MCKL holds inaugural social work virtual forum

As the first private institution to offer a Diploma in Social Work, Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL), in its efforts to champion the social work profession in Malaysia, organised its inaugural social work virtual forum titled ‘Stop the Stigma Against Social Work’ on Friday, 2^nd July 2021.  

Over 60 individuals from various welfare societies, industry partners and even school-leavers participated in the Friday evening event, expressing their support and to gain information and insights on the subject. 

The interactive virtual forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders outside and in the social work industry to frankly talk about the challenges of the profession. The forum also emphasized the importance of accredited social work education to in meeting the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations.

Social workers continue to play, a vital role in mitigating biopsychosocial problems for decades in Malaysia. It is even more deeply needed during national crises and emergencies such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the forum, MCKL’s Head of Department, Diploma in Social Work, Ms Jolyn Hong said, “In  line with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development efforts to improve efficiency in case management of targeted groups while ensuring adequate qualified social workers for the country, we hope that today’s event will complement the government’s and Non-ProfitOrganisations’ initiatives in this noble cause.”

According to a study by the Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit, the ratio of social worker to population is 1:8,756 Malaysians, far behind the ratio of developed countries such as the US (1:490), Australia (1:1,040), United Kingdom (1:3,025) and Singapore (1:3,448). This starkly ratio reveals the lack of qualified social workers in the country to deal with increasing human problems, let alone the disastrous impact of the long drawn MCO restrictions.

Ms Jolyn Hong together with Ms Tina Yap, a Community Development Worker from Malaysian CARE, spoke about the stigmas impacting the social work profession and emphasized the urgency of building a work force of qualified and competent social workers.