In Singapore, there is an ongoing debate about the recognition of social work as a profession. As licensing has not yet been issued, there are arguments that social work is not yet recognized as a profession in Singapore, in contrast to the USA, where the CSWE had already introduced licensing.

However, there are progresses made in the Singaporean social work scene. In September 1998, a first Grand Tea Party was held for social workers at the Istana, and the Outstanding Social Worker Award was created. PSC scholarships are given to students aiming for a social work career, and there is state recognition to the profession, despite the arguments of licensing. An apparent step towards professionalism is the introduction of the Code of Professional Ethics of the Singapore Association of Social Workers, as having a code of ethics is one of the most important characteristics of a profession.

The Singapore Association of Social Workers subscribes to the following principles:

1. The social worker accepts as his primary professional obligation the welfare of those served-individuals, groups or communities-with due regard to the common welfare. This obligation may require activity to influence social conditions or policies.

2. The social worker accepts that professional responsibility must take precedence over personal aims and views, avoids discrimination and prejudice, and respects individual differences.

3. The social worker respects and safeguards the rights of persons served to a relationship of mutual trust, to privacy and confidentiality in their use of the service, and to responsible use of all information given. The responsibility of the social worker to protect these rights continues after termination of the professional relationship.

4. The social worker affirms the right of persons served to make their own decisions and work out their own problems within the scope of their own capacities and resources, having due regard to the common welfare.

5. The social worker works for the continued development of professional competence for both himself and the profession. This includes his support of continuing professional education in its widest sense.

6. The social worker acts on the recognition that effective service depends on co-operation among professional disciplines and with others, with due regard to respective areas of competence.

7. The social worker treats with respect the professional judgment, statements and actions of colleagues. When criticism of these appears warranted for the well-being of the community and/or the profession, the social worker makes use of the Association.

8. The social worker refrains from any personal or other behavior which damages the functioning for the profession in accordance with values stated in this code.

9. When relevant, the social worker makes it clear in public statement or actions whether he is speaking or acting as an individual or as an authorized representative of a professional association, as an agency or any other organization. In his professional work, the social worker is remunerated by the salary, fees, grants or other payments allowable under the terms of his services and by no other source of gain connected with his work.

10. The social worker is committed to correcting through professional channels, abuses to good standards perpetuated by those wrongly using the title “social worker”.