A Chapter Built for The Next
In the blink of an eye, it has been three years since Calvin came on board as the CEO of Methodist Welfare Services (MWS). In August 2026, he officially passes the baton to Albert Ching, a veteran in the social service and community care sector. We sat down in the CEO’s office – the space that has seen countless work calls, strategy meetings and challenging decisions – to reflect on Calvin’s journey as CEO.
MWS Staff: Hi Calvin! How are you feeling now that you have officially handed over your duties?
Calvin: Relief! (laughs) No, seriously, I do feel relieved. It is a huge responsibility to lead an organisation that provides this wide range of services. I’m comforted to know that MWS is in good hands. I believe Albert is the right person for MWS’ next season. Together with the Management team, I’m confident they will continue strengthening MWS so that even more people can benefit and be empowered.
Beyond relief, I am also deeply appreciative of our staff. As someone new to the sector, I have been deeply moved by the dedication of our staff and their willingness to go above and beyond for the people we serve.
MWS Staff: Thank you for sharing that with us. You mentioned your appreciation for the staff. Was there a particular moment during your time as CEO that has stayed with you?
Calvin: Wow, there are so many moments that I’m not sure where to begin. But if I had to choose one, it would be when I attended a friend’s mother’s wake in my personal capacity. I was surprised to learn that her mother had been cared for by our MWS Home Care & Home Hospice (HCHH) team. Their dedication, professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond had deeply touched the family. My friend couldn’t stop talking about the exceptional care her mother had received and was recommending MWS HCHH to anyone who needed support. I felt incredibly proud that even outside of work, I had the privilege of learning firsthand how our staff are touching and changing lives.
MWS Staff: That is encouraging to hear. Looking back on your three years here, other than moments that moved you, were there moments that stretched you?
Calvin: Oh yes, definitely. Leading an organisation as large as MWS naturally comes with its share of challenges. One of the toughest periods I faced was just a few months into my tenure, when senior staff movements took place and disrupted some of our plans.
It was an incredibly stressful time and, to be honest, there were moments when I wondered if I should just throw in the towel. I found myself asking God, “Why?” If He had called me to this role, why was this happening? But God met me where I was. I remember one evening, when I felt overwhelmed, a mentor came to my home simply to pray with me and encourage me not to give up. That gave me the strength to keep going.
Things didn’t change overnight of course, but day by day God provided what I needed. In His time, He cleared the obstacles, and about nine months later, things began to stabilise and turn around.
MWS Staff: Thank you for sharing so openly about how God carried you through that difficult time. How would you say your time at MWS has changed you as a person?
Calvin: Many people, myself included, have often joked that I’m “the corporate guy”, and to some extent, it’s true. My previous roles taught me to focus on numbers, and that was where my strengths lie.
But over the past three years, I’ve learnt that the social service and community care sector operates very differently. Numbers matter, but they tell only part of the story.
At the heart of what we do is improving lives, and quality of life can’t always be measured on a spreadsheet.
I’d say the “corporate guy” in me has certainly softened. I‘ve learnt to look beyond the numbers and appreciate the human impact behind them.
MWS Staff: And we celebrate that change in you! Looking back on your time at MWS, what is the achievement you’re most proud of?
Calvin: One thing I’m especially proud of is helping to build a stronger #OneMWS culture. Over the years, we’ve encouraged greater collaboration across centres and services, and I’m grateful that these efforts, together with prudent stewardship, have strengthened both our unity and our financial position. That puts MWS in a better place to serve our communities well.
I’m also proud that we’ve created more opportunities for staff to simply enjoy time together. The MWS Day Out at Universal Studios was a personal highlight (I’m still a big kid at heart!), and it was wonderful to hear how much colleagues enjoyed it.
More importantly, it reflected our commitment to caring for our people. Through careful stewardship, we were able to invest in staff appreciation and well-being. I hope we continue to do so, so that we can care not only for our beneficiaries, but also for the dedicated staff who serve them every day.
MWS Staff: As you leave, what is one thing you’d like to say to all MWS staff?
Calvin: Most of us won’t spend our entire careers in one organisation, and that’s okay. While you’re at MWS, make the most of every opportunity to learn, grow, and leave the organisation a little better than when you joined.
Then, wherever your journey takes you next, use what you’ve learnt to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Above all, always remember to pay it forward.
MWS Staff: Thank you for the encouragement. Before we wrap up, I’m sure many are curious – what’s next for you?
Calvin: I’m looking forward to retiring – again. I have a few trips planned but will also take some time to rest and recharge. As for what’s next, my palms are open before the Lord, and I’ll follow wherever He leads. I do have some dreams, like serving alongside my wife, but I’m not yet sure what that will look like. When the time is right, I’ll be happy to share more. For now, I’ll be cheering MWS on from the sidelines!
