disabilities through education pathways and family services.However, inclusive experiences like this, where children are not just accommodated, but welcomed and celebrated, remain rare. Incluenma serves as a reminder that inclusion is not only about policies, but about creating shared human experiences that allow everyone to belong.
The Lions Club of Singapore Lotusia will continue working with partners across the public, private and non-profit sectors to co-create more inclusive initiatives that foster connection and make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.
