Honouring the Past, Embracing the Present, Defining the Future
Supervision is focused on developing highly competent and confident Social Workers in many countries and supervision is a critical lever for capability building.
This biennial gathering of practitioners, researchers and policy makers will reflect on a decade of the Social Work Supervision Seminar series, celebrating its impact on the profession and exploring how past experiences inform current practices and future directions. The seminar will engage supervisors in shaping the future of Social Work Supervision in Singapore, covering sustainable strategies, technology integration, transdisciplinary settings, trauma-informed approaches, and guiding the next generation of Social Workers.
About SWAAB
The Social Work Accreditation and Advisory Board (SWAAB) Supervision Seminar Workgroup was formed in August 2015 to develop a set of recommended guidelines for Social Work supervision practice in Singapore. The Workgroup consists of Social Work-trained personnel in the academia, medical, government and community-based agencies. The Workgroup maintains that supervision supports Social Workers, ensures their continual professional education and ultimately enhances competent and ethical practice for clients.
Event Details
Date: 24 July 2025 (Thursday)
Time: 9:00am to 4:30pm
Venue: Furama RiverFront Hotel, 405 Havelock Rd, Singapore 169633
Programme Flow
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| 8.30am – 9.00am | Registration |
| 9.00am – 9.10am | Welcome Address by SWSS 2025 Co-Chairs |
| 9.10am – 9.25am | Opening Address by Guest of Honour – Minister Masagos Zulkifli |
| 9.25am – 9.40am | Keynote Speech by Ms Long Chey May, Director-General of Social Welfare, Director-General of Professional Services, and Chief Social Worker, Professional Services Group, Ministry of Social and Family Development; and Chair, SWAAB |
| 9.40am – 10.10am | Keynote Speech “Honouring the Past, Embracing the Present, Defining the Future in Social Work Supervision” by Professor Kieran O’Donoghue |
| 10.10am – 10.25am | Tea Break |
| 10.25am – 11.10am | Fireside Chat with the ICONs |
| 11.10am – 11.30am | The Scribble Story Technique: An Arts-Based Supervision Process |
| 11.30am – 12.20pm | Lecture: The Power of AND: Harnessing Polarity Thinking for Effective Social Work Supervision |
| 12.20pm – 1.00pm | Panel Session: Our SOSp Journey – Exercising Responsive Leadership in Today’s Context |
| 1.00pm – 2.00pm | Lunch & Poster Presentation |
| 2.00pm – 3.00pm | Breakout Sessions: • Breakout 1: Leadership Across Disciplines – The Social Worker’s Role in Supervision and Team Integration • Breakout 2: Exploring Digital Frontiers in Social Work Supervision – Leveraging technology in Enhancing Supervision Practices • Breakout 3: Supervision Across Generations • Breakout 4: Social Work Supervision for a Sustainable Future • Breakout 5: Supervision as a Catalyst for Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth in Supervisees |
| 3.00pm – 3.20pm | Tea Break |
| 3.20pm – 4.05pm | Plenary Session “Future Directed Supervision: Navigating Complexity, Change and Competence” |
| 4.05pm – 4.15pm | Closing Address on “Sustainable Social Work Supervision” by A/P Peace Wong Yuh Ju |
| 4.30pm | End of Programme |
Sessions & Speakers
Keynote Speech
9.25am – 9.40am; Venus Ballroom
Speakers:
Ms Long Chey May, Director-General of Social Welfare, Director-General of Professional Services, and Chief Social Worker, Professional Services Group, Ministry of Social and Family Development; and Chair, SWAAB
Ms Long Chey May is the Director-General of Social Welfare (DGSW), Director-General of Professional Services and Chief Social Worker in the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). As DGSW, Chey May plays an important role in the executive and custodial functions of the national legislation for the protection and welfare of vulnerable persons. As Director-General of Professional Services, she oversees MSF’s Professional Services Group to work with key stakeholders to set and maintain consistent practice standards and drive capability development both within the ministry and across the social service sector.
Chey May has more than 37 years of experience in the social and health sectors and has been supportive of professional activities such as the Social Work Accreditation and Advisory Board (SWAAB). Chey May is a Master Trainer for Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and was the co-chairperson of the National Social Work Competency Steering Committee (2015) and contributed to the Social Service SkillsFuture Tripartite Taskforce (STT) and Skills Framework development for Social Services.
Chey May started her career as a Counsellor in the Singapore Armed Forces and moved on to be the Head of the Medical Social Services Department / Senior Principal Medical Social Worker in Singapore General Hospital as well as Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. She was the Group Chief Patient Officer at NUHS prior to her appointment at MSF.
Chey May is well known in the social work community, having served as President of the Singapore Association of Social Workers (SASW) from 2017 to 2021. She was awarded the Outstanding Social Worker Award in 2008.
Keynote Speech “Honouring the Past, Embracing the Present, Defining the Future in Social Work Supervision”
9.40am – 10.10am; Venus Ballroom
Speakers:
- Professor Kieran O’Donoghue, Professor of Social Work School of Social Work, Massey University
Professor Kieran O’Donoghue is a Professor of Social Work at Massey University, Aotearoa New Zealand. He is a registered Social Worker, clinical supervisor, supervision educator, researcher and author. He coordinates the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Supervision at Massey University and has widely published on Social Work supervision. He is the lead Editor of the Routledge International Handbook of Social Work Supervision. In 2015, he was awarded the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers Quality and Innovation Trophy for Excellence in Research and Certificate for Research Excellence for his contribution to Social Work supervision research in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Fireside Chat with the ICONs
10.25am – 11.10am; Venus Ballroom, Jupiter 1, 2 and 3
Want to know more about the development of Social Work supervision from our very own Social Work icons? Come and interact with a Social Work icon (human library) who will provide greater insight about the development of Social Work supervision for the past 30 years and more. Come and listen to their stories and dream together for the future.
Speakers:
- Ms Ang Bee Lian, Commissioner for the Maintenance of Parents, Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)
- Ms Maureen Fung, Retired Social Worker
- Mr Benny Bong, Director/Consultant, The Family Therapy
- Mr Tony Ong, Clinical Director, Counselling and Care Centre
Ms Ang Bee Lian (top left) has had decades of experience in senior positions in MSF leading in social policy schemes and operations of wide range of statutory and community services. She is trained in systems thinking and its application in projects, programmes and services. She has coached and mentored cohorts of Social Workers and social service leaders.
Ms Maureen Fung (top right) was previously Executive Director of SOS and CEO of AWWA, and an adjunct lecturer at SUSS. She is currently involved on the Board of CCC Ltd & a volunteer on SHINE Children & Youth sub-committee.
Mr Benny Bong (bottom left) has been a Family and Marital Therapist, Trainer and Clinical Supervisor for the last forty years. He is currently in private practice, having worked with the Public and Social Service sector. Mr Bong is an external lecturer with the National University of Singapore (Social Work Department), Executive Counselling Training Academy (collaboration with the Flinders University, Australia), Singapore Bible College (School of Counselling) and Family Resource and Training Centre.
Mr Tony Ong (bottom right) has been working with individuals, couples and families in the community for 31 years in Family Service Centres, Child Protection Specialist Centre and currently at Counselling and Care Centre.
He has a Bachelor of Arts from National University of Singapore in Social Work and Psychology and holds a Masters Degree in Counselling. He is a practising systemic practitioner, who is also trained in Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and currently, Somatic Experiencing.
He has been providing supervision and supervision of supervisory practice to interns, social service practitioners and private practitioners for about 29 years. He has also been conducting supervision training and coaching for social service practitioners and private practitioners in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.
The Power of AND: Harnessing Polarity Thinking for Effective Social Work Supervision
11.10am – 12.15pm; Venus Ballroom
In the complex landscape of Social Work supervision, many challenges are not problems to be solved but ongoing tensions to be managed. Whether at the level of client work, supervisory relationships, organizational structures, or broader systemic influences, supervisors frequently encounter competing values: evaluation and development, task focus and emotional support, process and outcomes. These are not either/or dilemmas—they are interdependent pairs that call for a both/and mindset for a Higher Purpose.
Polarity Thinking equips and sharpens supervisors with the ability to recognize and leverage these tensions at the various system levels, leading to more thoughtful decision-making, reduced conflict, and more ethical, sustainable practice. By embracing The Power of AND, supervisors can navigate complexity with greater clarity, compassion, and effectiveness.
This session will introduce the concepts of Polarity Thinking, with integration of the Seven-Eyed Model of Supervision and provide practical strategies for applying them in supervision. Participants will walk away with deeper insight into managing polarities which can enhance their supervision, leadership and impact in dynamic Social Work environments.
Speakers:
- Dr Douglas O’Loughlin, Principal, The Dao of Thriving
- Ms Theresa Wang, Director, Specialised Services Group, SHINE Children & Youth Services
Dr Douglas O’Loughlin (left) is the Principal of The Dao of Thriving and an Associate Consultant with Civil Service College. Originally from New York, he first visited Asia when he was with AT&T, and ended up living in Singapore in 1993 after a series of serendipitous events. He has worked as a Senior Principal Consultant in the Singapore Public Service and has worked across all sectors and in more than 20 countries.
Douglas believes that organisations and communities can flourish and contribute to the growth and development of individuals and believes that polarity thinking can help make this happen. He has done a TEDx Singapore talk, has written two books, Facilitating Transformation and ANDlightenment: Polarity Thinking from Self to Society, and edited a third, Creating and Holding Spaces.
Ms Theresa Wang (right) is trained in Social Work, counselling, and clinical supervision, and holds a Master’s in Family Therapy from King’s College London (2017). With her training background and area of interest, she had supported Social Workers’ professional growth, development and skillsets, through consultancy, training and supervision.
Theresa currently leads the Specialized Services Group (SSG) at SHINE, overseeing youth programmes that address both preventive and remedial aspects of juvenile delinquency, individual and family therapy service, as well as research, training, and consultancy services to strengthen practice across the sector.
She also chairs the Youth Care Local Network, which brings together social service agencies, law enforcement, and schools to coordinate efforts, enhance support for children and youths, and address emerging service gaps in the community.
Panel Session: Our SOSp Journey – Exercising Responsive Leadership in Today’s Context
12.20pm – 1.00pm; Venus Ballroom
In our volatile and complex environment, Social Work supervisors are required to be adept at meeting service demands that evolve rapidly and support capability development on multiple fronts. From being proficient in specific domains of practice, to becoming confident in supervisory practices, senior practitioners across different social services face an urgent call to exercise responsive leadership in managing critical challenges of our operating context today.
At this plenary session moderated by veteran supervisor Ms Lee Yean Wun, join us to tap into the insights of three Social Work leaders in their journeys to exercise and uplift supervision of supervisory practices in their various spheres of influence.
Speakers:
- Ms Ong Pei Ni, Director, Allkin Singapore
- Ms Chan Lay Lin, Principal Medical Social Worker, Institute of Mental Health
- Ms Pang Kee Tai, Deputy CEO, PAVE Integrated Services Ltd
Moderator:
- Ms Lee Yean Wun, Executive Director, Kampong Kapor Community Services
Ms Ong Pei Ni (top left) is Director of the Specialist Services Division with Allkin Singapore. She oversees services that uplift individuals, families and children, as well as the establishment of strategies and structures to develop and support staff. Previously, she held the position of Principal Social Worker. Over the years, Pei Ni has led various workgroups to spearhead initiatives, such as the core clinical competency framework for Social Work practitioners across Allkin’s four Family Service Centres (FSCs), which ensures quality clinical service standards. She also has vast experience working with multi-stressed families and individuals. Pei Ni holds a Master of Social Work (with Child Welfare certification) from the University of Michigan.
Ms Chan Lay Lin (top right) spent her last three decades working in the community and healthcare sectors, as a Social Worker, systemic psychotherapist and supervisor across family service centres and hospital settings. In 2009, she set up and formalised systemic psychotherapy as a treatment service under the auspice of Psychotherapy Services in the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).
Lay Lin now helms the department in mental health Social Work training and education at IMH, and continues emphasizing the application of a systemic approach to mental health Social Work. Her professional interests span from couple therapy, family violence and grief work to qualitative research.
Ms Pang Kee Tai (bottom left) is Deputy CEO of PAVE Integrated Services Ltd and leads its training programme. A social worker by profession, she counts it her privilege to have worked alongside individuals, families and community partners in the management of interpersonal and family violence since PAVE’s inception in 1999. She has more than 3 decades of experience supporting multiply stressed families, providing individual counselling, facilitating men’s groups, providing training on the issue of family violence to the police, social service practitioners, medical teams, grassroots leaders, educators, etc. She also co-authored PAVE’s publication “Engaging Men Who Abuse”.
Ms Lee Yean Wun (bottom right) is a trained social worker and family and marital therapist. She is currently the Executive Director with Kampong Kapor Community Services. She started her social work journey working with at risk youths in the community. She has had the privilege in being involved in the starting of many innovative national programmes like the Mandatory Counselling Programme for family violence, Guidance Programme for youth at risk, School based Social Work, Intensive Case Management Programme to work with families with highly complex and chronic needs.
Her practice in the last 20 years has been very focused in working with lower income families. She is a Master Practice Leader to the Family Service Sector. She serves the sector in many roles contributing at national level committees, training and consultation with fellow professionals in the social service sector.
Breakout Session 1: Leadership Across Disciplines – The Social Worker’s Role in Supervision and Team Integration
2.00pm – 3.00pm; Jupiter 1
Join us for an exploration of Social Workers’ evolving leadership in cross-disciplinary supervision within healthcare and social services. This session examines how Social Workers leverage their expertise in systems thinking and collaborative practice to lead multi-disciplinary teams effectively while navigating professional boundaries with finesse.
Through real-world examples, we’ll examine both challenges and opportunities in cross-disciplinary supervision. From establishing clear clinical accountability to harmonising diverse professional cultures, we’ll discuss practical strategies that Social Workers employ to create collaborative environments while preserving distinct professional identities and fostering meaningful cross-disciplinary communication.
Our speakers will share insights on enhancing service integration and learn how successful leaders build team capabilities and cultural competence in supervision, drawing from their experiences in early childhood intervention and hospital settings.
Looking to the future, we’ll explore emerging trends and possibilities in cross-disciplinary supervision. Join us as we discuss the development of formal supervision frameworks, evolving professional standards, and the integration of evidence-based practices that are shaping the next frontier of Social Work leadership in integrated care settings.
Speakers:
- Ms Tan Sze Wee, Executive Director, Rainbow Centre, and President, Singapore Association of Social Workers
- Ms Linda Marican, Principal Social Worker, Rainbow Centre
- Ms Bridget Monica Das, Senior Principal Medical Social Worker / Head of Department, Ren Ci Hospital
- Ms Tan Pei Pei, Principal Medical Social Worker / Deputy Head, Ren Ci Hospital
Ms Tan Sze Wee (top left) is the Executive Director of Rainbow Centre, Singapore, where she leads efforts to build inclusive communities and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. With a career spanning both Social Work practice and management, she brings deep expertise and extensive experience to the sector, enabling her to design and implement impactful programs.
She has been instrumental in driving initiatives that improve transitions for individuals across different life stages and services, strengthen support systems, and foster societal inclusion. Her work is anchored in the belief that meaningful change occurs when individuals are empowered to leverage their strengths and build thriving lives.
Beyond her role at Rainbow Centre, Sze Wee serves as the President of the Singapore Association of Social Workers, where she champions the advancement of the Social Work profession and the broader social service sector.
Ms Linda Marican (top right) has over 23 years of experience in the social service sector and has worked across a range of settings including Family Service Centres, Crisis Shelters, Medical Social Work, and the Special Needs sector. Her extensive background includes direct practice as a Social Worker and providing support to fellow Social Workers in their professional roles.
In 2022, she transitioned into a new position where she plays a key role in supporting a multidisciplinary team of therapists and psychologists. Her deep understanding of client needs and collaborative approach continues to contribute meaningfully to integrated care and holistic support for individuals and families.
Ms Bridget Monica Das (bottom right) is Head of Psychosocial Services at Ren Ci Hospital, where she leads a multi-disciplinary team of Social Workers, art and music therapists, and care coordinators. With over 25 years of experience across family service, community care, and eldercare, Bridget has always believed in the power of relationships and reflective practice to drive meaningful change. She has been a key driver behind programmes like OASIS, Colour Me Happy, and Ren Ci’s caregiver initiatives—projects that bring dignity, joy, and connection to elders and their families. A certified clinical supervisor and Satir-informed practitioner, Bridget nurtures not just clients, but also the next generation of helping professionals. She is deeply committed to supervision as a space for growth, integration, and collaboration across disciplines. Grounded yet visionary, Bridget’s leadership continues to shape compassionate eldercare and inspire others to lead with both heart and skill.
Ms Tan Pei Pei (bottom right) is the Principal Medical Social Worker and Deputy Head of Psychosocial Services at Ren Ci Hospital. With over 24 years of experience in community and long-term care, Pei Pei has been quietly shaping the way we support elders and their families. She has been instrumental in developing meaningful programmes like OASIS and Ren Ci’s caregiver initiatives—efforts that bring dignity, joy, and emotional connection to those in care. A strong advocate of whole-person and family-centred care, Pei Pei also led the development of the K.I.N.S. caregiver support framework and contributes to national work on care transitions. As a trained clinical supervisor, she is deeply committed to nurturing growth across disciplines—guiding Social Workers, art and music therapists, and care coordinators alike. Pei Pei leads with calm strength, reflection, and a steady heart—mentoring others to care deeply, think systemically, and uphold dignity in every encounter.
Breakout Session 2: Exploring Digital Frontiers in Social Work Supervision – Leveraging Technology in Enhancing Supervision Practices
2.00pm – 3.00pm; Jupiter 2
Join us for an insightful exploration of how technology is transforming Social Work supervision. This session examines the intersection of artificial intelligence, and data analytics with traditional supervision practices.
Drawing from Viriya’s pioneering implementation of AI in clinical supervision, we’ll discuss practical applications and lessons learned. The session will delve into how technology enhances the three core functions of supervision – administrative, educational, and supportive – through innovations like speech-to-text technology, AR/VR training scenarios, and AI-assisted reflexive questioning.
We’ll conclude by examining pressing questions about the future: What is AI role in clinical supervision? What ethical considerations must we address? Join the conversation as we navigate these emerging frontiers in Social Work supervision.
Speakers:
- Dr Gerard Chung, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, National University of Singapore
- Mr Andy Lam, Executive Director, Viriya Community Services
- Ms Liang Ting Ting, Lead Social Worker / Practice Lead Viriya Community Services
Dr Gerard Chung (left) is an assistant professor of Social Work at the National University of Singapore, researching on technology in Social Work. He graduated with a PhD in Social Work from UNC at Chapel Hill. He did his postdoctoral at A*STAR, and Social Service Research Centre. Before academia, he practiced as a Social Worker at Fei Yue Family Service Centre. As a Social Work researcher, he is intrigued by the complex relationship between our Social Work professional identity and the rapid technological changes we are experiencing, particularly the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into our field. Current projects that he is involved in includes implementing SCRIBE note-taking tool in agencies, identifying best practices in text-based engagement with users on digital platforms, and developing AI tools for immersive simulated training for Social Workers and students.
Mr Andy Lam (centre) is currently the Executive Director of Viriya Community Services, a social service organisation as well as the President of the Singapore Association for Counselling. Andy has been a counselling and Social Work practitioner for close to 20 years. His areas of interest include the provision of casework services, clinical supervision, improving standards of practice, training, and organisational development. He was previously a Senior Court Family Specialist with the Family Justice Courts, focusing on family dispute resolution work, extending from his strong belief in systemic principles. Andy is a Registered Counsellor, Registered Clinical Supervisor as well as a Registered Social Worker.
Ms Liang Ting Ting (right) is a Lead Social Worker with Viriya Community Services. She concurrently holds a Practice Lead position in the organisation, overseeing the implementation of VCS Practice Framework. She has more than 15 years of practice experience, with the last 10 years focusing on the provision of supervision in both individual and group settings. She has a keen interest in incorporating the use of technology to enhance the supervisory experience, for both supervisors and supervisees.
Breakout Session 3: Supervision Across Generations
2.00pm – 3.00pm; Jupiter 3
Social Work Supervisors often find themselves navigating differences in values, workstyles and communication preferences and the expectations among Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z. These Generational dynamics can sometimes lead to tension, miscommunication or sense of “us” versus them. They can be also a powerful source of growth, innovation and mutual learning – if approached intentionally.
This interactive workshop aims to use traditional supervision approaches for bridging generational gaps. Grounded in principles of reflective and collaborative practice, the session encourages supervisors to embrace a mindset shift – moving from viewing generational differences as sources of conflict to seeing them as opportunities for learning and growth.
Through facilitated discussions and experiential learning, participants will discuss framework and skills to create inclusive environments that celebrate generational diversity.
Speakers:
- Ms Nur Hilyah Saparin, Principal Social Worker, Persatuan Pemudi Islam Singapura (PPIS)
- Ms Rachel Koh, Social Worker, Singapore Children’s Society
- Ms Nisha Sanjay Verma, Senior Social Worker/ Manager, Ministry of Social and Family Development
Ms Nur Hilyah Saparin (left) is currently a Principal Social Worker at PPIS focusing on capability and competency building. Hilyah brings with her 24 years of sector experience, including more than a decade in Social Work management and clinical leadership. She has worked extensively with children and families and has led teams in family preservation and parenting support work as well as practice supervision. Prior to joining PPIS, Hilyah held senior leadership roles at then AMKFSC Community Services, where she was instrumental in growing its specialist services and strengthening supervisory capacity. Having supervised across generations of social service practitioners, Hilyah is continually energised by the process of learning new perspectives, as well as the personal and professional growth that comes from unlearning and relearning. She remains deeply committed to fostering reflective practice and intergenerational learning in Social Work.
Ms Rachel Koh (centre) is a millennial Social Worker who is 6.5 years into practice. Her current work at Yishun Family Service @ Children’s Society focuses on supporting lesser-resourced families residing in the public rental flats. She’s been a supervisee of more senior practitioners and a supervisor of both Gen-Zs and millennials who are older than herself. Together with some friends, they ran a Social Work podcast available on Spotify called “Social Work Made Accessible”, with the hope of making social-work related conversations accessible to junior staff.
Ms Nisha Sanjay Verma (right) is a millennial Senior Manager at Ministry of Social and Family Development, Protective Services, bringing 7 years of dynamic experience in child protection. She navigates the unique position of supervising both Gen-Z officers and fellow millennials, some of whom bring different life experiences to the team. Understanding the evolving landscape of Social Work practice, her supervision style acknowledges that learning flows in multiple directions – whether it’s leveraging Gen-Z officers’ innovative problem-solving approaches or drawing from the lived experiences and practice experience of seniors. Through facilitated case consultations and reflective practice sessions, she creates spaces where diverse perspectives enhance the team’s collective expertise. Nisha is particularly passionate about bridging generational strengths to build a more resilient and adaptive child protection service.
Breakout Session 4: Social Work Supervision for a Sustainable Future
2.00pm – 3.00pm; VIP Room
This breakout session aims to explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) within the context of Social Work practice in Singapore, with a focus on improving social mobility among lower-income families. The workshop will challenge current practices that tend to be remedial and case work-focused, and encourage participants to consider more sustainable, long-term approaches that is grounded on the principles of empowerment, strengths-based and systems thinking. Special emphasis will be placed on the critical role that social work supervisors can play in shaping the mindset and practices of Social Workers.
Speakers:
- Ms Ng Bee Leng, Divisional Director, Strategy & Transformation Division, Allkin Singapore
- Ms Ruth Tan, Executive Director, South Central Community Family Service Centre
Ms Ng Bee Leng (left) is a Social Worker by training and is currently the Divisional Director of the Strategy & Transformation Division at Allkin Singapore. Working with disadvantaged communities for the past 30 years has brought her to believe that people with lived experiences are the experts of their own lives. She believes in Asset Based Community-led Development where people in the community focus on “what is strong” and come together to participate in resolving their problems.
Ms Ruth Tan (right) graduated from NUS in Social Work and Mathematics with a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Supervision. In her formative years, she was trained in Satir Transformational therapy and Expressive Therapies and thereafter dwelling more in Assets-Based Community Development (ABCD approaches). Despite the humbling 22 years of practising Social Work, her focus over the last 7 years has been around poverty transformation (social mobility) in the neighbourhoods, including Social Work and Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) work in building empowered and sustainable communities. Apart from actively contributing towards the mindset change of how those living in relative poverty in Singapore are viewed, she hopes to effect meaningful change in the way Social Work and community work are being carried out through the humility of unlearning and re-learning for meaningful dignified change to occur from a more grounds-up perspective. Aside to work, she is also a hands-on mother to 3 children and outside of work, volunteers in her personal capacity to supporting and building communities. She aspires from “Being a Humbler Learner towards being a Useful Outsider” to the lower-income and marginalised communities and sees the value of families and people with lived experiences being needed and integral to communities, rather than being needy.
Breakout Session 5: Supervision as a Catalyst for Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth in Supervisees
2.00pm – 3.00pm; Venus Ballroom
In this presentation, Yoges will share key findings from her PhD research on trauma-informed supervision and its impact on supervisee in Singapore, and Nicki will present findings from a national supervision research project undertaken in Aotearoa New Zealand. They will begin by defining the concepts of resilience and post-traumatic growth and then offer ideas and techniques that supervisors can apply to support supervisees in developing these positive outcomes. This workshop will explore the concept of ‘mental fitness’ and a holistic model of wellbeing. They will also share ways supervisors can sustain their own well-being and resilience, enabling them to continue providing ethical, effective, and supportive supervision.
Presentation objectives:
- Describe the impact on supervisees of working with clients who have experienced trauma and exposure to traumatic case material.
- Define Post Traumatic Growth.
- Describe how trauma-informed supervision directly impacts PTG.
- Define resilience and identify four capacities that support the mental fitness of both supervisees and supervisors.
- Explore a holistic focus to support supervisee and supervisor wellbeing
- Describe additional ways supervisors identified to sustain their wellbeing and resilience (key findings from NZ research)
- Highlight systems that need to be in place to support resilience and post-traumatic growth of Supervisees
Speakers:
- Ms Yoges Munisamy, Senior Principal Social Worker, MSF
- Dr Nicki Weld, Senior Lecturer, University of Auckland
Ms Yoges Munisamy (left) is a Senior Principal Social Worker at MSF with nearly 30 years of Social Work experience. A PhD candidate at the National University of Singapore, she researches trauma-informed supervision and its impact on supervisees. She lectures part-time at NUS for the master’s module on Family and Interpersonal Violence. With expertise in case work and systems intervention, supervision, trauma, protective behaviours, and resilience-building, she has guided practitioners in managing complex cases involving vulnerable populations in Singapore and abroad and also emphasised prevention work. Yoges has strengthened supervision structures, led clinical initiatives, and provided individual and group supervision across the community, hospital, and child protection sectors. As a trainer in supervision of supervisory practice (SOSP) at SASW, she has shaped professional development and contributed to key seminars defining the future of supervision locally and overseas. Through her leadership, she continues to enhance the support systems and professional growth of Social Workers to achieve quality client outcomes.
Dr Nicki Weld (right) is a senior lecturer at the University of Auckland in the postgraduate professional supervision programme and Director of CNZN ltd, providing training and supervision in different countries. She has worked for many years in various social service and child protection roles, including professional leader for Social Work in general health, senior Social Worker, supervisor, senior child protection trainer, and national Social Work advisor within the New Zealand government and non-government sectors. In Singapore, Nicki was a keynote speaker at the SWAAB seminar in 2021 on preventing professional dangerousness and has also trained child protection and sector supervisors on reflective supervision for safe practice. She is the author and co-author of seven books, including several on supervision. Nicki is the primary creator of the Three Houses tool, which is used internationally.
Plenary Session “Future Directed Supervision: Navigating Complexity, Change and Competence”
3.20pm – 4.05pm; Venus Ballroom
Speakers:
- Ms Han Yah Yee, CEO (Designate), Montfort Care
- Ms Tan Sze Wee, Executive Director, Rainbow Centre, and President, Singapore Association of Social Workers
- Dr Gerard Chung, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, National University of Singapore
- Ms Nisha Sanjay Verma, Senior Social Worker/ Manager, Ministry of Social and Family Development
- Professor Kieran O’Donoghue Professor of Social Work School of Social Work, Massey University
Moderator:
- Mrs Gracia Goh, Senior Director, Group Lead of Children in Care, Singapore Children’s Society
Ms Han Yah Yee (left) has a Bachelor in Arts and Social Sciences (Major in Social Work). She has more than 30 years of Social Work experience.
Started off as a Social Worker, she is now the CEO (Designate) of Montfort Care, overseeing a network of Social Work programs in serving the community. In year 2010, she is awarded with the Outstanding Social Worker Award.
Mrs Gracia Goh (right) worked closely with children and young persons who had been abused and/or severely neglected in residential care since 2006, and then with multi-stressed families through its family service centre. She led service teams at community-based drop-in centres in designing and implementing preventative and developmental programmes to pre-empt delinquency and strengthen developmental assets amongst at-risk children and youth groups. In collaboration with the Ministry and community partners, she started the reunification service at Children’s Society in 2017 as its Lead Social Worker, before her appointment as Clinical Service Director in 2019 for residential and reunification services at her agency. She currently oversees the Children in Care Service Group and Professional Development in Singapore Children’s Society.
Closing Address on “Sustainable Social Work Supervision”
4.05pm – 4.15pm; Venus Ballroom
Speakers:
- Associate Professor Peace Wong Yuh Ju, Deputy Head and Field Director with the Department of Social Work, National University of Singapore
A/P Peace Wong Yuh Ju is the Deputy Head and Field Director with the Department of Social Work at the National University of Singapore. She teaches different practice modules at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In recognition of her outstanding achievements in teaching, she received the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (2014-2022), Annual Teaching Excellence Award (2019, 2020, 2022) and is placed on Annual Teaching Excellence Award Honour Roll.
As a passionate practice educator, A/P Peace Wong seeks to enhance the Social Work profession through education and service to the community. She actively serves the community through her involvement in various advisory boards with government ministries, professional bodies and social service agencies. For her unwavering dedication and substantial contributions to the Ministry of Social & Family Development (MSF), Social Work and education, she was awarded the Friends of MSF (2019), Outstanding Social Worker Award (2023).
Important Notice
Update 27 June 2025: Registration is now closed! Thank you for your support.
Please note that there is a pre-requisite to joining the Seminar:
- Registrant should be a Social Work Supervisor; and
- Registrant must be able to commit to the full duration of the event.
Registrants are also encouraged to complete the survey linked in the registration form.
Due to limited seats being available, confirmed participants will be emailed after registration closes. We also reserve the right to close registration earlier once it is full and place you in a waitlist should there be too many registrants.
If you have any enquiries, please write to supervisionseminar@sasw.org.sg
