5 days ago
TribeX at NCSS Summit 2025 showcases tech used by social service agencies
[SINGAPORE] A small robot that has a warm temperature, allowing one to be comforted when holding it, is one example of the technologies showcased by non-profit organisation Awwa at National Council of Social Service (NCSS) Summit 2025's TribeX on Wednesday (Jul 2) and Thursday.
The companion robot, called Lovot, helps children with developmental needs practise social interactions and emotional recognition. Lovots can also be used to support seniors who are socially isolated. Currently, Awwa has eight Lovots in operation.
Another piece of tech showcased by Awwa was a robotic exoskeleton, which physiotherapists use to help people with mobility issues overcome physical challenges. This wearable device adapts to each user's conditions and provides precise, guided movements.
Ng Lee Lee, director of disability and inclusion at Awwa, said: 'Technology enhances and augments service delivery, because it rapidly changes, may be customised to suit individual needs, and can be cost-effective.'
Physiotherapists use the robotic exoskeleton to help people with mobility issues overcome physical challenges. PHOTO: LINDSAY WONG, BT
Digital platforms
Meanwhile, Care Corner showcased three digital platforms at TribeX.
The first is Scribe, a transcription and summarising tool used by case workers during sessions with clients. Gina Lin, head of Innovation Squad at Care Corner, said it reduces time spent on case documentation by 50 per cent.
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'This efficiency allows social service professionals to focus more on the beneficiaries and their needs, rather than being bogged down by administrative tasks,' she added.
Buddy is a parenting app with bite-sized resources and interactive lessons. Around 400 parents have used it since its launch in 2023.
Lastly, Carey is a microsite for youths seeking mental health support. They can conduct mental health check-ins, instantly book counselling sessions and access self-help content.
Lin said: 'Technology is crucial in the social services sector because it enables in-time support for beneficiaries… This empowerment fosters greater independence and self-sufficiency among those we serve.'
Pro Bono SG is another charity that showcased its digital platform at TribeX. LawGoWhere is a one-stop legal help portal that people can access when they do not know where to go when they require assistance.
Kelvin Lim, senior manager at Pro Bono SG Academy, said: 'Legal awareness often only becomes urgent when someone's already in crisis. At that point, the pressure is high, and the legal system can feel overwhelming - full of jargon and unfamiliarity.'
LawGoWhere breaks down complex legal concepts into bite-sized and user-friendly content. The platform also features a self-help tool that guides users to their optimal ports of call.
Besides social service agencies (SSAs), tech companies such as Amazon Web Services also showcased their own innovations that can be used in the sector.
Tan Li San, chief executive of NCSS, said: 'With SSAs demonstrating their adoption of innovative technologies at the exhibition, including AI-enabled solutions to enhance service delivery, TribeX demonstrates how the fusion of talent and technology is transforming social services in Singapore.'
Largest-ever summit
TribeX is part of NCSS Summit 2025 – which is the largest NCSS summit thus far – bringing together more than 2,000 social service professionals.
At the summit, which took place at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, NCSS also announced the launch of the SG60 Towards Sustainability Fund. The S$7.5 million fund provides one-off funding of S$30,000 to eligible NCSS members, who can use it to build capabilities in measuring, monitoring and reporting the effectiveness of their programmes for beneficiaries.
Tan said: 'With improved reporting of outcomes, SSAs can share high-impact programmes with funders to attract sustained funding for those programmes.'
Applications for the fund are open from Wednesday.
The Social Service Professional Awards, which also took place on Wednesday, recognised 13 individuals and two teams for their contributions to the social services sector.
JR Karthikeyan, chief executive of Awwa, won the President's Award for Social Service Professionals. Since joining in 2007, he helped to set up the Allied Health Professional Group, a therapy hub, and the inclusive preschool Kindle Garden, among other initiatives.
He said: 'At Awwa, we strive to build and maintain a culture of teaching and learning, and we encourage continuous improvements and innovation that may ultimately lead to a higher quality of life for those we serve.'
