The Social Service
Scholarship presents its
scholars with more than
just a career – it offers
them the opportunity
to empower lives. Social
Service Scholar Alvin
Mak offers us his insights
into the ideal qualities of
a Social Worker.
The National Council for Social Service
(NCSS) is the main leader and coordinator
of the social service sector in Singapore.
It ensures every person – regardless of their
background – has the opportunity to live a life
with dignity and one that allows them to realise
their fullest potential in society.
To ensure that Singapore’s social needs
are well taken care of by individuals who are
committed to serve their fellow Singaporeans,
NCSS offers the Social Service Scholarship
to these passionate individuals who possess
exceptional leadership qualities, so as to support
them as they drive social change in Singapore.
Scholars upon graduation will be emplaced in a
Voluntary Welfare Organisation (VWO).
26-year-old Alvin Mak is one such exceptional
individual. He has always been keen on a career
in the social service sector and he now recounts
how the scholarship opened his doors to a
rewarding career as a Social Worker at a Family
Service Centre.
Humble beginnings
Growing up, Alvin faced difficult periods in
his life along the way but he counts himself
fortunate to be surrounded by people who have
warmly helped and encouraged him.
Alvin Mak Hoi Kit
Social Service Scholar
Designation:
Social Worker
Studied:
Bachelor of Social Sciences
(Honours) in Social Work,
National University of Singapore
Being on the receiving end of such affectionate
gestures sowed the seeds of his interest in
the field, and, given his preference towards
community-based social work, the Social Service
Scholarship was the most natural choice in
facilitating his education and future career.
He says cheerfully, “During my undergraduate
days, I had the opportunity to attend an exchange
programme with the University of British
Columbia, Canada’s School of Social Work. It
was there that I gained a better understanding
of how social work is carried out in a wholly
different cultural context. The entire experience
broadened my horizons.
“I appreciate that I managed to gain insights
into the field through my lecturers and receive
cherished advice derived from their years of
experience. This is something that University
textbooks or lecture notes can never offer!”
A dynamic environment
Alvin’s scholarship journey has indeed well-prepared
him for an environment where there is
no typical day in the life of a Social Worker.
After all, every single client enters his office
with a unique set of issues and circumstances
that require special attention. According to
Alvin, it is important for Social Workers to take
time in building good rapport and a therapeutic
relationship with each of them. Once established,
these relationships can present meaningful
engagements that will bring out the best of both
parties.
Alvin shares, “Personally, I like the dynamic
nature of our work! We do get curveballs thrown
our way when we least expect it but what really
matters is how we tackle them strategically for
more fruitful outcomes.”
Pillars of support
And as in every job – especially ones dealing
with delicate situations – bringing out the best in
both parties can often be emotionally challenging
for Social Workers like Alvin.
"I appreciate that I managed to gain insights
into the field through my lecturers and receive
cherished advice derived from their years of
experience."
According to him, the resilience to carry on
with undaunted optimism is key and Alvin and
his colleagues often turn to one another as
critical pillars of support. He tells us, “We have
developed a habit of pasting encouraging notes
on one another’s walls and desks, as a little
reminder of the good work we have done. These
things keep us motivated.
“I believe working closely to achieve similar
end-goals in the social sector has made us
more like-minded and empathetic. It is
definitely easier for us to lend
one another mutual support
in tough situations and I
am beyond grateful for
that!”