It is not enough to be compassionate. You must act. – Dalai Lama.
Indeed, this year’s Outstanding Social Worker Award recognised a stellar individual who not only has heart, but is committed to making a difference in her community.
Ms Melissa Chew received the highest honour given to Social Workers from President Halimah Yacob at the Istana on 16 November. The Principal Social Worker from Tan Tock Seng Hospital was recognised for her many contributions, including spearheading projects to minimise inefficiencies to reduce long-stays in hospitals. While Melissa’s mother initially worried about her career choice, she was eventually won over by Melissa’s passion, and stood proudly with her daughter at the award ceremony.
Alongside Melissa, three young social workers took home the Promising Social Worker Award: Ms Tay Yu Ping, Acting Senior Social Worker, Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS); Mr Benjamin Yeo, Senior Social Worker, Fei Yue Community Services; and Ms Zoe Tee Wan Ting, Senior Probation Officer, Ministry of Social and Family Development. They all excel in different fields carrying with them that same professionalism, commitment and passion.
The President’s Tea Reception for Social Workers was also held after the ceremony to celebrate the important work of the profession. It was the perfect opportunity for social workers from different parts of the social service sphere to relax, and meet and interact to understand each other’s sub-sectors. Click here to read SASW’s President Welcome Address.
Thanks for being there and making the event a success. See you next year!
