Using cultural and local resources, I developed a SICHUAN model based on a seven-year community psychosocial programme after the fateful 2008 Sichuan earthquake. In recent years, I have started focusing on disaster risk reduction using a transdisciplinary perspective. This involves working with different sectors, disciplines using both a bottom-up and top-down strategies. Of late, I have focused on developing the core competencies of social work practice in disaster management, comprising knowledge, values and skills in mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.