NUS Head of Department of Social Work Associate Professor Lee Geok Ling with Professor Kieran O’Donoghue. Photo Credit: NUS.
His most recent visit continued this journey - building on the commitment to advancing the ability of social workers to meet today’s complex challenges with confidence and care.
Professor O’Donoghue delivered the keynote address at the 2025 Social Work Supervision Seminar, which was themed Honouring the Past, Embracing the Present, Defining the Future. Organised by the Singapore Association of Social Workers and attended by over 300 supervisors, the event brought together leaders from across the sector, including the Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli and Director-General of Social Welfare Long Chey May.
“It’s about understanding where we’ve come from, being fully present to the needs and complexities of today, and taking bold, informed steps into the future. This includes integrating evaluation and artificial intelligence into supervision, while always upholding a strong ethic of care,” Professor O’Donoghue says.
NUS Associate Professor Corinne Ghoh Siew Ngeng, Director-General of Social Welfare Ms Long Chey May, NUS Associate Professor Peace Wong Yuh Ju and Professor Kieran O’Donoghue.
Since 2015, he’s worked not only with the National University of Singapore (NUS), but also with the Singapore Social Work Accreditation and Advisory Board (SWAAB) —the professional body responsible for social worker accreditation—and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), which delivers protective, support and care services across the lifespan for vulnerable children, adults and families.
In 2019, Professor O’Donoghue was invited by the Singapore Association of Social Workers to support the development of a supervision curriculum and development programme for those who oversee other supervisors. This initiative has since been recognised as internationally significant and documented in International Social Work.
“It has been a privilege to work with colleagues in Singapore and contribute to the development of their supervision guidelines, policy and practice. There is a great deal we can learn from each other particularly from Singapore’s thoughtful and structured approach to supporting supervision at all levels,” he says.
Professor Kieran O’Donoghue delivers speech at the NUS Graduate Diploma in Social Work Graduation and Awards 2025. Photo Credit: NUS.
Professor O’Donoghue also had the honour of speaking at the NUS Graduate Diploma in Social Work graduation ceremony, where he described social work as “a road less travelled,” highlighting the virtues of patience, presence, and persistence in meaningful, people-centred practice.
“Social work is a career that requires deep commitment. It calls us to walk purposefully, to learn from those we serve, and to ensure our practice remains socially relevant,” Professor O’Donoghue told graduates.
Beyond speaking engagements, Professor O’Donoghue worked closely with the NUS Field Education Team, advising on resources for students and placement supervisors, and introduced them to the World Association of Cooperative Education, opening doors for future regional collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Massey University is nationally recognised for its excellence in social work education and supervision. Through its Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Supervision, student-led research, and professional consultancy, the School of Social Work remains a national leader in this critical area. The university’s commitment to global engagement and knowledge-sharing ensures that students benefit from international perspectives and emerging best practices.
“As a university, our partnerships reflect our values. International collaboration, like our ongoing relationship with colleagues in Singapore, enriches our teaching, strengthens our research, and ultimately, benefits our students and the communities they will go on to serve.”
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