Welcome Remarks by Ms Margaret Thevarakom, SIF Director of International Volunteerism, at the SIF-University of Labour and Social Affairs Social Work Seminar

Dr Doan Mau Diep, Vice Minister of Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA),
His Excellency Ng Teck Hean, Singapore Ambassador to Vietnam,
Mr Nguyen Khac Binh, Senior Expert, Ministry of Education and Training,
Professor Nguyen Thi Thuan, Rector of the University of Labour and Social Affairs (ULSA),
Mr Tu Duc, Head of Social Work Division, Social Work Protection Department,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning. It’s wonderful to be here today, surrounded by friends from Singapore and Vietnam.

Today’s social work seminar is a culmination of more than three years of close collaboration and partnership between the Singapore International Foundation and University of Labour and Social Affairs, as well as Singaporean and Vietnamese social work academics and practitioners. Today you will get to see the progress made and the insights gained over these past two years. We hope that you will participate actively in an important discussion about issues in the emerging field of social work in Vietnam.

As a result of this two-year project, 40 social work professionals have been trained by our team of seven Singaporean specialist volunteers who are veterans in their field. Some Vietnamese trainees were selected for two training attachments in Singapore, where they were exposed to the social work landscape in Singapore – academic, practical and professional. The exchange and transfer of skills and knowledge to strengthen the social work profession in Vietnam lies at the heart of what we have been able to achieve with this project.

The 40, who have undergone direct training, are today better equipped with improved teaching and curriculum development skills. They will now train an estimated 1,000 ULSA students, most of whom will become social work professionals. These students will go on to exponentially benefit their peers and the communities they work in. Their work will mean better support for those at the lower end of the socio-economic spectrum faced with various social and personal challenges.

Qualitatively, we have seen other promising outcomes as a result of the project. Academics and ground practitioners report that they are working more closely together and exchanging notes, closing the gap between practice and theory and creating a greater collective understanding of social work as a profession. 75 percent of workshop trainees have also been applying the teaching methodologies they learnt in conducting their own classes and lectures. English language proficiency and other soft professional skills such as presenting, report-writing and communication have also been sharpened.

The new friendships and greater understanding forged between professionals from both our countries is the common thread linking all these outcomes. Vietnamese and Singaporean professionals have been brought together to share, network and connect – forging ties which will extend beyond the scope of our project. The joint work between the Singapore and Vietnam participants has enabled us to bring what we’ve learnt to more professionals in the country. The two years have also been a two-way learning journey for the Vietnamese and Singaporean participants, introducing both to each other’s cultures, working styles and practices.

A project like this would not be possible without the strong support of like-minded organisations working toward a common goal; these parties include the Vietnam’s University of Labour and Social Affairs, the Singapore Association of Social Workers and the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Hanoi. To them, I would like to extend SIF’s thanks and appreciation. To the Vietnamese partners, special thanks for your hospitality, openness, and your strong commitment and enthusiasm to learn and share.

Finally, our heartfelt appreciation must also go to the team of seven volunteers who have devoted their time and energy to extending a hand of friendship to their Vietnamese counterparts and being committed to delivering on the project outcomes. Their efforts have helped to strengthen ties between our two countries.

On that note, I wish you all a fruitful session ahead. Thank you.