Going Above and Beyond: Celebrating SPD’s Service Excellence Award Winners
Service excellence is key to organisational success. For charities such as SPD, this is about building trust, fostering compassion and ensuring that every client, caregiver, volunteer and partner feels heard and valued. In a sector where human connections matter, exceptional service transforms lives, and inspires continued support.
In recognition of their commitment to service excellence, seven SPD staff were honoured at the Singapore Health Quality Service Awards (SHQSA) on 13 February 2025. Organised by SingHealth, the SHQSA honours outstanding healthcare professionals who have delivered quality care and exemplary service.
Social worker Michelle Tham (above, second from left) was among the award recipients this year, receiving the only Gold award for SPD. Michelle’s dedication goes beyond supporting the children and families under the Early Intervention Programme for Children and Infants (EIPIC).
“Her unwavering dedication to providing holistic support to families and empowering both children and caregivers truly sets her apart,” said Michelle Lin, assistant manager at SPD@Kembangan.
The other award recipients were employment support specialists Amanda Chiang, Amanda Ng and Brenden Sim, occupational therapists Lavanitha D/O Roshan and Rebecca Tay, as well as assistant transport supervisor, Jeremy Koh.
UPDATES caught up with Michelle Tham to find out what drives her to go above and beyond, and what this recognition means to her:
U: Tell us your role as a social worker in EIPIC.
Michelle: I am a social worker at SPD@Kembangan, one of our centres that offers EIPIC. In this role, I work very closely with a transdisciplinary team, including EIPIC teachers, allied health professionals, administrative staff, and the centre manager, to provide comprehensive support to our EIPIC clients and their families.
We offer social-emotional support and guide caregivers throughout their caregiving journey, from the initial referral stage to EIPIC and subsequently in their transition to another school. We assist parents and caregivers with enrolment and transition processes, offer financial assistance to families in need, and frequently collaborate with external stakeholders such as hospitals, Government agencies, pre-schools, family service centres, and SPED/mainstream primary schools to ensure holistic support for our families.
U: What was one memorable incident that helped shape your social service experience?
Michelle: When I first arrived for my interview in March 2016, the warmth and welcoming gestures from the SPD professionals left a lasting positive impression on me. This experience set the tone for my journey with the organisation.
Another unforgettable experience that significantly influenced my social service journey was witnessing the transformation of one of my former caregivers. When we first reached out to her, she did not want to engage with any of the social workers. Whenever we invited her to SPD for discussions or paperwork, she avoided eye contact and was extremely nervous. She gradually opened up as we built rapport and trust. She went on to become one of our caregiver champions and volunteered in a number of our events. Her journey is a testament to the power of trust, perseverance and the impact of meaningful support.
U: What motivated you to choose to go above and beyond to provide excellent service for your clients?
Michelle: Families often feel lost or uncertain when their children are first referred to EIPIC. However, witnessing the children’s progress and how the parents and caregivers grew in confidence in supporting their young one is incredibly rewarding. When parents and caregivers go out of their way to express their appreciation and gratitude, it motivates me deeply to deliver quality service that goes above and beyond excellence.
U: What is one thing that you enjoy about your job?
Michelle: Working as a social worker in an early intervention centre is both rewarding and enjoyable for many reasons. One of the most fulfilling aspects is the opportunity to positively impact the lives of young children and their families. Early intervention can significantly improve developmental outcomes, and being part of that process is deeply satisfying. Empowering families is another key aspect. Helping them to understand their child’s needs and equipping them with strategies and resources to support their child’s development is incredibly empowering for both the families and I, as a social worker.
Additionally, supporting the mental well-being of caregivers is a vital part of our work. Caring for a child with developmental needs can be exhausting and stressful. By offering emotional support and resources to caregivers, SPD helps them navigate their challenges more effectively. This holistic approach ensures that both the child and their family receive the care they need to thrive.
U: What does the service excellence award mean to you?
Michelle: I am truly honoured to receive this award, as it reflects my deep commitment to delivering exceptional service. Social work is not just a profession to me—it is a calling, a commitment to serving individuals, families and communities with empathy, respect and unwavering dedication. It underscores a culture of continuous improvement and a dedication to meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of caregivers, parents, and stakeholders.
U: Do you have any other thoughts you’d like to share?
Michelle: Most of my colleagues at SPD work diligently to always support our clients and families. I encourage them to stay connected to our mission by focusing on our purpose, remembering why we do what we do and keeping our mission and values at the heart of our work. This award reinforces my commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those I serve, and I hope it inspires my colleagues to continue striving for excellence.
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It is truly the spirit of service as demonstrated by Michelle and all our service excellence champions that will permeate organisational culture and spur every staff to think what it means and what it will take to put their clients and stakeholders at the centre of what they do.
Expressing his appreciation to the winners, SPD chief executive officer, Mr Abhimanyau Pal, said: “This award is a testament to your dedication and commitment to a people-centric approach to work – whether in collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders or, most importantly, delivering the best care to our clients.”
“Your perseverance and dedication inspire us all. Thank you for your unwavering efforts in creating a positive impact every day,” he added.
Gold Award
Michelle Tham, social worker
Silver Awards
- Amanda Chiang, employment support specialist
- Amanda Ng, employment support specialist
- Brenden Sim, employment support specialist
- Lavanitha D/O Roshan, occupational therapist
- Rebecca Tay, occupational therapist
- Jeremy Koh, assistant transport supervisor