Speech by President Halimah Yacob at the Outstanding Social Worker Award 2022 Ceremony

Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for Health

Ms Tan Sze Wee, President, Singapore Association of Social Workers

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to be here with you for the 23rd Outstanding Social Worker Award Presentation Ceremony.

Today, we celebrate and honour the work not just of a few outstanding individuals, but of the entire social work profession. The pandemic brought about many complexities in your work with clients and families. Lives and livelihoods were affected. The increased stress and uncertainty exacerbated mental health challenges. Caregivers had to cope with additional pressures in looking after their loved ones. Overall, many individuals and families were greatly impacted, especially those in need.

In these challenging times, the support you provide as social workers is more important than ever. All of you rose to the occasion, providing timely intervention to individuals and families in need. You were nimble, adaptable, and innovative in overcoming difficulties. Thank you for your ceaseless dedication and effort to support those in need.

In the coming years, we will confront geopolitical uncertainties, inflationary pressures, and technological disruption. Domestically, we will face a rapidly ageing population and slowing social mobility. Social workers will continue to play an important role to uplift individuals and families in need. This is part of our Social Compact, where the Government creates the conditions for growth and an enabling environment, while individuals work hard to be self-reliant, and families continue to be the bedrock of our society and first line of support. Through the Social Compact, we ensure that no one gets left behind. Together, with the support of a caring community, we can collectively uplift Singaporeans in need.

Social workers are at the heart of our community. Social work means so much more than just doing good. It is about being systemic and critical in our thinking, and creative in our approach. Social workers need to adapt to an ever-changing landscape where a sense of innovation will be paramount. Your efforts enable communities in need to overcome difficult circumstances and achieve their goals.

Today, we honour the achievements of three very special individuals. Our award recipients exemplify how social workers are forward-thinking and future-ready in supporting those in need. They have spearheaded impactful and innovative projects to better deliver comprehensive, convenient, and coordinated care to clients.

First, I would like to congratulate this year’s Outstanding Social Worker Award recipient, Karen Kwa. Karen, who is Head and Principal Medical Social Worker (MSW) in Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), has spent close to two decades in critical care social work services. She spearheaded an award-wining Home Ventilation and Respiratory Support Service under MOH, which freed up critical hospital capacity in the ICU. Karen also led the effort to set up the Healthcare Financing Patient Service Office, a one-stop healthcare financing centre that houses all financing services to minimise touchpoints for patients while providing timely assistance. Her resilience and care for others shone especially during COVID-19, when she was involved in initiatives such as working with migrant workers using art therapy and the popular Spread a Smile campaign that she started in TTSH. Congratulations Karen!

I am also happy to congratulate our two Promising Social Worker Award winners.

Peggy Lim is a Senior Social Worker at TOUCH Mental Wellness and co-chairperson for the Youth Mental Health Community of Practice. Peggy established the Upper Room Project, which strengthened youths’ mental well-being by improving their emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness and resilience. The programme was awarded the Outstanding Award at the Wofoo Asian Award for Advancing Family Well-Being in 2020. Well done, Peggy!

Janet Liam works with offenders, ex-offenders and their families as an Assistant Senior Social Worker at Fei Yue Community Services. She formed “Project Baby”, which empowered pregnant mothers in prison to make informed decisions for their child and receive emotional support. Well done, Janet!

I commend our three award winners for your outstanding work in advancing the social service sector and being excellent ambassadors for the social work family. Your professionalism and contributions have made a difference to the community and will surely inspire more to create waves of positive change in the lives of those in need.

Finally, to all social workers, thank you for your dedication and tireless service. The social sector’s greatest strength is its people. Continue to learn and collaborate with one another to co-create new ways of working and to strengthen social service delivery. I encourage you to test out new ideas and solutions by tapping on available funding, such as the upcoming 4ST Partnership Fund and the Community Capability Trust, to strengthen your organisations and amplify your impact. While there will be more challenges in the future, with your dedication and perseverance, I am confident that we will be able to emerge as a more resilient and inclusive society.

Once again, my heartiest congratulations to the award recipients!

Thank you.