Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 2) | Page 134

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Against these nationwide efforts to foster a closely knit society for
nation building, social workers played a key role by participating in the
development of programmes, consultations, feedback, visioning and policy
development. Social workers were among the designers, shapers and
artisans of programmes, schemes and processes. These pioneers are known
for their astute observations and skills in designing schemes that aim to
help families with their social problems while maintaining self-respect and
self-determination. As much as possible, the conditionality that came with
receiving help fostered a self-reliance as the eventual goal.

Singapore’s Social Safety Net
Social work has also made significant contributions to issues of social
safety net in Singapore. From the perspective of social work, the challenge
in providing a social safety net is selecting the appropriate model of
human service provisions. The social work perspective would deem a
model appropriate if it nurtures the strengths in individuals, families and
communities to safeguard their well-being by raising their resources and
enhancing their self-determination to realise their potential.
In recent years, many governments had to confront the dual challenges of an
ageing population and rising expectations from their citizens. Globalisation
has also added complexities to these challenges, with some blaming free
trade and open markets for widening income inequality and causing median
wage stagnation. Amidst this global context, Singapore continues to adhere
to and implement a policy of social inclusion that is driven by supported
self-reliance. Self-reliance and a healthy work ethic are virtues that benefit
both the individual and the society. Having access to good jobs and the
opportunities to apply one’s talent and skills at work contribute to social
well-being at both the individual and societal levels. These virtues could
have also driven private initiative and enterprise. But as needs and demand
for human services grow, how does one foster social inclusion and safeguard
the culture of supported self-reliance? Prior to addressing this question, it is
useful to examine three pillars that support the principle of social inclusion.
Subsidy in education
Subsidised education is a key component of Singapore’s approach to social
inclusion. Premised on the belief that education promotes social mobility,
the Singapore government has focused much attention on ensuring equal
opportunity to quality education. Education is heavily subsidised to prevent
wide differences in educational opportunities between the better-off and
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