As Singapore's population continues to age, there will be a need to cater to new and emerging social needs, such as providing companionship to the elderly. Many families also face complex social challenges involving education opportunities for the low-income and breakups.

Acting Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing said this on Monday during the Nanyang Polytechnic graduation ceremony for students from the school of health sciences.

He added that what Singapore needs beyond people to just join the social work sector, is new ideas and integrated models of healthcare and social services, so that care can be provided holistically.

The ceremony also saw the school's first graduating cohort of 25 social work students receive their diplomas. More than 5,800 students from Nanyang Polytechnic will graduate this year.