KE ARAH MEMPERKASAKAN PENDIDIKAN KERJA SOSIAL DI MALAYSIA: SATU PENELITIAN KONTEMPORARI

Abstract

Contemporary issues in social work should be concentrating as a check and balance process from the establishment of social work education programs in Malaysia. Therefore, this article discussing several contemporary issues in social work education as well as suggestions on empowering social work education in Malaysia. A total of 5 informants from the Management and Professional Group (Grades 41 - 48) from Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat and Institut Sosial Malaysia were involved in this study. This study used a qualitative approach through a phenomenological approach. Among the major issues that the author has touched upon are the issues of social work education standards, the issue of social works act, an issue in social work job position, and the issue of social work education in public universities. Hence, some resolutions were added by the informant to overcome the contemporary issues such as the enforcement of social work education standards, overcoming the conflict of power as the enforcement of social work laws, setting clearer criteria for Civil Service Commission, re-organize social work education curriculum, and responsive administration at university and ministry levels. Various parties such as educators, administrators, policymakers, and social workers need to create strong collaborations and play an essential role in empowering social work education in Malaysia.