Speech by Professor Tan Tai Yong at the Launch of the SUSS School of Social Work & Social Development

Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Education and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration

Mrs Mildred Tan, Chairperson of the SUSS Board of Trustees

Distinguished guests, partners, colleagues, and friends

1. I am delighted to welcome all of you to the launch of our new School of Social Work & Social Development – a moment that marks both the continuation and renewal of our mission at SUSS.

Complex Needs, Vital Work

2. In recent years, the social needs of our community have become increasingly complex. We are facing the realities of an ageing population, evolving family structures, the emergence of new and diverse vulnerabilities. Addressing these challenges calls for more helping hands, deeper expertise, stronger resilience, and innovative approaches. At the heart of this work are our social workers. They stand at the frontlines of these realities, often serving as that vital bridge between hardship and hope for those they support.

3. Yet for all that they do, social workers mostly labour out of the spotlight, their contributions undervalued both socially and economically. This mindset must change. In a world where so much of life is now digitalised and automated, it is their high-touch, human care that makes the greatest difference. Social work is a high calling – one that demands our respect, recognition, and sustained support. That is why it is our responsibility to equip them with the best preparation, and to provide the continuous support that they need to carry out this vital mission.

4. The School of Social Work & Social Development is our response. It builds on SUSS’ proud history of producing graduates who are not only work-ready but also deeply committed to service.

5. One such graduate is Ms Chloe Lee. She began her career in the private manufacturing industry, but her passion inspired her to pursue a degree in counselling and community work, paving the way for her first job as a case worker in the social services. In 2017, she enrolled in our graduate diploma in social work to fulfil her aspiration of attaining the social work qualification. Chloe is the Superintendent of the Thye Hua Kwan (THK) Home @ Sembawang, a residential programme dedicated to adults with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder and other co-morbidities.

6. Our full-time students have also done well. Ms Grace Yeo joined Whispering Hearts Family Service Centre after graduating in 2021. We know that the work of the FSC can be challenging – being at the frontline to provide support for families that have complex needs. But these challenges did not discourage Grace. She persevered and enjoyed the opportunities to hone her social work skills. Recently, she was promoted to be a team leader with responsibility over a team. And, she has also won the FSC Commendation Award for her outstanding contribution at the Whispering Hearts Family Service Centre. Well done, Grace! 

Reimagining Social Work Education

7. Building on our strong foundation, we are reimagining social work education to be more applied, more interdisciplinary, and more closely integrated with the realities of practice. Our students will be able to specialise in critical areas, from eldercare to child protection, and disability services to juvenile justice. Through elective modules and immersive practicums, they will gain both the knowledge and hands-on experience that are needed to make a real difference in their chosen fields.

8. The School will also serve as a key partner in continuing education and training for professionals already in practice. We will offer flexible, stackable graduate programmes, reskilling pathways, and leadership tracks that nurture both policy thinkers and practice leaders. A strong example of this is our collaboration with MSF to train its pool of frontline officers. It is a partnership that reflects our commitment to advancing the sector together.

9. By collaborating with government agencies, social service organisations, and community groups, the new School will also strengthen the bridge between research and practice to enable evidence-based practice and innovation that improves lives.

Elevating the Profession, Shaping Tomorrow

10. I am pleased to share that SUSS will soon receive a $2 million endowed gift from the Estate of the late Mdm Siow Fung Wai Ying to establish our first Professorship in Social Work. The gift, made in honour of her late mother-in-law, Madam Lau Wai Lan, reflects their shared experiences as young widows and single mothers who, with the support of family and community, came to value the importance of giving back. Though neither attended university, they believed deeply that education and research are vital to tackling social issues and improving lives. These are values that align closely with SUSS’ mission. Mdm Siow’s family joins us today, as we establish a lasting platform for advancing social work education and research.

11. Building on this legacy, this Professorship will support applied research with direct, real-world impact. This includes areas such as helping our youth connect online, easing caregiving burdens in an ageing society, and improving community mental health. Just as importantly, it will also enable the holder of the professorship to mentor current and future social work students, ensuring the next generation is equipped with both professional expertise and a deep commitment to service.

12. Our aspiration is clear: to nurture social service professionals who are ready not only to respond to today’s needs, but to shape tomorrow’s possibilities. They will be professionals who can work across disciplines, influence policy, lead change, and, above all, keep the human heart of social work beating strong. Through this School, we also want to elevate the standing of the profession – by equipping practitioners with deeper expertise, opening new pathways for leadership and growth, and giving social work the recognition it truly deserves as one of society’s most essential callings.

13. At this point, I also want to thank a few organisations and people for believing in this vision with us. Some of them are our enduring friends and supporters. They are here with us today, such as Prof S Vasoo, Ms Audrey Tay, Mr Keith Chua, the Persatuan Pemudi Islam Singapura (PPIS) and the National Council of Social Service (NCSS). Thank you for making this possible.

14. As we launch this School today, we are not merely marking a new chapter at SUSS. We are affirming our commitment to building a future of a more caring, inclusive, and resilient Singapore. This is a future where social workers and social service professionals are equipped to meet emerging needs, shape new possibilities, and strengthen the social fabric of our nation. Together, let us work with purpose and partnership to make this future a reality.

15. Thank you.