Professor Tan Tai Yong, President of SUSS,
Dr Vincent Ng, Dean-Designate of SUSS School of Social Work and Social Development, SUSS
Social Service Sector Leaders,
Respected Community Leaders,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to join you today for the launch of the Social Services Heritage Trail.
2. The immense efforts of our early social work pioneers, community leaders, and philanthropists have contributed greatly to the development of our nation, beginning from our early years of nation building. This legacy is now carried out by our social workers and social service professionals today. In commemoration of these historical contributions, MSF and SUSS have jointly developed the Social Services Heritage Trail.
3. From the early days of our nation-building to the complex social landscape that we face today, our social service professionals have stood on the front lines, serving those in need. We deeply appreciate the dedication of all our social service professionals, who work tirelessly to empower individuals and families to achieve stability, self-reliance, and social mobility.
a. In the early years, the provision of social services was largely informal, and gaps were filled by charities and philanthropists.
i. The Pondok Peranakan Gelam Club, established in the early 20th century, is one such example. The Club was set up to provide communal lodging and social support for Boyanese migrants, and we are in fact gathered here at their former premises. Mr Borhan Saini, who is the current Secretary-General of the Club, is with us today. Mr Borhan himself was a former resident here in the 1960s and 1970s, and is now giving back to the community in his leadership capacity.
ii. Mr Ronney Tan and Mr Mohamed Nasim Abdul Rahim are also here with us today. Mr Tan is the current president of the Keng Teck Whay Society, which was formed in 1831 by 36 Hokkien-Peranakan “sworn brothers” from Melaka and Singapore to provide mutual aid. Mr Nasim is Treasurer of the Nagore Dargah Society, located at Telok Ayer Street. And Nagore Dargah was built in the late 1820s to provide not only religious, but also social and financial support for the Chulia community. We will visit both sites later.
iii. Philanthropy was also crucial in channelling resources to early community initiatives, which ensured the provision of social services to those in need. We are happy to have Mr Leonard Tan join us today as a representative of UOB. UOB and its leaders, including the late Mr Wee Cho Yaw, generously devoted money and energy into community causes. Their efforts are continued to this day through the philanthropic activities of UOB Heartbeat and the Wee Foundation, in areas ranging from support for lower-income families to educational initiatives.
b. Social welfare services in Singapore were soon formalised and organised, through the set up of the Singapore Department of Social Welfare in 1946, just after World War II. Social work as a discipline was also introduced, which can be traced back to the set up of the Department of Social Work at the University of Singapore in 1952.
i. During this time, pioneer social workers, such as Ms Ann Elizabeth Wee, played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for the social work fraternity, and our social workers worked hard to manage early challenges in poverty, public assistance, poor nutrition, and child welfare.
ii. Post-independence, the Government prioritised investment in education, housing, and healthcare, and the social service sector worked in tandem with the Government. Social service agencies, volunteers, and community groups continued to provide important services, such as counselling, homes for children, and transitional shelters. We resolved no one should be left behind.
c. And as a sector, we have continued to grow and professionalise.
i. Beginning in 1958, the Singapore Council of Social Service was rebranded as the National Council of Social Service in 1992 to coordinate the work of Voluntary Welfare Organisations, which are now known as Social Service Agencies.
ii. Training institutions were set up. The Social Service Institute was launched in 2003 to provide training for social service professionals. Local universities such as NUS and SUSS also started offering formal degrees in social work.
d. We have come a long way since then, and have seen our strength and unity tested in difficult times.
i. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social workers and social service professionals worked tirelessly to support the vulnerable amongst us and our families amidst this unprecedented challenge. Our social service professionals provided counselling, financial assistance, and emotional support to those affected by job losses, isolation, and domestic violence. We had to pilot new forms of outreach and engagement while we were confined to our homes. As a sector, we displayed great resilience, compassion, and adaptability in ensuring no one would be left behind during this difficult time.
ii. We emerged stronger, because we stood together. And we must continue to do so even now. The road ahead is not an easy one. We have already witnessed how heightened geopolitical tensions and strained trade relations can throw the world into panic and uncertainty. These tensions could lead to job losses and financial difficulties for our people, and we may find that there are those among us who need our help. As a sector, we must be prepared to step up again.
4. But our social service professionals do not work alone. The Government has long been working alongside our social service sector, and is committed to supporting and strengthening the sector. We understand that the emotional demands of the work can be tremendous, and we will continue to strengthen partnerships to enable our social service professionals to have access to better resources in order to serve the community. Hence, 2025 has been dedicated as the Year of Celebrating Social Service Professionals.
5. We also welcomed Institutes of Higher Learning into this partnership. In 2023, we inked an MOU between MSF, NCSS and SUSS, signalling our commitment to deepen the competencies of our social service professionals and explore further opportunities for research and education to develop evidence-based practices. Last month, SUSS announced it will launch its new School of Social Work and Social Development. This School will play a key role in developing future-ready social workers and leaders, who are equipped to tackle increasingly complex social needs and uplift lives. MSF is glad to partner SUSS on its new School to enhance professional practice and build capabilities for our sector professionals.
6. Ladies and gentlemen, social service has played – and continues to play – an indispensable role in Singapore’s progress. It reminds us that the success of a country lies not only in the economic prosperity of the nation, but in ensuring that the society is a compassionate one where no one is left behind. As we look to the future, let us honour the legacy of those who have come before us, and continue to invest in our social service sector.
7. As I close, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Dr Ho Chi Tim, the SUSS research team, the student docents and representatives from the sites who have contributed to making this Trail possible. I would also like to thank all our social service professionals who continue the difficult but vital work of supporting families in need. Social work can be demanding. The challenges you face in doing this work require grit, resilience and most of all, compassion. I want to assure you that your contributions are appreciated every single day, even though this is not said often enough. Through your dedication and commitment, together – we can help build a Singapore where there are opportunities for all.
8. I now declare the Social Services Heritage Trail officially open. I hope everyone will have an enjoyable journey exploring our social service sector’s heritage. Thank you.