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Our Organisation

At NCSS, we proudly serve as the membership organisation to over 500 member social service agencies in Singapore. Our mission revolves around providing leadership and guidance in the realm of social services, boosting the capabilities of social service agencies, and nurturing strategic partnerships within the sector. Our journey began back in 1992 when we assumed the roles of the former Singapore Council of Social Service (SCSS) and Community Chest of Singapore.

Over time, we have witnessed remarkable transformations in the social service landscape through the commitment of many individuals who have shaped and steered the course of social services in Singapore. Listen to the NCSS Oral History Collection.

Our Brand Refresh

The National Council of Social Service (NCSS) has been leading the way in driving change and progress in the social service sector. In recent years, NCSS has expanded its role to identify gaps, fund critical services, invest in developing capabilities of SSAs and sector professionals, and mobilise community and corporate resources to support the sector. We have refreshed our brand strategy and identity reflecting our enhanced sector developer role. The NCSS identity has been updated, and both Community Chest and Social Service Institute will adopt new logos to align with the updated NCSS brand.

Our Journey

Our Humble Beginnings

Back in the days, the social services landscape faced challenges due to a lack of coordination and support. On the 22nd of December in 1958, the Singapore Council of Social Service (SCSS) was set up. Its mission was to meet the pressing needs of the sector, uniting organisations and individuals who had a shared passion for community service and social welfare.

In 1983, the Community Chest was launched, centralising fundraising efforts for Voluntary Welfare Organizations (VWOs) so that they could concentrate on delivering top-quality care and services to those in need. Soon after, we initiated groundbreaking programmes such as SHARE (Social Help and Assistance Raised by Employees), the Volunteer Action and Development Centre, and the Sharity programme.

Key Milestones

1992
Transformational Change
In 1992, the Singapore Council of Social Service (SCSS) rebranded as the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) with a fresh logo and identity.
1994
Leading the Way
NCSS was entrusted by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) to become the national coordinator of Family Service Centres (FSCs).
1995
Shaping Minds
We organised our inaugural Mental Health Campaign, ‘Be Happy, Be You” tailored for the youth.
1996
Building Bridges
The launch of four new networks – Children's Home, Youth Services, Community Care (East), and Mental Health Community Care – marked a significant step toward inter-agency collaboration and coordination, fostering improved service integration and the identification of service gaps.
At the same time, we embarked on our first-phase $4 million computerisation project for 89 VWOs, deploying 267 computers with standard office automation packages and customised welfare system applications over three years. We also introduced "My First Gift" encouraging preschoolers at the PAP Community Foundation's Education Centers to share with children in need.
1998
A Pioneering Move
Singapore Pools' sponsorship covered the entire operating expenditure of Community Chest, ensuring that 100% of the funds raised from the public directly benefited charities.
1999
Strengthening Bonds
We launched the Community Chest Corporate Community Involvement Programme to cultivate enduring partnerships with corporate supporters. Concurrently, we introduced 'Social Services in the 21st Century – The NCSS Vision' publication to plan, develop and reposition the future of social services.
2001
Celebrating Excellence
In 2001, we inaugurated the President's Social Service Award, presented by the President of Singapore to honour outstanding volunteers. Additionally, the Programme Evaluation System (PES) was implemented to monitor and assess social service programme outputs and outcomes. This initiative evolved into EPES, an enhanced web-based system for social service agencies to report on outputs, outcomes, and client milestone indicators.
2003
A Commitment to Learning
The launch of the Social Service Training Institute (SSTI) addressed the training needs of the sector. In 2013, SSTI evolved into the Social Service Institute (SSI), reflecting a broader vision to be a one-stop centre for human capital needs within the sector.
2008
Golden Jubilee Celebration
We led a sector-wide celebration of 50 years of social service, commemorated with the publication of 'For All We Care – 50 Years of Social Service in Singapore, 1958-2008,' and a TV programme titled 'Heart@Work – The NCSS Story.' During this period, we also celebrated Community Chest's 25th Anniversary, marked by the inaugural Heartstrings Walk and the opening of ComChest Green in Labrador Park, an inspiring space celebrating the spirit of giving and community engagement.
Furthermore, we introduced the Sabbatical Leave and Professional & Leadership Development Schemes to elevate the standards and development of social workers.
2009
Golden Jubilee Celebration
We led the establishment of the Special Needs Trust Company, a non-profit trust company dedicated to the financial needs of individuals with disabilities in collaboration with the then-MCYS. Simultaneously, we collaborated with the then-MCYS and the Singapore Association of Social Workers to implement the Accreditation for Social Workers and Social Service Practitioners, ensuring professional standards in the social work field. Additionally, we launched the Social Service Hub @ Tiong Bahru, NCSS' first shared office space for Voluntary Welfare Organizations (VWOs).
2010
A Vision for the Future
Project HOME emerged as a pilot project to reach out to needy families residing in Interim Rental Housing, a collaboration with the then-MCYS, FSCs, Community Development Councils (CDCs), House Development Board (HDB), and Ministry of National Development (MND). We also launched a new framework for vocational mainstream education with the Ministry of Education (MOE), assisting students with special needs in gaining competencies and skills for a smooth transition to employment.
2011
Shaping Services
We introduced the FSC Advisory Council to provide strategic guidance to Family Service Centres (FSCs) in making their services more accessible and relevant to the community's needs. Simultaneously, the Social Service Talent Development Scheme that aims to nurture a pipeline of well-qualified, highly experience and well-round professionals to provide leadership within the sector was launched.
2013
A Movement of Care and Sharing
Launching the Care & Share Movement, a national fundraising and volunteerism initiative led by Community Chest in celebration of SG50, was a major highlight. The movement successfully raised a record-breaking $1.3 billion in donations and matching government grants for the social service sector. In the same year, SSI was appointed as a Continuing Education and Training (CET) Centre by the Work & Development Authority (WDA). We also initiated the "We are Able! Enhancing Possibilities, Celebrating Abilities" campaign, a nationwide call-to-pledge exercise that was part of a year-long NCSS campaign to rally support for creating an inclusive society for persons with disabilities.
2014
Nurturing Leadership
We launched the Sun Ray Scheme to recruit, develop, and deploy social service professionals into leadership positions within SSAs.
2015
Expanding Horizons
In 2015, we partnered with NParks to develop the Inclusive Playground at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. Today, there are a total of 13 inclusive playgrounds islandwide. Simultaneously, we launched the National Social Work Competency Framework, which empowers social workers to chart their career and professional development.
Furthermore, we conducted the first Quality of Life (QOL) study for persons with disabilities, seniors, and individuals with mental health conditions. The insights and findings from this study, shared with media, policymakers, and partners in the social service ecosystem, were subsequently published to guide the development of programmes, initiatives, and further research aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those we serve.
2016
Encouraging Inclusion
The "See the True Me" public education campaign was started to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in society. In the same year, Community Chest launched SHARE as One, encouraging more sustained ground-up efforts by employees to donate and volunteer.
2018
Shattering Stigmas
We initiated the Social Service Tribe, a platform for social service agencies to attract talent into the sector. We also began the Beyond the Label movement, a five-year public education effort aimed at addressing stigma toward persons with mental health conditions.

In addition to these programmes, we introduced the NCSS Enhanced Volunteer Manager Funding Scheme (Enhanced VMFS), a two-year initiative that funded 50 Volunteer Managers. These managers were instrumental in helping SSAs build capabilities in Volunteer Management by having a dedicated headcount.
2019
Pioneering Youth Leadership
2019 marked a significant milestone with the launch of 40-Under-40, a signature youth leadership platform designed for the next generation of leaders to drive sector transformation and nurture a collaborative mindset among them. Simultaneously, we inaugurated the Sector Design Challenge, a platform bringing participants from the People, Private, and Public (3-P) sectors together. Here, they forged new partnerships, developed human-centered design skills, and created innovative solutions to address the needs of social service users.
We also announced two new initiatives, Tech Booster and Project Back-to-Basics, with close to $20 million in funding from the National Productivity Fund. These initiatives aimed to offer ready technologies and innovative solutions at attractive subsidies to alleviate manpower challenges in the sector.
2020
Building Resilience
The challenging year of 2020 saw the establishment of the Beyond COVID-19 Taskforce. This task force united the sector and key stakeholders, developing a set of recommendations to strengthen SSAs' resilience and help them emerge stronger from the pandemic. Additionally, 'The Invictus Fund' was introduced to aid SSAs in coping with the COVID-19 situation. It facilitated investments in technology to ensure the delivery of critical social services to the communities in need.
In a technology-driven world, we launched Tech-and-GO!, a one-stop technology hub. This hub provided funding for IT solutions, advisory and consultancy services, as well as capability-building workshops for SSAs to develop digital knowledge and capacity.
2021
A Digital Transformation
2021 brought about a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). This partnership led to the launch of the Industry Digital Plan for Social Services (IDPSS). The IDPSS was designed to provide systematic guidance for SSAs to assess and accelerate their digitisation efforts based on their needs and digital readiness. We also developed the Learning and Development Roadmap for Volunteer Management Practitioners (VMPs), providing guidance on the skills and competencies required for volunteer management practitioners.
Additionally, we initiated the People Practice Consultancy (PPC) project. This project aimed to strengthen and enhance the HR capabilities of SSAs, supporting the workforce to deliver effective service.
2022
A Tool for Progress
In 2022, we launched the Sector Evaluation Framework (SEF). This framework provided SSAs with a common tool to validate the effectiveness of their programmes and services, allowing for appropriate resource allocation. It also led to improved service quality and better outcomes for service users.
We also introduced the Organisational Health Framework for Social Services (OHFSS) that enabled social service agencies to conduct assessments of their business operations, identifying areas for improvement in capabilities and capacity.

As we continue on this journey of compassion, collaboration, and inclusivity, we're excited to face the challenges and embrace the opportunities that the future holds. Together, let's make a lasting impact in the lives of individuals and families needing support.

Our Board Members

The NCSS Board comprises a diverse group of passionate individuals committed to enhancing social service in Singapore. These dedicated leaders, with varied backgrounds and extensive experiences, come together to guide and support the organisation in achieving its mission.

PATRON-IN-CHIEF

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam
President of the Republic of Singapore

PATRON

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

Board Members

(1 August 2024 to 31 July 2026)

The appointment of the NCSS Board of Council is in compliance with the NCSS Act. A Board Evaluation is conducted at least once every board term of two years to assess its performance and effectiveness.

President

Ms Anita Fam

JP, BBM, PBM,
The Public Service Star (COVID-19)

Vice President

Ms Theresa Goh

PBM

Vice President

Clinical Associate Professor
Kevin Lim

BBM, PBM, PBS

Chairman
Community Chest

Mr Chew Sutat

PBM

Honorary General Secretary

Mr Gregory Vijayendran

PBM

Honorary Treasurer

Ms Theresa Sim

Member

Ms Ang Sock Sun

Member

Mr Dileep Nair

PPA(P)

Member

Mr Eric Tseng

Member

Ms Janet Young

Member

Professor Kenneth Poon

PPA(G)

Member

Dr Lee Kwok Cheong

BBM, PBM

Member

Mr Muhammad Azri Bin Azman

Member

Ms Ong Toon Hui

PPA(E), PPA(P)

Member

Ms Shahrany Hassan

Member

Dr Teo-Koh Sock Miang

JP, BBM, PBM, PBS

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

PPA(P)
(MSF Representative)

Member

Mr Noel Cheah

PPA(G)
(MOH Representative)

Our Management

The leadership at NCSS is characterised by their unwavering commitment to social service. This dedicated group plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategies, policies, and initiatives that drive positive change within the sector. Their combined expertise and vision ensure that NCSS continues to make a significant impact on the lives of those in need.

NCSS Management

Chief Executive Officer

Ms Tan Li San

PBS, PPA(P),
Public Administration Medal (Silver) (COVID-19)

Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Mr Yoganathan Ammayappan (Yoga)

PBS, PPA(P),
Public Administration Medal (Bronze) (COVID-19)

CEO'S OFFICE

Senior Consultant

Ms Tina Hung

PPA(P)

Director – Internal Audit

Ms Tan Suan Ee

PBS

Strategy & Research Group

Group Director – Strategy & Research
Director – Strategy (Covering)
Senior Principal Clinical & Forensic Psychologist

Dr Chu Chi Meng

Director – Translational Research
Senior Principal Clinical Psychologist

Dr Eric Hoo

COVID-19 Resilience Certificate

Philanthropy Group

Group Director – Philanthropy
Managing Director – Community Chest
Director – Philanthropic Partnership (Covering)

Mr Jack Lim

Director – Philanthropic Strategy

Dr Tan Wei Lin

Director – Philanthropic Experience

Ms Belinda Tan

PPA(G),
Commendation Medal (COVID-19)

Capability Group

Group Director – Capability

Mr Anjan Ghosh

Director – Capability Planning

Mr Jacks Yeo

Director – Capability Implementation 1
& People Strategy

Mr Bruce Liew

Commendation Medal (COVID-19)

Director – Capability Implementation 2
& Digitalisation Strategy

Ms Aileen Tan

PK, PBS

Director – Capability Implementation 3
& Volunteerism Strategy

Ms Priscilla Gan

Director – social service institute

Mr Lee Wee Chee

Services Group

Group director – Services

Ms Penny Elaine Yapp

Director – Special Project

Ms Elaine Loo

PBS,
Public Administration Medal(Bronze) (COVID-19)

Director - Service Delivery

Ms Jerica Goh

PPA(P), PBS,
Commendation Medal (COVID-19),
COVID-19 Resilience Medal

Director – MEMBERSHIP

Ms Lorriane Chue

Commendation Medal
(COVID-19)

Corporate Group

Group director – corporate

Mr Yong Fook Chyi

Director – communications

Ms Pearlyn Tseng

Director – finance

Ms Jestine Choo

Director – Human Resources

Ms Charlotte Thng

Director – Information Technology
Chief information officer

Ms Daphne Koh

PBS

Our Committee Members

Our NCSS committee members are a vital part of the NCSS team. These individuals work tirelessly to develop and oversee various programmes, initiatives, and projects that address the unique needs of the community. Through their collective efforts, they help create a more inclusive and supportive society.

Committee Members

1. Executive Committee

CHAIRPERSON
Ms Anita Fam
JP, BBM, PBM, The Public Service Star (COVID-19)

VICE CHAIRPERSONS
Ms Theresa Goh
PBM

Clinical Associate Professor
Kevin Lim
BBM, PBM, PBS

MEMBERS
Mr Chew Sutat
PBM

Mr Gregory Vijayendran
PBM

Ms Theresa Sim

Mr Esa Masood
PPA(P)
(MSF Representative)

2. COMMUNITY CHEST COMMITTEE

ADVISOR
Ms Jennie Chua
DUBC, JP, PJG, BBM, PPA(P), PBM

Mr Phillip Tan
DUBC, PJG, BBM(L), BBM, PBM, Public Service Star (COVID-19)

CHAIRPERSON
Mr Chew Sutat
PBM

VICE CHAIRPERSON
Mr Chew Kwee San
BBM, PBM

Mr Danny Koh

Ms Yeoh Chee Yan
PPA(P), PPAE, PBS

Mr Ted Tan Teck Koon

HONORARY TREASURER
Ms Theresa Sim

SECRETARY
Mr Lam Yi Young
PPA(P), PBS

MEMBERS
Ms Audrey Tan
PPA(G),
(MSF Representative)

Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim
PBM

Mr Kwek Eik Sheng

COL Joseph Peh Chin Leong
PPA(P),
(MINDEF Representative)

Ms Patricia Quek

SAC Tan Tin Wee
PPA(P),
(SPF Representative)

Ms Fiona Lee

Ms Karen Ngui

Ms Kelly Keak

Mr Lionel Li

Ms Sybil Lau

Ms Yap Su-Yin

Mr Wan Chee Foong

3. AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE

CHAIRPERSON
Ms Ang Sock Sun

MEMBERS
Mr Dileep Nair
PPA(P)

Ms Kavitha Rajan

Mr Nicodemus Tan

Mr Vincent Lim

4. CAPABILITY COMMITTEE

CHAIRPERSON
Ms Theresa Goh
PBM

MEMBERS
Ms Janet Young

Mr Lawrence Ang

A/Prof Lim Lee Ching

Mr Muhammad Azri Bin Azman

Mr Noel Cheah
PPA(G)

Ms Ong Toon Hui
PPA(E), PPA(P)

Mr Vincent Lim

5. INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

CHAIRPERSON
Mr William Toh

MEMBERS
Mr Bryan Yeo

Mr Chu Toh Chieh

Mr Jeremy Tan

Ms Theresa Sim

Mr Rao Ker Ee
MSF Representative

6. SERVICES COMMITTEE

CHAIRPERSON
Clinical Associate Professor
Kevin Lim
BBM, PBM, PBS

VICE CHAIRPERSON
Professor Kenneth Poon
PPA (G)

MEMBERS
Associate Professor Carol Ma

Mr Eric Tseng

Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim
PBM
(ComChest Comm Representative)

Dr Lee Kwok Cheong
BBM, PBM

Ms Shahrany Hassan

Dr Teo-Koh Sock Miang
JP, BBM, PBM, PBS

Mr Ivan Yeo
(MSF Representative)

Ms Yvonne Liu
(MSF Representative)

Ms See Yen Theng
(AIC Representative)

Mr Lim Yu Kee
P. Kepujian
(MOE Representative)

Our Organisation Chart

The NCSS organisation chart provides a visual representation of how our team is structured. It shows the relationships and roles of each member within the organisation, from our dedicated board members to the committed management team and committee members.