Social Service Connect 2026

With new leadership, a strengthened NCSS mandate, and a shared commitment to transformation, Social Service Connect 2026 brought together social service leaders and sector partners for an afternoon of meaningful conversations on the future of the sector.

Through keynote addresses, dialogue sessions and interactive breakout discussions, participants explored how the sector can strengthen collaboration, embrace innovation, accelerate digital transformation, and better meet evolving community needs. The event also marked an important milestone as NCSS welcomed our new Chairman and Council members, reaffirming a collective commitment to shaping the sector's next chapter.

View Social Service Connect 2026 event highlight

NCSS CEO Mr Lim Shung Yar opening Social Service Connect 2026.

Opening Social Service Connect 2026, NCSS CEO Mr Lim Shung Yar called on the social service sector to shape its next chapter with courage, clarity and collective purpose. Against a backdrop of increasingly complex needs and rapid change, he outlined a shared aspiration for seamless and person-centred care, strong and sustainable organisations, and a more connected ecosystem. He also affirmed NCSS’ strengthened role as sector developer and invited sector leaders and partners to help shape a refreshed roadmap for the next 10 years.

View NCSS CEO Mr Lim Shung Yar's presentation deck

Keynote Address: Leading Transformation in Singapore's Social Service Sector

Mr Ravi Menon delivering his keynote address.

In his keynote, More Than the Sum of Its Parts: Building our Social Service Ecosystem, Mr Ravi Menon shared a vision for a more connected and collaborative social service ecosystem. He highlighted the importance of building shared capabilities, strengthening partnerships, measuring impact beyond outputs, and keeping beneficiaries at the heart of every decision as the sector prepares for its next chapter.

View Mr Ravi Menon’s Keynote Speech

Handover Ceremony and Announcement of New Council Members

Ceremonial flag handover between Ms Anita Fam and Mr Gregory Vijayendran.

The event also marked a significant leadership transition for NCSS. Outgoing President Ms Anita Fam was recognised for her dedicated contributions before passing the NCSS flag to incoming Council Chairman, Mr Gregory Vijayendran. The ceremonial flag symbolises the sector's collective mission and shared commitment to building the next chapter together. Participants also welcomed the newly appointed NCSS Council members, who will help guide the sector's continued growth and transformation.

Dialogue with NCSS Chairman and NCSS CEO

Dialogue with NCSS Council Chairman Mr Gregory Vijayendran and CEO Mr Lim Shung Yar

In a candid conversation moderated by Ms Susan Ng, NCSS Council Chairman Mr Gregory Vijayendran and NCSS CEO Mr Lim Shung Yar reflected on the opportunities and challenges ahead for the social service sector. Emphasising collaboration over competition, they shared how stronger partnerships, responsible use of technology, sustainable philanthropy and a shared commitment to service users will be key to shaping the sector's future.

Breakout Sessions

Participants joined one of four concurrent breakout sessions, each focusing on a key priority shaping the future of the social service sector.

 Breakout 1 — Charting Our Path Forward

Dr Soon Su-Chuin sharing the sector's future vision during Breakout 1.

Participants explored what an integrated service user journey, a sector supercharged by technology and talent, and a unified ecosystem could look like, and highlighted stronger partnerships, greater agency and supporting structures as important priorities.

Speakers:

• Dr Eric Hoo, Director, Translational Research and Centre for Evidence, NCSS

• Dr Soon Su-Chuin, Director, Strategy, NCSS

Breakout 2 — Innovating for Success: Redesigning Services for an Evolving Landscape

Ms Seema Dadlani sharing about the importance of service innovation during Breakout 2.

Drawing insights from the Families for Life Build for Families 2026 initiative, this session highlighted why service innovation is increasingly important in today's evolving social services landscape. Participants explored the value of innovation in improving service delivery and learned about practical first steps they could take in practicing innovation.

Speakers:

• Ms Seema Dadlani, Director, Service Planning, NCSS

• Ms Chloe Huang, Director, Operations Planning & Transformation, Family Life Group, MSF

• Ms Sherry Ling, Assistant Senior Case Manager, Fei Yue Community Servies

• Ms Jesmine Goh, Counsellor, Fei Yue Community Services

Breakout 3 — The Digital Transformation Journey: Inspiration, Implementation and Impact

Mr J R Karthikeyan sharing lessons from AWWA's digital transformation journey.

Speakers shared practical experiences from their organisations' digital transformation journeys highlighting that successful digital transformation requires more than technology alone. It depends on leadership that fosters culture of innovation, solutions designed around user needs, practitioners who champion adoption, and evaluation that provides the evidence needed for continuous improvement and impact.

Speakers:

• Mr J R Karthikeyan, CEO, AWWA LTD

• Mr Dominic Soh, Programme Head, Impact and Innovation, Kampung Kapor Community Services

• Mr Benjamin Png, (Former) Senior Manager, Open Government Products

• Mr Jeric Yim, Social Work Technologist, SHINE Children and Youth Services

Breakout 4 — Breaking Silos: Why Social-Health Collaboration Matters Most Now

Panellists discussing stronger collaboration across the social and health sectors.

The panel explored the growing need for closer collaboration between the social and health sectors to address increasingly complex care needs. Through candid discussions and interactive table conversations, participants exchanged perspectives, identified common challenges, and co-created practical ideas to strengthen integrated support for service users.

Panel speakers:

• Ms See Yen Theng, Chief, Caregiving and Community Health Division, Agency for Integrated Care

• Mr Tan Kwang Cheak, CEO, Singapore Cancer Society

• Ms Penny Elaine Yapp, Group Director, Services Group, NCSS

• Moderated by, Mr Christopher Gordon, Director, Sector People Development, NCSS

Looking Ahead

Social Service Connect 2026 marked an important milestone in the sector's transformation journey. Beyond sharing ideas and perspectives, the event reinforced a collective commitment to stronger partnerships, innovation and capability building across the social service sector.

We thank all speakers, panelists and participants for their active contributions and look forward to working together to turn these conversations into meaningful action that strengthens support for those we serve.