On 2 August, MCYS and NCSS organised the President’s Challenge 2011 Thank You Reception cum President’s Social Service Award at the Istana.
At the Istana with the MCYS team that organized the event.
This event is important because it allows the President to recognize prominent work being done in the social services sector and I was proud to have a hand in organizing it. This year also marked the first time that we held an in-door reception. Previously receptions were held on the lawn with an indoor reception only prepped for wet weather contingencies.
Working in the social services sector is tough and turnover rate is high. My colleague Sheila, a former social worker, once remarked that it’s “not for everybody” and dealing with depressing cases can take its toil on social workers.
It’s good that the President’s office recognizes contributions made to the sector, regardless of the type of contribution. Some are more comfortable raising funds, some are more comfortable volunteering occasionally, some prefer to make social services their life’s’ work.
Over 60 of the President’s Challenge 2011 fund-raising partners were honoured and given tokens of appreciation during President Nathan’s last reception.
The President’s Challenge Steering Committee produced a commemorative video of the President’s Challenge. I played a major role in overseeing this project and worked closely with MICA in its production.
Personally, I wish it could have been longer and more in-depth. 12 years worthy of history is hard to capture in 5 minutes. But that’s life. Sometimes you have to work within the constraints you are given.
You can view the video here:
I was also pleased to introduce President Nathan to the President’s Challenge 2011 Bloggers from Singapore Polytechnic and their lecturer, Pam Fang.
The team from Singapore Polytechnic has been great. They’ve been very responsive and reliable and I’ve enjoyed working with them.
The President's Challenge Bloggers with President S R Nathan.(From left to right: Dedrick Koh (MCYS), Pam Fang (Singapore Polytechnic), Priscilla Poh (Singapore Polytechnic), President S R Nathan, Sandy Lai (Singapore Polytechnic) and Nur Qainarina Bte Ramli a.k.a Rynaque (Singapore Polytechnic). Not pictured: Siti Fatimah Bte Mohd Taib (Singapore Polytechnic)
I should note that even though President Nathan has thanked PC partners, PC 2011 still continues. Fundraising activities can continue till the end of the calendar year.
This year’s reception was held earlier because President Nathan was stepping down.
On a side note, my boss, Audrey, briefed President Tony Tan on PC a few weeks ago. It will be interesting to see what happens next.
For more photos of the event, visit the President’s Challenge 2011 Flickr page.
