Social Service Tribe Forum 2025

Overview

The Social Service Tribe Forum 2025, held on 23 January, brought together industry leaders and social service professionals (SSPs) for an impactful half-day event focused on enhancing professional development in the social service sector. Under the theme 'Elevating Professionalism, Nurturing Excellence', the forum served as a vibrant platform for SSPs to connect, collaborate, and learn from their peers.

Event highlights

Welcome address

Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for Health, delivered an inspiring opening speech.

He highlighted the significant progress made by the social service sector and emphasized the crucial role of SSPs as the beating heart of the sector. Minister Masagos made three key announcements:

1. Designation of 2025 as the Year of Celebrating Social Service Professionals

2. Launch of an Employee Engagement Survey for Social Services platform

3. Introduction of new Sector Awards for Social Service Professionals to acknowledge SSPs

Keynote speech

Mr Tim Oei, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), delivered an insightful keynote address, focusing on elevating sector standards and fostering a culture of continual learning among SSPs.

Panel conversation

Moderated by Mr Lee Wee Chee, Director of Social Service Institute (SSI), the panel featured three SSPs with diverse expertise and experience. They shared their journeys, memorable events, and valuable tips for SSPs at different career stages.

Concurrent breakout sessions

Attendees participated in five targeted workshops led by SSI Adult Educators:

1. Supporting SSPs in Promoting Overall Well-being

2. Supporting Effective Performance at the Workplace: Practice Supervision

3. Conceptualising Collaboratively: Skills in Collaborative Case Management

4. Developing, Monitoring and Evaluating Effective Social Service Programmes

5. Engaging and Managing Stakeholders

These sessions offered practical insights on translating theory into direct practice, managing casework effectively, and engaging staff productively.

Ms Porsche Poh leading the session on 'Supporting SSPs in Promoting Overall Well-being'.

Mr Farid Jaaffar sharing on 'Supporting Effective Performance at the Workplace'.

Mr Mohamed Fareez facilitating the session on 'Conceptualising Collaboratively'

Mrs Anita Low-Lim on 'Developing, Monitoring and Evaluating Effective Social Service Programmes'.

Mr Edwin Sam presenting on 'Engaging and Managing Stakeholders'.

The Social Service Tribe Forum 2025 successfully united the Tribe, facilitating idea exchange and peer learning. It reinforced our commitment to elevating sector standards, nurturing excellence and promoting continual learning among social service professionals. This event sets an inspiring tone for the Year of Celebrating Social Service Professionals.