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National Council of Social Service

Social Service Institute Milestones

Explore SSI’s journey in strengthening the social service sector through key milestones in learning, leadership, and innovation. See how we continue to drive impact and transformation.

Last updated 20 April 2026

Overview

Through innovative workforce development programs and groundbreaking training initiatives, SSI has played a key role in strengthening the social service sector. Explore the pivotal moments that have shaped SSI’s growth and impact, made possible by the dedication of our past leaders and teams.

2023

Two Decades of Excellence

SSI marks a significant milestone as it celebrates its 20th anniversary of developing capabilities in Singapore's social service sector.

In conjunction with this milestone, SSI has announced new initiatives to enhance learning accessibility for social service professionals. These include complimentary access to eLearning modules and Social Learning programmes to enhance capability development for social service professionals.

2022

Unveiling Training Network Model (TNM) 2.0

SSI launched the Training Network Model. This marks the beginning of a transformative project, where seven SSAs will evolve into Centres of Excellence, becoming vital pillars within the learning ecosystem.

2021

Pioneering Workplace Learning Initiative

SSI’s Workplace Learning (WPL) programme empowered over 10 SSAs with the capability development of more than 40 champions, focused on enhancing SSA efificiency, productivity and long-term success.

2020

Adapting to evolving needs

  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, SSI introduced the SGUnited Skills (SGUS) Programmes, which supported 170 Singaporeans and PRs in transitioning into meaningful positions in the social service sector.  The three programmes—Social Service Accelerator, Volunteer Management, and Social Service Assistant—offered focused reskilling for corporate positions, volunteer coordination, and frontline support. 

  • To enhance sector capacities, SSI collaborated with Meta Consulting to implement the NEXLeaders Programme, a microlearning project that aims to build leadership and management skills.  This mobile-friendly, subscription-based curriculum provided 60+ bite-sized courses over a 12-month period.  By the end of FY20, 560 subscribers from 120 organisations had signed up, with 97% of polled participants rating the programme highly and 96% recommending it to peers.

2019

Strengthening sector capabilities

  • At the SSI Graduation & Awards Ceremony, SSI launched the Skills Framework for Social Service, which provides social service professionals and prospective entrants with insights into career paths and skill development.

  • To improve workforce development, SSI launched the Training Gap Analysis, a sector-wide research that identifies skill shortages and refines training programmes to meet industry demands.  This was supplemented by the Training Network Model, a collaborative effort with ecosystem partners to drive meaningful training and development.

  • SSI also developed the SSI Expert Series, which provides high-quality seminars and masterclasses in collaboration with important stakeholders.  Additionally, the Singapore-Berkeley Series 2019, a cooperation with UC Berkeley, MSF, AMKFSC, and the Tote Board, gave in-depth insights into vital social service themes including children and youth, disabilities, and eldercare.

2018

Advancing learning in social service

  • SSI launched the Media Production Studio, also known as CreateHere, to support content creation for learning and development.

  • As part of the Education Innovation initiative, GatherHere was officially introduced to the social service sector by NCSS President Anita Fam on 21 March 2019.

2017

Expanding our reach and impact

  • SSI launched SSI@Central Plaza, reflecting our expanded role beyond social services.  This relocation boosted industry networks, improved learning, and connected people to job prospects.

  • The Education Innovation Initiative was also introduced, combining technology and creative pedagogies to improve learning experiences and scalability.

  • The Tote Board-SSI: Global Leader Series for Non-Profits was designed as a top conference for Singapore's non-profit community.

  • The Professional Certificates in Casework & Group Work (NSWCF Foundational) was created to enhance professional capacities in social service.   

2016

Strengthening leadership and professional growth

  • SSI created the ACE Capstone Leadership Programme for Non-Profits to cultivate strategic leaders in the non-profit sector.

  • SSI introduced the Advanced Certificate in Supported Employment (ACSE) and the Certificate in Peer Support, which provided professionals with particular skills for supporting employment and peer-driven projects.

  • In partnership with Singapore Management University (SMU), SSI took part in the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Research Project, which looked into the influence of mindfulness practices on wellbeing.

2015

Building leadership and strengthening professional development

  • SSI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) to improve the capabilities of Social Service Agencies.  Through this collaboration, SSI established the Nonprofit Directors Programme for board members and created initiatives such as the quarterly Board Members Network event and Governance 101.

  • To produce a future-ready workforce, SSI created the Leadership Milestone Programme (Lead Self, Lead People, Lead Managers) to train social service workers for leadership positions.

  • SSI, in partnership with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the Ministry of Health (MOH), created 'The Starting Point: An Onboarding Programme for Social Workers', which is based on the National Social Workers Competency Framework.

  • In order to offer organised professional advancement options, SSI has introduced the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Advanced Certificate and Diploma in Social Service.

  • SSI released "Nurturing Careers, Inspiring Lives," a compilation of first-person accounts from ten Diploma and Higher Diploma in Social Service graduates that highlight their dedication to the field and reasons for wanting to work in it.

2014

New toolkits boost social service capabilities

SSI's Communities of Practice launched the Person-Centred Approval Toolkit and Mental Health Resource Kit, providing essential resources to strengthen capabilities in social service practice.

2013

A decade of capability building and growth

  • In celebration of its 10th anniversary, SSI was repositioned from the Social Service Training Institute to the Social Service Institute, signalling a shift towards being an integrated social service hub for training, practice, resources and career.

  • In order to inspire, encourage, and support the industry, the SSI Expert Series was introduced.  The Singapore Workforce Development Agency at the time designated SSI as a Continuing Education and Training (CET) Centre for Social Services.

2012

Enhancing practice and research

To improve the research capacities of Social Service Agencies, the Institute made an investment in an e-journal database (EBSCOhost).  To improve the integration of learning into practice, the Communities of Practice program was also launched.

2011

Expanding learning routes

Articulation of the SSTI Higher Diploma in Social Service to the Bachelor of Social Work with the then SIM University (UniSIM).

2009

Expanding impact beyond training

SSTI established the Organisational Development division. This division offers guidance and expertise to the boards of charities and Institutions of Public Character, ensuring precision and purpose in navigating governance and management of projects.

2008

Over 4,500 careers transformed

The Diploma in Social Service (DSS) evolved into the Higher Diploma in Social Service (HDSS), offering mid-career switchers and social service professionals a pathway to upskill and better serve the beneficiaries. Together with the Advanced Certificate in Social Service (ACSS) programme, SSI has propelled the careers of over 4,500 graduates.

2007

Started the Mandarin Board Governance programmes.

2006

SSI gains training accreditation, launches special education degree

The Singapore Workforce Development Agency approved the Institute as an Approved Training Organisation.  In an effort to improve professional development in the field, it also introduced the Bachelor of Education (Special Education) programme in partnership with Flinders University.

2005

The School of Non-Profits was established.

2004

Elevating Social Work

  • SSI launched the Bachelor of Social Work programme, filling a critical gap in social work development. This initiative expanded career opportunities, addressed growing social service demands, and established a pipeline of skilled social workers.

  • In addition, SSI created a comprehensive training roadmap. This equipped social workers with essential skills and competencies, and empowered them to navigate their careers with confidence and clarity.

2003

Birth of SSI: Championing social service excellence

In 2003, the Social Service Training Institute (later renamed to the Social Service Institute in 2013) was founded with a mission to enhance the professionalism and quality of social services in Singapore .