Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM), through the Social Institute of Malaysia (ISM), is currently conducting a Study on the Development of Competency Standards for Social Work Practice in Malaysia. Its Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, announced that the study, which is anticipated to be completed by 2027, aims to strengthen the field of social work in the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative seeks to elevate the social work profession, ensuring that every social worker possesses solid, ethical, and effective competencies to assist those in need. Nancy emphasized the importance of recognizing social work as a profession grounded in knowledge, data, and evidence, while maintaining values of empathy and humanity.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the ISM Inspire 2025 Programme, which was attended by ISM Director Norhaslinda Mohd Sibi, Nancy highlighted the programme's theme, 'Knowledge, Inspiration, Social', as a platform to address current social issues in Malaysia. She noted that the programme's timing aligns with the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), which focuses on inclusive social well-being, and the National Social Policy (DSN) 2030, aligning 44 main national social policies.

Nancy stressed the importance of translating these policies into concrete action, underscoring the government's commitment to reaching the people. She called upon youth, social workers, NGOs, and academia to partner with the government in efforts to make a tangible impact on the lives of the people.