Plenary Session 2

The Heart and Soul of Social Work Across Borders

Dr. Timothy Sim, Assistant Professor
Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Based on several on-going social work projects in mainland China, this presentation deliberates pertinent issues of applying social work values, concepts and methods in a Chinese context. The challenge of being relevant in a different cultural and political system will be addressed. The complexity of balancing between changing and respecting local norms and practices will be highlighted.
The complication of working with different professionals, evaluating and sustaining the projects in view of the lack of resources will be discussed. The potentials of Singaporean social workers working beyond the shores of Singapore will be considered. Caveats of working overseas will be suggested for Singaporean social workers.