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Oral history in social service sector

Reflect on the rich history of social services with NCSS' Oral History Initiative, honouring the contributions of our pioneers.

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Last updated 2 January 2025

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Document the past, reflect the present, shape the future​
Compelling stories shared by pioneers and giants of the Social Service Sector​
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Document the past, reflect the present, shape the future​

Since 1958, NCSS (and its predecessor organisation, the Singapore Council of Social Service (SCSS)) has accumulated vast experience in leading and enabling social service agencies to offer social services to citizens. This is a rich collection of body of knowledge for learning and can be used to shape the future of social service sector. From 2023, NCSS commenced the documentation of Oral History of pioneers and giants and their significant contributions to the social service sector.​

Compelling stories shared by pioneers and giants of the Social Service Sector​

A snapshot of Dr Gerard Ee

The one thing you must know before joining the social service sector…

“I think whether social service sector or any sector, the individual needs to do some self-examination... what is it that you can visualise yourself doing day in, day out? ​”

Dr Gerard Ee
​President, NCSS (2002 - 2006​)

A snapshot of Ms Woon Saet Nyoon

What is Fundraising?

“Fundraising, I think, is the word fun. F-U-N, not F-U-N-D. It really has to be fun, and people will enjoy."

Ms Woon Saet Nyoon​
Director, Community Partnership, NCSS (2005 - 2008)

A snapshot of Mr Phillip Tan

How did NCSS and social service sector raised 1.3 billion dollars for the SG Care and Share Movement in 2015?

“We spoke to our agencies and said, who wants to join us? More than 200 joined us. ..We tried, and it surprises me. Singaporeans reacted again shows that we are a true nation that actually want to help. So, it's not (just) ComChest's effort. It is everybody's effort.”

Mr Phillip Tan​
Chairman, Community Chest (2013 - 2021)

Our Oral History Collection

The Oral History Documentation of the pioneers and giants of the social service sector can be accessed via the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) website.

Join us as Oral History Advocates (OHA)

A group of Oral History Advocates posing for a photo.

The National Council of Social Service (NCSS) would like to call out on the social service sector to join us and participate in the documentation of the rich history of the sector, as reference for learning and to shape the future.

Register with us

Please complete the form in less than 5 minutes for us to contact you.