Opening Remarks by President Halimah Yacob at the NCSS 40-under-40 Dialogue

Ms Anita Fam, President, NCSS

Members of the NCSS Board

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen 

Good afternoon. I am pleased to join you today for the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) 40-under-40 Young Leaders’ Dialogue. 

I am glad that NCSS has continued to organise this programme to bring young leaders together, despite the more immediate focus on adapting and overcoming the effects of COVID-19 pandemic. In times like this, such platforms remain important for our young leaders to learn from one another and forge relationships that can help us strive towards a better Singapore. We need to continue building our future, even as we tend to the immediate crisis.

As society evolves, so do the needs of our service users. Social issues have become increasingly complex even before COVID-19 came, and the pandemic has accelerated this trend. To keep up with the changes, the social service sector has to change the way it operates and delivers its services. Our Social Service Agencies (SSAs)need to realise the importance being agile in responding to our rapidly changing environment.

It will not be easy for an individual SSA to navigate this complexity alone. As user needs transcend what a single SSA can provide, there must be a shift to a more collaborative approach in providing social service. With tighter resources, there is also an urgent need to work together and take systems-centric approach to address societal challenges. 

It is therefore important for SSAs to look for strategic collaborations with corporates and public sector agencies to create positive impact at a national level. Leaders in the public, private and people sectors must work together to find sustainable ways to strengthen our social service ecosystem. Young leaders like yourselves can also play a part, by exploring opportunities for inter-agency or inter-sector partnerships which will create synergy and benefit service users more. Spend your time today to connect, learn from one another and work together to drive this transformation of the social service sector.

Before I end, I would also like to bring up another important topic, which is self-care. In our pursuit to innovate and strive to serve Singaporeans, we should also not forget our own welfare and mental health. During the pandemic, social service professionals have been working tirelessly to ensure continuity of services to those who need help. With the increase in demand for social services, it is natural that some of our colleagues might experience anxiety and depression. 

While we tend to those in our care, it is important to also take care of ourselves. We should look out for each other and encourage those who need help to seek the necessary services such as counselling. As young leaders in the sector, I urge everyone to build this culture within your organisations.

In closing, let me once again welcome everyone to this meaningful dialogue. I look forward to having an engaging conversation with you. Thank you.