MS JOYCE TAN SWEE YEE, Director of Programmes at the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), has received the Outstanding Social Worker Award 2004 (Merit) from President S. R. Nathan for her outstanding contributions made in social services.


A veteran of more than 25 years as a social work professional, of which 10 years went towards helping patients suffering from mental illnesses, Ms Tan was described in the citation read at the Istana ceremony on May 24, 2005, as "a gentle and unassuming lady with a fiery passion and resilient spirit".


Her fervent pursuit of organisational excellence has led her to constantly drive new initiatives in raising the standards of social service programmes at her workplace.
To improve the standards of service delivery among social service professionals and volunteers, she has participated in consultation work with the National Council of Social Service for the development of a General Guide on Case Management for Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWO), and training roadmaps for VWO managers and programme executives.


For someone who has demonstrated drive, leadership and professionalism in her practice, Ms Tan provides an example for the younger social workers to emulate.

Ms Joyce Tan being congratulated by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for
Community Development, Youth and Sports, after receiving her award
from President Nathan. -- Methodist Welfare Services picture.