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Straits Times
09-07-2025
- General
- Straits Times
New programme empowers social service professionals to raise awareness on their roles
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Minister for Social and Family Development, Masagos Zulkifli speaks at the Tribe Ambassadors programme's Open Mic Day on July 9. SINGAPORE – As an early intervention educator at Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities, Ms Ivy Chew is often confused for an early childhood educator, where people assumed that she primarily taught mainstream curriculum to children with special needs. Instead, she focuses on developing skills in children that help to foster independence. 'When I explain my role to the public, I often describe it as being a teacher for children under the age of seven with developmental needs, such as autism. Many are surprised to learn that such services exist for young children,' the 40-year-old added. Other professionals in lesser known roles in the social service sector face similar challenges explaining their role to others. To tackle this, Ms Chew and a team of social service professionals in lesser-known roles such as speech therapists and educational psychologists intend to use interactive videos to shine light on professions that are less known in the social sector. Ms Ivy Chew Bishan, 40, at the Tribe Ambassadors Programme's Open Mic Day at the National Library on July 9. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN Her team presented this idea at Tribe Ambassadors Programme's Open Mic Day at the National Library on July 9. The pilot programme by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), which began in February, aims to train social service professionals i n content creation. There are 36 social service professionals from 31 social services agencies in the first batch of Tribe Ambassadors. They worked in teams to conceptualise content to spotlight and foster pride among social service professionals, while also encouraging individuals to join the sector. With support from MSF and NCSS, they will bring their ideas to life across the rest of 2025. Ms Ivy's team intends to engage audiences on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram through 'Guess My Job' videos featuring a series of social service professionals, who give clues about their job before inviting viewers to guess their profession. The professionals then reveal their roles and encourage viewers to learn more about the featured profession and explore career opportunities in the sector. Speaking at the July 9 event, Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli said Tribe Ambassadors amplify the impact of the social service sector. 'Beyond being practitioners of care at work, you are voices of credibility and compassion for the social service profession,' he added. 'When stories are told, myths debunked and awareness raised on social media through videos, gamification concepts and podcasts – it is very creative! I used to think there was only one way to connect. In fact, there are many, many ways.' Six other teams of Tribe Ambassadors presented their ideas at the Open Mic Day, with ideas ranging from short videos spotlighting social service professionals through their loved ones, to podcasts where professionals speak on the emotional depth and complexity of the work that they do. One team plans to create short videos where heads of social service agencies share their commitments in a 'What's in My Cal(endar)' format that gives viewers a glimpse of different facets of their work. One of the team's members, Ms Lorraine Lim, 51, deputy chief operating officer at the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations's (SCWO), said that her day typically consists of her meeting clients for counselling, training other counsellors, and sometimes even conducting outreach and advocacy work. Ms Lorraine Lim, alongside team members Mr Sugyanto Suryono (left) and Mohksin Mohd Rashid, at the Tribe Ambassadors Programme's Open Mic Day at the National Library on July 9. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN She hopes that through these videos, others will understand her work better. 'That is when they know they can reach out to SCWO for help and support – as we work to promote gender equality in our society for women to have 'Equal Space, Equal Voice and Equal Worth',' she added, citing the organisation's mission.
AsiaOne
07-07-2025
- General
- AsiaOne
Fewer marriages and births in Singapore in 2024; greater stability for later cohorts, Singapore News
SINGAPORE — Fewer couples tied the knot in 2024, with a more than 10 per cent drop from the record-high number of marriages registered in 2022. A total of 26,328 couples registered their marriages in 2024, down from 28,310 in 2023 and 29,389 in 2022, during a post-pandemic surge when Covid-19 rules were relaxed. The 2022 figure is the highest since data on marriages was first published in 1961. These latest numbers were released by the Ministry of Social and Family Development on July 7 in its Family Trends Report 2025. The 37-page report laid out statistics related to stages of family life like marriage, parenthood, early childhood and ageing. The number of civil marriages dropped across all age groups in 2024, but the decline was most significant among marriages involving brides and grooms aged 25 to 34. The number of civil marriages involving brides aged 25 to 29 fell by 988 in 2024, and by 506 for those aged 30 to 34. Similarly, civil marriages involving grooms aged 25 to 29 fell by 758 in 2024, and by 583 for those aged 30 to 34. "Decisions surrounding marriages are deeply personal, but we can do more to assure couples if they do choose to start a family," said Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli, in a speech at the National Family Festival Appreciation Event held at One Farrer Hotel on July 7. Singapore has enhanced its marriage and parenthood support over the years, he added. "As a community, we can also support young couples around us, such as through sharing our own journeys and lessons." In 2024, a total of 7,382 marriages ended in a divorce or an annulment, a 3.7 per cent increase from 7,118 in 2023, according to data from the Department of Statistics Singapore (DOS) on July 7. Marriages have been more stable in recent years. The average number of marital dissolutions per year between 2020 and 2024 was 7,291, lower than the yearly average of 7,536 between 2015 and 2019. The median age at which people got married in 2024 remained similar to that in 2023. Grooms in Singapore got married at the median age of 31.1, while brides wedded at the median age of 29.6 in 2024. Singapore's resident total fertility rate, which refers to the average number of babies each woman would have during her reproductive years, remained the same in 2024 from the previous year at 0.97. The 0.97 rate was a historic low in 2023, falling from 1.04 in 2022 and 1.12 in 2021. In 2014, around 11 per cent of female residents aged between 40 and 49 who were ever married did not have any children, and this rose to 15 per cent in 2024. The proportion of such women who have one child rose, from 21.6 per cent in 2014 to 25.1 per cent in 2024. According to data from DOS in May, there were a total of 33,703 births in Singapore in 2024. This dropped slightly from 33,541 in 2023 and 35,605 in 2022. Similar to the trend in past years, fewer couples who wed in more recent years ended their marriages compared with those who wed earlier. The marriage dissolution rate before the 10th anniversary in a marriage fell among those who got married between 2006 and 2013, compared with the 2005 cohort. The proportion of couples that ended their marriage before their 10th anniversary fell from 17 per cent among those who wed in 2005 to 15.3 per cent for those who wed in 2012, and continued to decline to 14.4 per cent for those who wed in 2013. The most significant improvement was among Muslim marriages. Around 25 per cent of Muslim couples who wed in 2005 ended their marriage before the 10th anniversary, but this proportion fell to 18.2 per cent in couples who married in 2013. This follows government and community-led initiatives like more marriage preparation courses and marital programmes for couples at different stages of marriage over the years. MSF's report also pointed to a 2024 study by the National Council of Social Service on the quality of life of children, youth and caregivers, which surveyed 2,000 respondents. It found that nine in 10 parents of children and youth reported moderate to high family resilience scores. Resilience refers to the ability to cope with and adapt to challenges, or bounce back from difficult life events. Parents who reported moderate to high family resilience did well in areas like communication and problem-solving, and had strong family belief systems, said the report. "I am encouraged, as the report shows that Singapore continues to be a good place for families. Families are strong and resilient, parents are supported in child-raising, and Singaporeans are embracing a family friendly society," said Masagos. "Our collective efforts have brought us this far, and we must continue building on this." [[nid:712625]] This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
Straits Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
New $7.5m fund to encourage social service agencies to track impact of their programmes
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli speaking at the Social Service Summit on July 2. SINGAPORE - Social service agencies can now tap a new $7.5 million fund by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) to assess their programmes, refine services and better support clients. The SG60 Towards Sustainability Fund will provide a special one-off grant of $30,000 to eligible agencies. This move to strengthen the capabilities of agencies wil l help them attract sustained funding from donors, ensuring that their programmes can continue to thrive, said Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli on July 2. He was speaking at the Social Service Summit held at Sands Expo and Convention Centre. About 2,000 industry professionals and foreign delegates attended the two-day event. Social service agencies which are NCSS members can apply for the new fund. Mr Masagos laid out three moves to bring the social service sector forward: tapping technology for greater impact, developing social service agencies' capabilities and uplifting professionals in the sector. He said the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) is implementing various digital tools to support the social services sector. It will roll out a new system for the sector, CaseCentral, which uses artificial intelligence to streamline case management processes, automate workflows and provide insights on clients and their families. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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Developed by Open Government Products, the tool was made available to eligible social service agencies in January. In his speech, Mr Masagos also touched on the benefits and risks of technology advancements. This includes its potential to connect people, but also lead to increased social isolation, as well as the impact of social media on mental health, especially among the young. And while technology greatly facilitates the sharing of information, poor cybersecurity can lead to data leaks and misuse, he said. 'These are just some of the very real issues that face our society and our clients. As part of the social service sector, we must become familiar with them,' he said. He said social service agencies can reach more people with their services with the prevalence of AI chatbots, virtual assistants, and remote services such as online counselling. 'Ultimately though, we are a sector built on heart and soul,' he said. 'Our use of data, technology and AI can allow us to provide more personalised and targeted care. But the human touch and empathy with which we deliver our services can and must be evident even as we leverage technology for service delivery.' Ms Petrina Tan, head of corporate communications and partnership at Care Corner Singapore, said the new fund would help the agency to measure 'meaningful progress' for initiatives where impact can only be seen over a long time, to know a programme is on track. 'It's important for us to understand early on whether the programme design needs any adjustments, so we can stay responsive and ensure it delivers the best outcomes,' she said. At Care Corner Singapore, over 100 of its social workers have used Scribe, in counselling and casework sessions with clients - which include low-income parents, seniors and couples going through divorce - since January. This has cut down the time taken for them to prepare case notes from one hour to 30 minutes, said Ms Gina Lin, design lead in Care Corner's Innovation Squad. Previously, social workers took notes on paper during the sessions or relied on their memory to put reports together. 'Now that the worker doesn't have to write notes to remember or just try to recall what the client has said, it has allowed them to be a lot more present and just to focus on the client during the session,' she said. To support their digitalisation efforts, agencies can also tap NCSS' Transformation Sustainability Scheme, which provides funding for human resource functions and talent attraction, among other aspects . Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli touring the exhibition at the Social Service Summit 2025 on July 2. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI To recognise the more than 20,000 professionals in the social service sector, MSF has also designated this SG60 year as the Year of Celebrating Social Service Professionals, said Mr Masagos. 'This year, we have publicised the meaningful work of social service professionals on various channels, to raise awareness of the different roles in the sector and inspire greater appreciation for their many contributions.' The inaugural Social Service Professional Awards will also be presented on July 2 to honour the work of professionals from social work to therapy and corporate services, he said. Salary ranges for the sector are also constantly reviewed to ensure it continues to draw talent, he said, adding that about 80 per cent of employees in the social service sector are paid according to the guidelines.
Straits Times
31-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
MSF will continue to build on collaborative approach to supporting families: Masagos
Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli reiterated the Government's upcoming plans to support families. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO MSF will continue to build on collaborative approach to supporting families: Masagos SINGAPORE – Shortly after getting married in 2021, social worker Eleanore James and her husband Timothy James started trying for a child – something Mr James had always wanted. But two months in, she experienced a sharp abdominal pain which landed her in the hospital. A battery of tests found cancer in both her ovaries. She said: 'My oncologist told us the very devastating news that it is not possible for us to have children. 'I felt like our world crashed. I had to make a difficult decision to propose an annulment to Timothy since we were still newly married.' But Mr James refused: 'I did not even want to reconsider. I remembered my wedding vows towards her – in sickness and in health.' On May 31, the couple's story was featured in an interactive exhibition at the launch of this year's National Family Festival. The showcase features a selection of stories about the ups and downs of family life submitted by over 500 families for a campaign run by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) called 'Real Families, Real Stories'. Mrs Eleanore James and her husband Timothy James participated in MSF's "Real Families, Real Stories" campaign because they wanted to bring hope to other couples. PHOTO: COURTESY OF TIMOTHY AND ELEANOR JAMES Mrs James, now 36, and Mr James, a 43-year-old halfway house operations assistant, chose to participate because they wanted to bring hope to other couples. The launch event was held at the Singapore Expo, and marks the start of a series of events across the island in June. Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli gave a speech at the festival's launch – his first since the general election and being sworn in on May 23. He reiterated the Government's upcoming plans to support families, such as the increase in shared parental leave from 26 to 30 weeks in April 2026, and more benefits for couples who have two or more children announced at the 2025 Budget. He said: 'Family is critical to our journey in our life, and also as a nation... As our society evolves, so do the needs of our families. They change, and therefore we must ensure that familial support systems remain relevant and robust.' These moves were implemented as part of a plan launched three years ago – 'A Singapore Made for Families 2025', he said. 'This marked a pivotal shift in how we support and uplift families. Through the plan, we established a collaborative approach, where we integrate government support across every stage of family life, to ensure that families have a comprehensive ecosystem of support.' The launch event for this year's National Family Festival at the Singapore Expo marks the start of a series of events across the island in June. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO MSF will continue to build on the progress of the last three years, Mr Masagos added. At the Forward Singapore engagement sessions, many shared their hopes and concerns for the future, including in areas such as cost of living, housing accessibility and affordability, and fostering more family-friendly practices, he noted. 'We have heard you, and will continue to enhance our support for families,' he said. The Government's vision is to build a Singapore made for families, but this is not something it can do alone, Mr Masagos said. 'We cannot realise this vision on our own. Throughout the decades, we have seen community participation and partnership playing a significant role in the success of our nation, and therefore in fulfilling this vision.' With the partnership between the community, corporates and the Government, efforts are amplified and more lives are reached, he added. 'We all have a part to play in this journey. Let us continue to build a Singapore in which every family feels valued and supported, wherever they may be in life,' he said. One family at the event was retired contractor Toh Chee Keong, 57, and housewife Vu Thi Sam, 42, with their six children aged between four and 18. Mr Toh said having a large family is a joy, but good finances are the most important ingredient in making it work. He said: 'I'm lucky enough that I can support my family... We have two helpers to do the housework, which really lessens our burden. So we just enjoy watching our children and playing with them.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
The Star
26-05-2025
- The Star
Safe clubbing campaign returns in Singapore but molestation and fights in nightspots continue to be concerns
The campaign was launched by Goh Pei Ming (third from left), Minister of State for Home Affairs and for Social and Family Development. -- PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): Despite fewer molestation cases and fights at nightlife venues, the return of the Safe Clubbing Campaign for its fifth year underscores ongoing concerns. The annual initiative organised by the Singapore Police Force and National Crime Prevention Council aims to promote responsible and moderate drinking habits while enjoying a night out. With the tagline 'Celebrate Right, Enjoy Responsibly', the 2025 campaign was launched on May 26 at live music venue HaveFun LiveShow at Bugis+ by Goh Pei Ming, Minister of State for Home Affairs and for Social and Family Development. As part of the campaign, Safe Clubbing drink coasters will be distributed to 209 public entertainment outlets islandwide. These coasters feature safety reminders and a QR code linking to the Safe Clubbing Challenge mobile game launched in 2024. Advisory videos conveying key safety messages – such as respecting boundaries and staying calm to defuse potentially tense situations – will also be shown at nightspots. The videos feature local media personalities such as Li Nanxing, Constance Song, Vivian Lai, Evelyn Tan and Darren Lim. Goh said: 'No one will want to visit a public entertainment outlet hoping to have a good night out, only to end up injured, or to become a victim of crime. 'Public entertainment outlets with such reputation will probably find it more difficult to draw in customers. So, it makes good business sense, too, to work hand-in-hand and have measures in place to ensure that all Singaporeans looking for a night out will have a safe and enjoyable experience.' The police said outrage of modesty cases in the first quarter of the year declined by more than 34 per cent compared with the same period in 2024, dropping from 29 to 19. Similarly, cases involving rioting, affray, disorderly behaviour and serious hurt at nightspots saw a slight drop from 14 cases during the first three months of 2024 to 12 cases during the same period in 2025. This is a shift from the trends in 2024, when the campaign was held amid rising molestation cases and fights at nightspots. Previous versions of this campaign were also held in 2018, 2019 and 2023. Acknowledging the decline, Goh said: 'While the data is encouraging, such cases remain a concern, particularly outrage of modesty. In particular, these cases in and around public entertainment outlets still make up about 7 per cent of total cases nationwide last year.' In 2024, 103 out of 1,427 outrage of modesty cases occurred at nightspots. 'Fights at nightspots also continue to occur,' said Superintendent Randy Chua, commanding officer of Marina Bay Neighbourhood Police Centre. 'Through this campaign, we are reinforcing our collaboration with industry partners to create a safe and respectful environment for all,' he added. - The Straits Times/ANN
