The MCDS Star Service Awards give recognition to officers who have consistently delivered excellent service and gone the extra mile to delight our customers. It also seeks to inspire staff and reinforce the importance of providing excellent service and making a difference.

Faces spoke to six of the 2003 winners in the Individual Category as well as the winner of the Group/ Team Category to uncover their winning ways.

"We feel that providing good service is part and parcel of our daily work. This is particularly so in critical situations such as the Sars period. We had to do our part to ensure that proper support and measures were in place to safeguard the health and safety of children and staff in childcare centres," said Ms Aw Ai Cheng.

Ms Aw (right) and her team members, Ms Jamilah Abdul Rahman and Ms Lena Chong, from Family Support and Training, Family Services Department, won in the Group/Team category.

"Putting myself in the shoes of my clients helps me to understand their needs better. As such, I try to help them to the best of my ability. Winning the Star Service Awards motivates me to continue striving to help my clients."
- Ms Audrey Tan, Probation Services Branch, Rehabilitation and Protection Division

"I believe in providing quality service and would always do my best to make things easier and more pleasant for my customers."
- Ms Sharon Chua, Destitute Persons Service, Social Support Division

"I feel a sense of satisfaction when I am able to help my customers solve their problems. This is one of the factors that motivates me to provide excellent service. Having a caring attitude also helps."
- Mdm Nuridah Maarof, Corporate Support Unit, Social Support Division

"When I work with my client, I try to make that person relax and give him or her my full attention. I try my best to understand my clients and meet their needs. I like to make them feel happy."
- Mr Levi Chan Lip Hian, Residential Rehabilitation Branch, Rehabilitation and Protection Division

"I'm grateful to MCDS for the award. I feel that it is my responsibility to do any tasks assigned to me to the best of my ability. Winning the award is but an added bonus".
- Ms Tiffany Tan, Residential Rehabilitation Branch, Rehabilitation and Protection Division

"I enjoy working with people and place a lot of importance in trying to understand their needs and point of view. I try my best to empathise with my clients and place myself in their position. I was surprised to receive this award. I see this award as a form of support and acknowledgement from my colleagues and bosses."
- Ms Asha Venugopal, Family and Child Protection and Welfare Branch, Rehabilitation and Protection Division.