Success in social services cannot be measured through a single lens, says Firdaus D’Cruz. The CEO of Pertapis Education and Welfare Centre notes that purpose, meaning, and impact on individuals, families, and communities are all critical indicators. He assumed the role in 2023 following a law career and previously served in Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura, the MSF ComCare Supervisory Committee, and Yayasan Mendaki.
One metric the sector often overvalues, he adds, is scale—particularly the pressure to reach as many beneficiaries as possible. While broad outreach is important, an excessive focus on numbers can overshadow the profound impact of transforming even a single family’s circumstances. Such change often ripples outwards in ways that are difficult to quantify but are deeply consequential.
Conversely, some outcomes remain undervalued, like family reunification. “This is akin to saving a life. It deserves to be celebrated with equal meaning,” D’Cruz argues.
Founded in 1969, Pertapis runs welfare and social support programmes aimed at addressing the needs of the Malay/Muslim community while also serving the general public. Each month, it supports approximately 500 low-income families through initiatives such as food ration aid, tuition assistance, and empowerment programmes. The registered charity also operates four welfare homes: Pertapis Children’s Home for children and youths in need of care and protection; Pertapis Centre for Women & Girls, which provides shelter and rehabilitation services; Pertapis Halfway House for male ex-offenders reintegrating into society; and Pertapis Senior Citizens’ Fellowship Home for the destitute elderly, regardless of race or creed.
Although socioeconomic and structural inequalities limit access to resources and opportunities for vulnerable groups, inequality is only part of the picture, D’Cruz says. Many beneficiaries also grapple with trauma, health conditions, family instability, and financial insecurity.
“These issues do not exist in isolation, but interact with broader social and individual factors that influence the needs of these groups.”
Firdaus D’Cruz on interconnected challenges
One of his biggest leadership challenges is balancing rising demand with finite resources. Another is addressing deeply layered social issues that require sustained coordination between government agencies, community partners, donors, and social service organisations to resolve. For this reason, Pertapis continually refines its programmes in response to evolving needs on the ground.
While the core needs of the communities Pertapis serves have not changed profoundly, service delivery must remain flexible enough to accommodate varied circumstances, D’Cruz says. Simplifying access to support, reducing fragmentation, and tailoring assistance to individual needs can make interventions more effective and responsive.
He points out that even though the younger generation may not feel as connected to traditional institutions as society modernises, it is crucial for organisations to continually engage with them meaningfully to instil a sense of purpose in serving the community. More broadly, he advocates for a more integrated, person- and family-centred social service ecosystem with closer collaboration between social service agencies, healthcare providers, and community partners, alongside stronger focus on preventive and early intervention.
In his view, everyone can make a difference in their communities, whether by checking in on a neighbour, volunteering time, or contributing skills and resources. “Small, consistent acts of care can collectively strengthen the social fabric and reflect the spirit of mutual support.”
What excites D’Cruz the most is Pertapis’ potential to not only do more, but to do better as well. “The goal is to grow in a way that stays true to our purpose, remains relevant and responsive, and most importantly, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we serve.”
Photography Mun Kong
Art direction Ed Harland
Hair Sarah Tan using Goldwell
Makeup Zhou Aiyi using YSL Beauty
Photography assistant Melvin Leong
