Welcome

The President’s Message

In November this year, the Singapore Association for Counselling (“SAC”) will celebrate its 35th anniversary. We have come a long way – from a small group, we have now grown to over 800 members strong. To kick-off our 35th anniversary celebrations, we welcome you to SAC’s 35th Anniversary Conference 2017 (“Conference”)! Themed “Inclusive Practice, Empowering Community”, it reflects the primary ethos of SAC – to recognise the various counseling practitioners in Singapore and the ethical responsibilities to serve and protect the interest of clients.

SAC is privileged to have Ms Denise Phua, President, Autism Resource Centre (S) and Mayor, Central Singapore District as our Guest of Honour to grace this occasion. Mayor Phua, a long-time advocate for children with disability and a voice for disadvantaged groups in Singapore, will also deliver the  opening address at the Conference.

The Conference will showcase and update the dynamics and life of counseling and psychotherapy practice in Singapore. Through the keynote address – “The State of Counselling in Singapore”, the keynote panel discussion, and forums with renowned expert practitioners within their domain-specific practice, the Conference offers a vibrant platform for discussions, questions & answers, inspiration, and networking over the tea break and lunch to elevate the practice of counseling in Singapore.

As SAC celebrates its 35th Anniversary, let us recap the developments over the past two years since the 33rd Anniversary Symposium. They include the establishment of:

  • a new Clinical Supervision Standards of Practice
  • new benchmarks for Clinical Supervisors
  • an official Register of Clinical Supervisors
  • The Register Board, The Ethics Board, The Course Recognition Board

Given that the Conference is organised to celebrate SAC’s 35th anniversary, it is an ideal platform to mark this significant milestone by:

  • unveiling a new SAC logo,
  • launching a new website, and
  • launching a new membership portal

These developments aim to support SAC’s growing membership in view of the developing needs of counselors and psychotherapists, as well as support the practice of counsellors in the challenging future!

On behalf of the Executive Committee (EXCO), I would like to thank you for your unyielding support all these years. With your continued support, we are convinced that we can do much more as a community. Welcome to SAC’s 35th Anniversary Conference and Happy Anniversary to all.

Yours sincerely

Sam Kuna
President