Serving More, Serving Better
In conversation with MWS CEO Albert Ching on faith, servant leadership, and rallying the Methodist community as a force for good.
Question: Could you share a little about your growing-up years?
Albert: Coming from a dysfunctional family, I learned early that navigating life and finding purpose would require faith, perseverance, hard work, and a willingness to trust God’s leading. Along the way, God blessed me with many ‘angels’ whom He placed in my life – mentors, friends, and guides who encouraged me and helped shape my character and journey. Through their guidance and God’s grace, I came to understand that true success is not merely about achievement, but about living faithfully, serving others, and fulfilling the purpose God has entrusted to me.
I was an introverted, quiet, and private boy. During the Secondary 1 CCA (co-curricular activities) Open House, I signed up to join The Boys’ Brigade (BB) under pressure from my classmates but later refused to attend the meetings. After several weeks of absence, I received a letter from the BB Volunteer-Leader asking why I had not been attending, whether I was facing any challenges, and if I needed any help. That simple gesture touched me deeply. For the first time, I experienced a sense of love, belonging, and family warmth.
That was what eventually led me to join BB – and it became a turning point in my life. Through BB, I gained much more than friendships and life skills. Most importantly, I encountered Christ and received the gift of eternal life. BB became like a second family to me, and the people God placed in my life there played a significant part in shaping who I am today.
Looking back, I believe that what I initially saw as an invitation to join a uniformed group was, in God’s providence, His invitation into a community where I would be loved, mentored, and ultimately come to know Him.
Question: How did those experiences shape your leadership?
Albert: In BB, I saw sacrificial, servant leadership modelled by the volunteer officers who were others- and people-centred, committed to caring for us, and role-modelling for us to grow. It drew me to Christ.
Later, when I was asked to lead BB as Executive Director in my twenties, I felt inadequate. But mentors came alongside me, generously guiding and helping me think through ideas and plans. Those experiences taught me that leadership is not about position, but about walking with people, serving them, and helping them grow.
My National Service (NS) journey also humbled me. I worked hard, achieved recognition, but did not receive the postings I had hoped for. At some point, I was disappointed and even angry with God. Looking back, I see how God placed me exactly where I needed to be. During NS days, I stay connected to church and volunteered actively with the BB. Before I completed NS, I was offered the opportunity to work for the BB full-time. It reminded me that God’s plans often become clear only in hindsight.
Question: How has this influenced your service in the social service sector?
Albert: I see myself as a beneficiary of social services. Through mentors and volunteers, I experienced God’s love in practical ways. That shaped my giving back by being part of the social service sector. Much of my life has been dedicated to serving, because I have been blessed by people who chose to show up for me.
Question: What led you to accept the role of CEO at MWS?
Albert: I have often preferred managing programmes over leading organisations. But through different encounters, conversations, and timing, I sensed God’s hand at work. I was especially stirred by MWS’ White Paper response to ForwardSG – the vision of mobilising the Methodist community as a force for good. MWS exists as the social concerns arm of The Methodist Church in Singapore, serving people at different points of struggle and seeking to empower them to have life to the full. That vision resonates deeply with me.
Question: After your first three months at MWS, what has stood out most?
Albert: I sense a strong desire within MWS and the Methodist Church to serve God by serving people. That is why I speak about the need to “Serve More, Serve Better”. To serve more is to reach as many people as possible with God’s love. To serve better is to pursue excellence, because we represent Christ in the way we care.
Question: What are your key priorities for MWS?
Albert: First, I hope to strengthen leadership and unite colleagues around our mission and purpose: to serve God and serve people. Second, I hope MWS can be used by God to rally the Methodist community – churches, schools, volunteers, and partners – to be a greater force for good. Third, we need to build a culture of excellence and innovation. Technology can help, but more importantly, we need to foster an innovation mindset, a collaborative spirit, and shared values such as respect, openness, and transparency to bring out the best in us and support one another.
Question: What guides your leadership?
Albert: Luke 2:52 has shaped me: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” It reminds me that growth must be holistic – mental, physical, spiritual, and relational. Ultimately, we are called to emulate Christ. Jesus’ humility also models servant leadership for me, and this has guided me to lead by serving others.
Question: What has encouraged you at MWS so far?
Albert: A visit to MWS’ Senior Care Centre at Eunos stayed with me. One senior kept asking me to visit again, sharing how much she looked forward to coming to the Centre. I also met an elderly couple in their 80s who come regularly and enjoy their time there. These encounters encourage and remind me that many more people can experience life more fully through our work.
Question: Amidst all that’s going on, how do you stay grounded?
Albert: I start early with quiet time, reading the news, and getting out to exercise. Running or cycling helps a lot to clear my mind and be ready for the day. At MWS, I find it helpful that we make it a practice to start meetings with prayers and devotions. My regular one-to-one prayer with the chaplain also reminds me of why we do what we do, and who we do it for. Because I have benefitted so much and been blessed by so many, my only response is to serve and give back.
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