Empowering lives through social work and humility

1 month ago 16

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KUCHING: A woman of humility as many would say. One who chooses to put others above herself.

A woman who understands the meaning of love that has no bounds and a contagious smile that lifts up a room — meet Yong Tiong Yieng, an operation manager in Hope Place who discovered her calling through a deep passion for connecting with people.

“I choose to do what I do, not for money or materialistic things, but because of a Bible verse that became real in my life: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive,’” Yong shared, reflecting on her journey.

Originally from Sibu, Yong moved here to study at a young age of 17.

After earning an accounting degree from Swinburne Sarawak, she soon realised that the corporate world wasn’t where her heart lies.

Sarawak Tribune: How did growing up look like?

Growing up, I watched my family sacrificed and gave to the community. My family was involved in the political landscape, so I saw how my grandfather and father were very actively involved in community work, always giving a helping hand to others.

My grandfather would treat people’s injuries for free, while my father prepared the medicine. They never expected anything in return, it was all for the people.

When my grandfather passed away, the community’s love for him was evident. So many people came to pay their respects, even while he was being laid to rest. This culture of giving was ingrained in me from an early age.

How did you start your career?

After graduating, I worked in accounting for about a year but quickly realised it wasn’t for me. I wanted to work more closely with people, so I took on part-time jobs — assisting in a kindergarten, working event operations, and even waitressing.

These roles allowed me to connect with others, which is what I really loved. Eventually, I was invited to join Hope Place, and I’ve been here for about 10 years now.

How would you define social work?

I didn’t know social work was a formal profession until I entered the field. To me, it’s about improving lives — whether through understanding challenges, offering a listening ear, providing support, counselling, or advocating for those who need it most. Ultimately, the goal is to empower individuals and promote social justice.

What keeps you motivated?

It’s the smiles, the heartfelt thank yous, and the hugs. This field can be incredibly tough. I remember developing foot fungus from walking barefoot in dirty places during house visits. But through these experiences, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for my own life. When you take the time to listen to someone’s story, you begin to understand their struggles — most of the time, they didn’t choose their circumstances. Just being able to hear their story truly keeps me going.

How has your journey in social work been so far?

It’s been nothing short of rewarding. Social work brings people together — regardless of religion, race, or background — to achieve one common goal: helping those in need. I especially love seeing young people get involved. We create as many opportunities as we can for them to volunteer, and I’m grateful the government also recognises the importance of fostering this culture in youth. Many universities and schools send students to volunteer, which exposes them to the realities of social work.

Can you share a particularly memorable experience?

One case that stands out was referred to us by the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM). An elderly uncle and his wife had been abandoned by their children. When we first visited, he spoke for hours, sharing stories. He was in a wheelchair, but his wife was still healthy at the time.

When we visited again, his wife had passed away from ovarian cancer. This time, he was quieter, but he still shared stories — this time about his wife, how much he loved her, how beautiful she was. I had many memorable and amazing experiences mainly by sitting down and listening to their stories, but this experience was particularly memorable because it reminded me to cherish the people around me and appreciate the moments we have with them because we never know when it will be the last.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I hope to continue growing my skills as a social worker and to better understand the policies that affect the field. My dream is to contribute to building a society where everyone has the resources they need to thrive. While I’m not sure if social work will be my lifelong career, as long as I can connect with and impact people, that’s where you’ll find me.

How do you perceive the social work landscape in Sarawak?

Sarawak, especially Kuching, has many strengths — strong community support and cultural ties being key among them. It’s encouraging to see more people engaging with social work and the government playing a huge part in that. However, there’s also room for improvement. To me, we need more training for social workers, greater awareness about the profession, and more funding to sustain it.

What advice would you give to young individuals considering a career in social work?

If social work is your passion, go for it! Stay curious, stay compassionate, and embrace every opportunity that comes your way. It’s a tough field, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. I encourage young people who love connecting with others to volunteer and explore this career. We need more people like you!