New SUSS social work school to help boost sector: Desmond Lee

It will enhance training, work with partners to build strong networks

- Gabrielle Chan

From growing loneliness to rapid technological disruption, social issues are becoming more complex as society evolves, said Education Minister Desmond Lee on Sept 4.

Challenges resulting from an ageing population, mental health pressures and economic dislocation are deeply intertwined, he said.

"Today's issues are increasingly complex, and the challenges people face are often manifestations of intractable as well as intertwined problems," said Mr Lee, who is also Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration.

He was speaking at the launch of Singapore University of Social Sciences' (SUSS) new School of Social Work and Social Development at the campus in Clementi.

To address these challenges, social work will need practice partners and people, said Mr Lee, which is why the launch of the new school is more than just the opening of an institution.

"Today marks not just the launch of a new school, but a new chapter in this journey towards building a strong social work sector, in order to lead boldly in the face of complex social challenges and to lay a strong foundation for the future," he said.

Announced in March, the new school will build on existing programmes and introduce a revamped curriculum to address workforce shortfalls, attrition and burnout in the social work sector.

The curriculum will allow students to specialise in various areas like the protection of vulnerable individuals, eldercare, disability services, family social work, and juvenile justice and correctional settings.

It will also include graduate-level courses to help social workers grow in their careers, and courses for those who want to switch to different areas within social work or develop new skills such as counselling, psychology, management or digital skills.

Students will also get enhanced practicum experience – a short-term supervised training stint with industry partners in their chosen field.