‘Much to do’ in building new social service capabilities: Chan Chun Sing

SINGAPORE — Social service capabilities must grow and competencies must be deepened against a changing economic and social landscape, said Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing.

Changing family structures and ageing demographics along with mobility concerns show that there is “much to do” in building new capabilities to better serve the needs of the various groups, he added.

Speaking at the inaugural Social Service Partners Conference today (May 21), Mr Chan also said that the social sector can also “do better”.

For example, opportunities for professionals in the sector must be widened and organisational capabilities such as human resource management must also be groomed.

To achieve all these, Mr Chan said that the community must come together to enable networks and local solutioning. Businesses and corporates can also play a part by sharing management and design capabilities and also providing funding, among others.

Mr Chan said that intense competition and shorter business cycles have caused the middle-income group to worry about finances and the youth, about job opportunities.

However, while comparison becomes rife in such a climate and studies show that relativity has become more apparent, Singapore is still in a “relative healthy position”, Mr Chan said.

“While others cut back, we are in a relative healthy position to do more. But we must do so judiciously to make the biggest impact with our resources.”

Speaking to reporters, Mr Hsieh Fu Hua, president of the National Council of Social Services, said it was reviewing its membership policies to possibly allow social enterprises or businesses to join the council.

He did not elaborate on when the review will be completed.

Currently, only voluntary welfare organisations who meet certain criteria can become members. There are over 400 NCSS members now.

“The whole idea is, how do you bring in those who have interest in the social service sector into the ecosystem? By bringing them in, they can participate in our forums and draw on our resources such as getting information and support. This would help with the quality and range of services to meet rising and increasing needs,” he said.