新加坡

I had the incredible honour of participating in a summer placement in Singapore in 2024, an experience that proved to be both fruitful and unforgettable. My time there has become one of the most remarkable memories of my life. I worked at the HCSA Dayspring Residential Treatment Centre, which provides support for teenage girls who have experienced complex trauma. This role was challenging yet immensely rewarding, providing me with valuable insights into the complexities of human relationships and the healing process.

At the outset, I faced significant challenges in building relationships with the girls at the centre. Many of them were understandably sensitive to new staff members. They had encountered betrayals from loved ones, leading to deep insecurities on relationship-building, especially with someone from a different cultural background like myself. Despite these initial hurdles, the girls demonstrated remarkable patience and kindness towards us. They tolerated our accents and made efforts to engage, which helped create a more welcoming environment and built strong rapport time by time.

Throughout my time at the centre, I encountered numerous unforgettable experiences, making it difficult to highlight just one. However, one of the most profound lessons I learned was the importance of remaining calm and composed in the face of negativity. Several girls had a tendency to express self-harm and suicidal thoughts, which initially left me feeling shocked and unsure of how to respond. I realized that simply “being there” for them - listening without judgment - was often the most valuable support I could offer. It’s crucial to let them know that they are not alone and that there is someone who cares.

In group activities, I also learned to communicate messages clearly and in a manner that was easy for the girls to understand. I observed that they often had a short attention span, which required me to adapt my methods and keep them engaged. Understanding their context and perspective was essential, especially given their history of victimization. As a social worker, it was my responsibility to identify their inner strengths and empower them, instilling hope that they could move beyond their past traumas. This approach reinforced the idea that they possess resilience and the capacity to overcome challenges.

Beyond my work at the treatment centre, my daily life in Singapore broadened my horizons. Before arriving, I had heard numerous myths about the country that made me apprehensive. Concerns about the high cost of living and a perceived lack of entertainment loomed large in my mind. However, my three-month experience in Singapore dispelled these misconceptions. For instance, I discovered that meals at hawker centres were not only affordable but also delicious. A plate of Hainan chicken rice cost only about HKD $20, which was a pleasant surprise considering the quality of the food. While there certainly are expensive dining options, majority of the food available was both affordable and delicious, emphasizing that choices greatly influence one’s dining experience.

Many people have pointed out the similarities between Singapore and Hong Kong, yet my explorations revealed distinct differences as well. One noticeable aspect was the abundance of greenery in Singapore’s urban environment. The presence of trees lining the streets highlighted the city’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its citizens. More greenery not only improves air quality but also contributes to the overall aesthetics of the city. Additionally, the multicultural fabric of Singapore, with its diverse nationalities coexisting harmoniously, fosters a sense of inclusivity and community.

One of the most remarkable moments of my stay was celebrating Singapore’s National Day. The atmosphere was electric, with citizens proudly displaying the Singaporean flag outside their homes. I was particularly impressed by the tradition of composing a new National Day song for each year’s celebration, accompanied by fireworks, parades, and various performances—experiences that I had not encountered in Hong Kong. On National Day, many people dressed in the flag’s colours of red and white, symbolizing their pride and sense of belonging. The vibrant atmosphere at night, with everyone joining in the celebrations, was an unforgettable experience that showcased the unity and spirit of the nation.

Overall, my non-local placement was not merely a job at the treatment centre; it was an invaluable opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture, step outside my comfort zone, and gain deeper insights into the human experience. The challenges I faced and the lessons I learned have enriched my understanding of social work and strengthened my resolve to make a difference in the lives of those I serve.

In conclusion, my placement in Singapore was a transformative journey that extended far beyond professional development. It was a unique blend of personal growth, cultural exploration, and meaningful connections with individuals who, despite their struggles, inspired me with their resilience and strength. This experience will undoubtedly shape my future endeavours in social work and continue to influence my outlook on life.

Shoes painting with volunteers

Firework display in National Day

我在扶輪社家庭服務中心的實習經歷充滿樂趣亦收穫滿滿。有賴中心同事的熱心支持，我得以參與對不同類型的個案的服務過程、設計和執行一個為低收入家庭提供財商教育的項目，以及參與中心一系列内部會議和各種對外合作活動。實習中可以讓我體驗和學習的事物如此之多，我往往需要“忍痛割愛”作出取捨，以免影響我完成自己的實習功課！

在個案服務方面，機構督導成爲我“not knowing”精神的榜樣。在對個案的跟進過程中，她和我分享了介入過程中遇到的困惑和對自身局限的反思。我們還在實習過程中邊做邊學敘事治療，并在督導環節中交流所學和應用心得。而由於實習機構要求督導參與同學的每一節個案會談，這令每一次會談都成爲現場督導。這難免會對初次實習的我帶來壓力，但我也因而得到督導更爲深入的觀察和準確的反饋，這對我的反思和成長十分寶貴。我至今對督導給予我的自由、信任和幫助心懷感激。

機構的氛圍十分友好，給予實習同學大量支持。我得以跟隨不同的社工同事走進一位位服務對象的世界，看到包括囤積症、抑鬱症、思覺失調、家暴、財困、失業等多種壓力源如何影響著不同家庭。而由於機構的同事各有所長，我也因而看到不同介入手法和社工特質的優勢。他們的信任和分享為短短兩個多月的實習提供了一個更寬廣的學習視角。

新加坡以其多元文化著稱。身處其中，我也感受到這一特點如何塑造當地社會工作的理念和實踐。每一天我都需要與不同族群的同事共事，在機構行政、同事互動以及服務設計和執行上時時感受到共融的重要性。這也處處提醒著我需在實習過程中抱持謙卑之心。而同事往往主動和我分享不同族群的文化和生活特點，也將我的無知轉化爲另一種學習機會。

學習之餘，品味當地生活也是海外實習的必須體驗！我已經開始懷念在新加坡的生活。夏日裏在涼風習習的熟食中心大快朵頤（而且價廉物美！），或在這座花園城市的綠盈美景中游巴士河（可以將返工當遊覽）都是極爲美好的回憶。在個別周末，同事還會主動扮演起嚮導的角色，帶我們領略更爲本土的生活風采。

總的而言，我為自己能經歷這次新加坡海外實習而感到幸運。它令我得到專業方面的成長，也收穫許多難忘、精彩的回憶。

Running a program for kids

Cultural tour by Indian colleague

Cultural tour by Malay colleague

Local placement student became our third fieldmate

Farewell Sharing with colleagues