JANUARY - MARCH 2014

MCI (P) 077/12/2013

DO WELL,DO GOODTOGETHER

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03 Chairman's Message - DO WELL, DO GOOD TOGETHER

04 The Big 88

06 A Co-operative Decade in Action

08 CCF Grant Framework SNCF Bursary for ITE Students

Co-operative Bursary for Polytechnic Studies

09 Grower Owned Ocean Spray is Berry Good 10 Singapore and Malaysia Credit Co-operatives Exchange Experiences in KL SNCF Scholarship – Scholars with a Heart

11 Another Extraordinary Year!

12 Credit Sector Night Service Sector Night

CONTENTS

SNCF reserves the right to select articles to be incorporated into the Co-operator for any issue. Please note that all selected articles are subject to editing by the editorial team. Such submis-sions become the property of SNCF and that all title and interest therein, including all rights of copyright, shall vest with SNCF at the time they are submitted.

The news and stories in Co-operator are made possible because of our affiliates. As such, we invite our affiliates to send in stories and photographs to continue tapping on the Co-operator to publicise co-operative updates or announce important messages. Submissions should preferably not exceed 400 words and relevant photographs are best submitted in high resolution (300dpi and above). Please email your materials and enquiries to sncf@sncf.org.sg.

Our MissionTo promote and develop co-operatives as sustainable enterprises

that address social and economic needs through the principle of

self and mutual help so as to foster a more resilient society.

13 DEKOPIN Comes A Calling PSUCOOP Drops In

14 13th SNCF Inter Co-operatives Tenpin Bowling Tournament

MOU To Foster Co-operative Spirit

Yes to Social Enterprise at Youth Debate Open 2013

15 SNCF Co-op Learning Camp Truly Rocks

Inspiring Future Business Leaders at the ICE Challenge 2013

National Pushcart Challenge 2013

16 Mark Your Calendar SNCF At Your Service

Dear Co-operators,

The Co-operative movement is here to stay. Today the global movement is estimated to have around 1 billion members and accounts for more than 100 million jobs around the world. Five of the top ten countries, by membership, that the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) represents - are in Asia.

In this issue of Co-operator, we feature three co-operatives that have gone the long haul of doing well and doing good together for the people in Singapore. The Singapore Government Staff Credit Co-operative Society Ltd (SGS Co-op), Citiport Credit Co-operative Limited and Singapore Statutory Boards Employees' Co-op Thrift and Loan Society commemorated their 88th Anniversary recently. We, in SNCF could not be more delighted. They deserve a big pat on the back for displaying sustainability in their enterprises amidst challenges.

SGS Co-op started off by providing loans at very low interest to prevent civil servants from falling prey to the illegal money-lenders. Today, they still stay true to their course. Since then, the thrift and loan co-operative continues to remain relevant and innovative, knocking on doors of ministries, statutory boards and agencies to promote thrift and loan. By doing so, they stayed on course in making a difference in the lives of their members. Today, the membership continues to grow.

When a co-operative does well, the co-operative movement as a whole, benefits. By contributing more to the Central Co-operative Fund (CCF), SNCF can do more good together such as investing in the next generation of co-operators, helping co-operators to build capabilities and co-operatives to build capacities and increase productivity. SNCF is empowered and enabled to carry out more exciting programmes to expose the young to the co-operative model

of enterprise where people, character building, values, not profits, are placed at the centre of the business. In this issue there are the numerous activities and new initiatives which SNCF organised for the youth so that they can have a taste of the goodness of the co-operative model. Together, we offer the next generation an alternative, a preferred model, to build a better future of self-reliance, mutual assistance and care for the community.

How good is the co-operative model of doing business? In the international co-op feature, we highlight the well-known Ocean Spray, headquartered in Massachusetts, USA, and whose products are found in NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Ltd outlets. It all started with three cranberry growers. The co-operative is now owned by 700 cranberry and grapefruit growers and has sales of US$2.2billion.

We also announced a piece of good news. Mr Seah Kian Peng, chief executive of the NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Ltd, has been re-elected to a new four-year term to the global Board of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA). The Singapore co-operative movement did well to show our strong and united support to Mr Seah in Cape Town. A win for Mr Seah is a win for all of us.

This year, let’s focus our attention on caring for the environment. Our environment is our responsibility. SNCF takes the lead. I encourage each affiliate to do its part to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Renew and Respect. Every act of care for the environment adds up. This year, let’s continue to sharpen the do good of co-operatives. Let’s continue to do well, do good together to make that difference.

Wishing everyone a fantastic 2014 and a successful Year of the Horse!

Chan Tee SengChairman, SNCF Executive Council

DO WELL, DO GOODTOGETHER

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The Big

To commemorate their 88th birthday, SGS Co-op went on a year-long celebration, dotted with events. This they did in style by clocking a record number of social and educational activities; the biggest ever membership drive; and the most over-subscribed tour to Cambodia. The co-op even uncovered a member who was born on 8.8.88. Having added more special memories to their history book, SGS Co-op closed their ‘88’ celebration chapter with an anniversary dinner and dance at Marina Bay Sands, on 19 October 2013.

Mr Lawrence Wong, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, who was Guest-of-Honour at the Singapore Government Staff Credit Co-op's 88th Anniversary Dinner, started a string of praises by hailing the SGS Co-op as the “role model in providing thrift and loan facilities”. More importantly, he said the society has “innovated over the years to stay relevant…and today offers its members many benefits such as hospitalisation subsidies, free insurance and educational awards”. Like Minister Lawrence Wong, almost everyone in the event had unending pats on the back for the credit co-operative.

The evening flashbacked to how the society first started in 1925, by providing loans at very low interest to prevent civil servants from falling prey to the illegal money-lenders. The theme on “Memories”

took members down memory lane, looking back from the early founding days in 1925 when coolie labourers, samsui women, miners and farmers formed the grassroots labour force. A special ‘88’ souvenir magazine traced the founding of the co-operative from October 1925 to its cardinal position as the leader for the credit co-operatives.

“Over the past 88 years, the Singapore Government Staff Credit Co-operative Society (SGS Co-op) has been a role model in providing thrift and loan facilities. Co-operatives are good examples of communities coming together and organising for a common purpose and for a mutual benefit. They demonstrate resilience and a commitment to one another that is emblematic of the values that we all share as Singaporeans. The continuing importance of co-operatives can be seen in the sustained growth of the co-operative movement here in Singapore.”

Mr Lawrence WongActing Minister for Culture,

Community and Youth andSenior Minister of State,

Ministry of Communications and Information

It has been a sensational year for three credit co-operatives. Singapore Government Staff Credit Co-operative Society Ltd (SGS Co-op) became the first credit co-operative to lead the way as it marked its 88th

anniversary in 2013. Two other credit co-operatives followed suit - Citiport Credit Co-operative Limited and Singapore Statutory Boards Employees' Co-operative Thrift and Loan Society also celebrated their big 88.

Singapore Government Staff Credit Co-operative Society Ltd

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The idea of a Thrift and Loan Co-op was first mooted as far back as 1925. Wage earners were then at the mercy of unscrupulous moneylenders who charged exorbitant rates of interest. The thrift and loan type of co-operation was then introduced in Singapore as a solution to free people from financial difficulties and at the same time inculcate the habit of thriftiness.

The Singapore Statutory Boards Employees' Co-operative Thrift and Loan Society registered as a co-operative in 1925. Its main objective was to combat widespread usury and indebtedness. The co-operative successfully accomplished this mission. They encouraged members to save; paid interest and dividends above market rates on deposits from members; promoted co-operation and self-help; assisted members to reduce the cost of living and improve their economic position. The Committee members together with the members joined forces in order to work hand in hand to make the society grow from a small group to a bigger group, from a small office to its own office, making sure that each and everyone's needs were met so they could feel a sense of belonging in the society.

Citiport Credit Co-operative Limited is a non-profit organisation based on the co-operative principle of people helping people. They strive to serve their members with care; to be considerate and credible at all times.

Registered on 9 October 1925 by 27 junior employees of the Singapore Harbour Board, Citiport was then known as the Singapore Harbour Board Employees Thrift and Loan Co-operative Society. The name was changed to Port of Singapore Authority Employees Co-operative Thrift and Loan Society in 1964 when the Harbour Board became the Port of Singapore Authority. In 1997 it was changed to the current name when PSA was corporatised.

Today, Citiport has more than 3,000 members, mainly from PSA Corporation. Besides providing thrift and loan services to its members, members can also avail many welfare benefits and study grants for their children. Its objectives is to promote co-operation and self-help; encourage thrift; receive members’ deposits; help maximise the growth of members’ savings; prevent permanent indebtedness with reasonable loans terms; assist members to reduce cost of living and improve socio-economic status.

Citiport Credit Co-operative Limited Singapore Statutory Boards Employees' Co-operative Thrift and Loan Society

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The General Assembly’s theme, “A Co-operative Decade in Action: Growing the Co-operative Movement” marked the beginning of a worldwide campaign. The ambitious plan in the Blueprint - the “2020 vision” - is for the co-operative form of business by 2020 to become:

• The acknowledged leader in economic, social and

environmental sustainability

• The model preferred by people

• The fastest growing form of enterprise.

A Co-operative Decade in ActionICA General Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa

The co-operative way of doing business will be brought to a new high level.

At the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) Global Conference and General Assembly held in Cape Town, South Africa from 1 to 5 November 2013, the Blueprint for a Co-operative Decade, which aims to take co-operatives to a position of being the preferred model was acknowledged, celebrated and affirmed.

To pursue the 2020 Vision, the Blueprint strategy focused on five critical themes: participation, sustainability, identity, legal frameworks and capital. The overarching agenda is to:

1 Elevate participation within membership and governance to a new level

2 Position co-operatives as builders of sustainability

3 Build the co-operative message and secure the co-operative identity

4 Ensure supportive legal frameworks for co-operative growth

5 Secure reliable co-operative capital while guaranteeing member control.

Participating in the ICA General Assembly was the contingent of 14 Singapore delegates led by SNCF Chairman Mr Chan Tee Seng. The delegation was made up of representatives from Singapore Mercantile Co-operative Society Ltd, NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Ltd, TCC Credit Co-operative Ltd, Premier Security Co-operative Ltd, Jurong Shipyard Multi-purpose Co-operative Society, Singapore Amalgamated Services Co-operative Organisation Ltd (SASCO), NTUC Enterprise Co-operative Ltd and SNCF.

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Seah Kian Peng Re-elected to ICA Global Board Mr Seah Kian Peng, Chief Executive Officer of the NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Ltd, has been re-elected for the third time to a new four-year term to the global Board of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA). He is one of 15 newly-elected members of the ICA Board who were elected on Nov 4 during the ICA General Assembly. He is among three elected members from Asia with the two others coming from Japan and Korea and will serve the term until 2017.

At The Power of Branding conference workshop, Mr Seah Kian Peng, ICA Board, former Chairman and Trustee of SNCF, and CEO NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Ltd, shared on how NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Ltd Singapore became one of the best retail brands.

SNCF CEO Ms Dolly Goh was a panellist on the Unite the World through the Power of a Story workshop. She spoke on fortifying youth with strong co-operative values and highlighted some of the successful youth engagement strategies developed by SNCF.

“We need to be part of their world. We do this through stories, with different ways of telling them to different types of youth,” Ms Goh shared.

The ICA is an independent, non-governmental organisation that unites, represents and serves co-operatives worldwide. ICA has 269 member organisations from 94 countries and represents around one billion co-operative individual members worldwide. ICA General Assembly 2013 is the first ever to be held in Africa in the ICA’s 118-year history.

Photos courtesy of Mr Pang Swee Tong (Jurong Shipyard Multi-purpose Co-operative Society Ltd) and International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) General Conference 2013, Cape Town.

Eligibility Criteria• The applicant must be one of the following: ‣ Member of any locally registered co-operative

‣ Staff of Co-operatives ‣ Immediate family members of the staff of Co-operatives

• First priority will be given to staff and immediate family members of the staff of the co-operative;• Gross monthly household per capita income does not exceed S$2,500/-;• Is not in receipt of any scholarship/ bursary/ financial assistance except subsidies from the Government;• Is not a sponsored student;• Applicable for full-time & part-time courses which are relevant to the business of co-operatives;• Recipient of award may apply in subsequent years, subject to good academic performance.

Calling all staff and members of SNCF affiliates.The Co-op Bursary is available for those seeking higher education or those wishing to upgrade their skills at the Polytechnics.The bursary, valued at 50% of the nett course fee (after government subsidies) subject to a maximum cap of $1,000, will be awarded to the successful applicant.

Co-operative Bursary for Polytechnic Studies

This scheme is intended to provide financial assistance to the deserving ITE students who are Members of ITE Co-op, or who are staff or the immediate family members of the staff of a locally registered co-op.

Approach your Student Affairs Division in ITE for the bursary application form today!

Financial Boost for New Co-operativeWhat... The Central Co-operative Fund Committee (CCFC) established the Grant for New Co-operatives in 2008. Co-operatives with approved funding will be subject to quarterly follow-up evaluation, where they will be assessed based on their business objectives and their progress in social mission.

Aim... The funding aims to defray initial set-up costs and operating expenses to create financially and economically sustainable Co-operatives. This aligns with SNCF’s goals of developing a dynamic, vibrant, and innovative Co-operative movement in Singapore.

$210,000 The funding is on a cost-sharing basis that will be seeded for up to 3 years.

1st Year up to 85% or $90,000, whichever is lower2nd Year up to 70% or $75,000, whichever is lower3rd Year up to 55% or $45,000, whichever is lower

Areas of Aid... Eligible funding items are: •Capital Expenditure, e.g. Office equipment •Operating expenses, e.g. Staff cost related to start the Co-operative

Other areas of support: •Areas of expertise and knowledge •Endorsement •Referral aspects of the business

Individual items are subject to SNCF’s approval.

Who can apply... Newly registered Co-operatives (Within 24 months of registration)

Contact... For more details, please contact Mike Chian, Business Developer Manager, mikechian@sncf.org.sg

Enhancing Productivity, Innovation, Efficiency, Capability & Governance of Existing Co-operative What... The CCFC launched the Capacity and Capability Development (CCD) grant with the objective of encouraging existing co-operatives in Singapore to better themselves. The grant supports co-operatives in capacity development, capability training, and consultancy services.

Capacity Development •Facilities Enhancement •Info-Comm Technology (Hardware) •Software & Systems

1 Category Only: •1st Tier: Up to 50% of cost incurred but capped at $8,000 whichever is lower •2nd Tier: Up to 50% of cost incurred but capped at $15,000 whichever is lower2 or More Categories: •1st Tier: Capped at $10,000 per year •2nd Tier: Capped at $20,000 per year

*Tier refers to CCF Levy contributors.

NEW! Capability TrainingMay apply every year & funding will be on reimbursement basis and claim period is within the Training year.

SNCF Courses •up to 80% of the local course fees/overseas (Local/Overseas) registration fees & capped at $1,000 per pax and max. of 2 pax per co-op per course. SNCF’s Approved •up to 30% of the fees & capped at $500 Courses per co-op, whichever is lower

Consultancy Services To comply with regulatory requirements through hiring a CPA or a qualiified accountant. Only 2nd Tier levy contributors may apply annually.

Consultancy Service (including CPA/accountant) •up to 15% of the Co-op’s total contribution & capped at $15,000, whichever is lower

Contact... For more details, please contact your respective sector’s Relationship Manager.

AWARD: $500 per award per annum.WHO CAN APPLY?a) Member of the ITE Co-operative; orb) Staff of any locally registered co-operatives and their

immediate family members. (Immediate family refers to children, spouse and parents and if single, siblings)

c) Gross monthly household per capita income do not exceed $1,500/-d) Is not in receipt of any scholarship / bursary except MOE Bursarye) Is not a sponsored studentf) Has at least 3 months’ study to undertake until the end of the academic yearFor further clarifications and/or enquiries, please see www.sncf.org.sg

SNCF Bursary for ITE students

CCF Grant Framework

For further clarifications, please contact the Relationship Managers of your respective sector.

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Grower Owned Ocean Spray is Berry Good

It all started with the common love of cranberries.

Three independent cranberry growers, and former competitors, came together in 1930 united in an effort to create a year-round market for their fruit through new and innovative products.

The cooperative began its international journey with the opening of its first operation outside the US in 1950. By 1958, Canadian growers were invited to join the cooperative. In the 1970s, Ocean Spray organised a local cooperative of citrus growers from the Indian River region of Florida.

Today, Ocean Spray the co-operative is owned by more than 700 cranberry and grapefruit growers across North America and Canada. It employs more than 2,000 people worldwide with sales of US$2.2 billion.

The members and stockholders of the co-operative are the growers who contribute all of their cranberry harvest from a designated acreage. Ocean Spray takes the entire crop to sell and deliver a premium return for their cranberries and their membership in the cooperative.

In the co-operative effort to see the company grow, the members invest not only the growing of the fruit, but in marketing, manufacturing and distributions of that fruit in the supply chain. The Board is made up primarily of growers who represent their fellow growers in the different markets across the country.

While the Board gives high-level direction, the management team is hired to look into product innovations, marketing campaigns, public relations, pricing, and promotion strategies.

Innovation is key to Ocean Spray’s growth. Since the introduction of its cranberry juice cocktail in 1930, the creative juices of the co-operative flowed on. In 1963, the co-operative’s first juice blend Cranberry Apple Juice Drink became a big hit. In the 1970s, fresh grapefruit and grapefruit juice cocktail were added to the Ocean Spray range. Today, Ocean Spray is a household name for juices, drinks, sauces, snacks and more. Its wide, creative range of products is also found in NTUC FairPrice outlets.

For an agricultural co-operative of growers of cranberries and grapefruit headquartered in Lakeville/Middleborough, Massachusetts, Ocean Spray is indeed doing more than ‘berry’ well.

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A group of SNCF credit co-operatives embarked on a three-day visit from 23 to 25 September 2013, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The objective of the inaugural study visit was to learn more about the success stories and best practices; and to exchange views and ideas about the development of the Co-operative Movement in both neighbouring countries.

On the first two days, the SNCF entourage visited Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission, together with Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia (SKM) and Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (ANGKASA). Talks with these organisations primarily centered on the vibrant landscape of the Co-operative Movement in Malaysia and their regulatory environment. On the final day, the delegation had the opportunity to visit Malaysia’s largest co-operative bank, Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia (Bank Rakyat). An in-depth look into the bank’s financial products and services such as pawn-broking, micro-financing and remittance services proved to be valuable in view of extending those services to the Singapore Credit Co-operative scene. The trip was a successful one with mutual exchange of best practices taking place.

Singapore and Malaysia Credit Co-operatives Exchange Experiences in KL

The SNCF Co-operative Scholarship is for students with big hearts and the desire to make a difference in society by being a part of the Co-operative Movement here in Singapore. The Scholarship is open to those taking a full time, first time undergraduate degree course at local universities. Scholars can look forward to full payment of tuition fees, up to $3,500 per annum allowance, hostel fees of up to $3,500 per annum, a computer and a structured internship programme with over 60 affiliates during studies. Those who have a positive, optimistic and grounded attitude with a service mindset are encouraged to apply.

The application process couldn’t be simpler. Just go to www.scholar.sncf.org.sg.

Be a part of something great! Be a Scholar with a Heart!

SNCF Scholarship – Scholars with a Heart

“As an SNCF scholar, I hope to be able to put the knowledge and skills that I have gained in university to good use, in helping to raise awareness and advance the co-operative and social entrepreneurship movement in Singapore.”Yeo Tiong Hui Bachelor of Business Management Finance; Corporate CommunicationsSingapore Management University

“ I want to help to use the power of business to solve social problems and benefit more people in our society.”Guo Mei QiBachelor of Social Sciences (Hons) in SociologyNational University Singapore

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More than 180 affiliates and SNCF partners gathered at the social enterprise, Food for Thought, at Singapore Botanic Gardens for a night of co-operative family fun. They came beaming with gratitude for the achievements of the past year and brimming with hope for 2014.

SNCF Chairman Mr Chan Tee Seng kicked off the evening with a pat on the back for a job well done. “Year 2013 has been another extraordinary year following the International Year of Co-operatives,” he said; listing the events and activities which raised the co-operative awareness in Singapore by a few significant notches.

“Together, we have soared to great heights last year, and will do it again in 2014, and better,” he quipped.

Another Extraordinary Year!SNCF New Year Reception 2014

Mr Chan proposed that one resolution the co-operative movement could make is to care for the environment. To kick start the year for co-operators to become more responsible for the environment and to go green whenever possible was a door gift in the form of a foldable water bottle which was presented to all guests that night. Cheers to 2014!

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Credit co-operators gathered for an early Christmas celebration during the Credit Sector Night. Held on 4 December 2013 at Club@52, Seacare Hotel, the gathering among credit co-operators was simply an informal way of connecting and sharing among fellow credit co-operators. With Christmas just around the corner, the mood was high.

Credit Sector Chairman, Dr R Theyvendran from TCC Credit Co-operative gave a presentation on loan delinquencies pertaining to credit co-operatives, while Mr Raihan Ali Akbar from Singapore Shell employees’ Union Co-operative talked about his experience at The Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU) conference in Kathmandu, Nepal via a pre-recorded video. Other sharing sessions included one from Mr Ratnam Rajaram (AUPE Multi-Purpose Co-operative) and Mr Abdul Kader Bin Madin (Singapore Government Staff

The Singapore National Co-operative Federation (SNCF) Service Sector Night, held annually, is an event many co-operators look forward to.

For one, they get to network with fellow co-operators, share ideas, get updated on the recent developments, and just chill among those who carry the same passion.

This year’s Service Sector Night was kindly hosted by member of the executive council of SNCF, Mr Leow Ching Chuan and Seacare Co-operative Ltd. Held at Club@52, on 26 November 2013, the cosy place was abuzz with the atmosphere of the co-operative spirit.

It was heartwarming to hear presentations from two new kids on the block - Silver Caregivers Co-operative Limited (SCCL) and Employment for Persons with Intellectual Disability (E4PID). SCCL Vice Chairman Ms Audrey Lee shared passionately about their social mission to support family caregivers, while the Chairman of E4PID, Mr Ong Chin Wah introduced his co-op that looks into creating employment for people with Down’s Syndrome. NTUC co-operators were also at the event to strengthen the relationship with co-operative movement as a whole.

Credit Sector Night

Service Sector Night

Co-operators Connect at …

Credit Co-operative Society), who, after having taken a study trip to Kuala Lumpur to learn more about the Malaysian Co-operative Movement, spoke about Islamic financial products and services. The speakers were all very informative and the attendees thoroughly enjoyed the event.

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Indonesian delegates led by DEKOPIN (Dewan Koperasi Indonesia) or The Indonesian Co-operative Council came to Singapore to learn more about the business transactions and challenges faced by our local credit and non-credit sector co-ops. Being the perfect host, SNCF was more than happy to share as much as possible including the 88-year history of the Co-operative movement in Singapore and SNCF events organised to promote co-operative principles. The delegation of 14 Indonesian co-operators, who dropped by SNCF office on 4 December 2013, included Board, Advisory Members and staff of Police Services Co-op Jakarta, Coastal Police Services Co-op, Consumer Union Mandiri Medan, Credit Union Mandiri Medan and LSP21, was accompanied by Ilham Nasai, International Manager of DEKOPIN.

SNCF was once again host to another co-operative, this time from Thailand.The Prince of Songkla University Saving and Credit Cooperative Limited (PSUCOOP), a co-operative member of the Federation of Savings and Credit Cooperatives of Thailand Limited, organised a study visit to Singapore. The delegation of 18 co-operators comprising board directors, staff and members visited SNCF to learn more about the Singapore apex body and the activities and functions of credit co-operatives in Singapore. TCC Credit Co-operative Ltd also welcomed and hosted the PSUCOOP delegation at their office.

DEKOPIN Comes A Calling

PSUCOOP Drops In

Visitors to SNCF

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recent years. With a sense of anticipation, SNCF CEO Ms Dolly Goh said, “We hope that SNCF and RP will together nurture a strong sense of social mindedness and foster in youths the co-operative values of self-help, mutual help and care for the community.”

Co-operators came together to compete in the 13th SNCF Inter Co-operatives Tenpin Bowling Tournament on 15 December, held at the Orchid Bowl, Orchid Country Club. The annual tournament was fiercely contested among 36 teams formed from 21 co-ops and SNCF. AUPE Team ‘A’, (comprising members from AUPE Multi-Purpose Co-op, AUPE Foundation Co-op and AUPE General Services Co-op) emerged victorious, winning the newly introduced SNCF Challenge Trophy which was presented by SNCF Chairman Mr Chan Tee Seng. For scoring the first turkey (3 consecutive strikes) of the tournament, Mr Jason Lian Kok Yeo of Singapore Teachers Co-op Team ‘A’ won himself the Jasni Jalil Trophy. As announced by SNCF CEO Ms Dolly Goh, the trophy was

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the first of its kind, was signed between SNCF and Republic Polytechnic (RP) to provide a platform for RP students to learn about social enterprises first-hand. The MOU which was signed by Ms Dolly Goh, SNCF CEO, and Warren Wang, Director, Centre for Enterprise and Communication, RP, took place at Republic Polytechnic’s National Pushcart Challenge at Causeway Point. The three-year collaboration, aimed at growing the pool of socially-conscious and business-minded youths who want to make a difference to the community, is expected to raise the productivity of the social enterprise sector, which has seen an increased awareness and investment in

The motion “Social enterprises have the potential to thrive in a capitalist society, while seeking to address various social needs in society”, received a resounding yes at the Youth Debate Open 2013. Held at UWCSEA at Dover and Canberra Community Club on 8 November 2013, the event which was mainly sponsored by SNCF, organised by the Debate Association (Singapore) and supported by the Jelutong Youth Executive Committee, saw 20 secondary schools debating on exciting topics related to co-operatives and social enterprises for two consecutive days. The debate generated exchanges about the merits of the social enterprise business model, and exposed more than 200 students to insights about the significant impact and important roles that co-operatives play in our society today. Before that the winners of the Gold

MOU To Foster Co-operative Spirit

Yes to Social Enterprise at Youth Debate Open 2013

Division Grand Finals, a mixed team comprising students from Hwa Chong Institution and Nanyang Girls’ High School, admitted that they knew little about social enterprises. However, they recognised the relevance of social enterprises and co-operatives in society through the debate and hopes that organisations such as SNCF will continue to promote the co-operative movement. Ms Lo May Ling, Senior Manager Relationship & IT, presented the prizes to the winning teams and top speakers in the Gold and Silver divisions.

13th SNCF Inter Co-operatives Tenpin Bowling Tournament

created to remember the late Mr Jasni Jalil, SNCF Manager, Relationship & Corporate Services who had contributed greatly to SNCF, the co-

operative movement and who himself was instrumental in organising the SNCF bowling competitions for the past 12 years. Congratulations to the winners and may the sport that brings all co-operators together continue for many more years. SNCF would like to thank the Official T-shirt Sponsor - Singapore Teachers' Co-operative Society Ltd and the Official Lunch Sponsor - Co-operative of SCDF Employees Ltd (COSEM).

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The inaugural Social Co-op Inc (SCI) Learning Camp organised by SNCF, in collaboration with MoneyTree Singapore was created as a platform for students from various schools to come together in the spirit of co-operation. Ultimately, the objective of the camp was to prepare students for a youth entrepreneurial competition called “ICE Challenge”.

To inspire or to be inspired? Whichever the case, the ICE Challenge Competition is the go-to event for young people considering a future in business. This year’s Innovation, Creative and Enterprise (ICE) Challenge, organised by MoneyTree Singapore, was sponsored by SNCF, with Mr Mike Chian, SNCF Business Development Manager, as one of the esteemed judges in the ICE Challenge (Social Enterprise) Semi-Final for 15 Primary and Secondary schools. The Challenge which has had more than 60 schools participating since its inception, is a platform for schools to come together to compete and showcase their innovative and creative ideas in entrepreneurship. Held at the United Square Mall on 10 November 2013, the event also allowed SNCF to promote its scholarship and programmes to teachers, parents, students and the public. Ms

The National Pushcart Challenge, organised by Republic Polytechnic, is a nationwide inter-secondary school entrepreneurship competition that seeks to showcase the brightest ideas and celebrate the spirit of enterprise among the youths in Singapore. Into its sixth year run, this

Inspiring Future Business Leaders at the ICE Challenge 2013

National Pushcart Challenge 2013

SNCF 2012 scholar, Ms Joan Loh jumped at the chance of participating in the Learning Camp as a facilitator. After leading the ice-breaker activities, Ms Loh guided the two teams that were allocated under her care. Simply blown away by their energy, she said, “It was a pleasure meeting these young students and I was heartened to see that they

had so much interest and passion for the social drive in Singapore. Some of their presentations were truly impressive as I would have never imagined that they would go into financial details at such a young age. The fact that they had considered the respective breakdown of costs and revenue show that they are indeed serious and had definitely put much effort into drawing up their business proposals.” Eventually, one of the teams, ISCUBE, that qualified for the upcoming ICE Challenge, made it through the semi-finals and ultimately clinched the champion title for the Social Enterprise - Secondary School category. Well done indeed!

SNCF Co-op Learning Camp Truly Rocks

Maggie Li and Ms Joan Loh, both SNCF Scholars, made themselves avai lable to answer any questions that were raised. Unity Secondary and McPherson Secondary emerged as Champion and 1st Runner-up teams respectively for the Social Enterprise Category. Both teams had attended the Social Entrepreneurship Skills based on Co-operative Values programme (YSEP-SCI Programme) offered by SNCF prior to the competition. They must have been inspired to inspire.

year’s event theme was centred on social entrepreneurship. SNCF worked closely with the organisers and was one of the sponsors to the competition held at Causeway Point on 16 to17 November 2013. More than 230 students from over 30 secondary schools partnered 18 social enterprises in the challenge. Eventually, the top 15 schools showcased their business plans, demonstrated their passion for working with social enterprises, making a positive difference to people and the community. There to present prizes to the National Pushcart Challenge winners was Guest-of-Honour SNCF Chairman Mr Chan Tee Seng. The National Pushcart Challenge is one of the many ways to practise the principles of social entrepreneurship so that youths may be inspired to start businesses that transform lives.

“Knowledge Champion”

miKE “Growth

Champion” DID: 6602 0752

“Campus Samurai”

SHEELa “Right-Hand Lady” DID: 6602 0741

DOLLy “Chief inspiration Officer”

maRia “infocomm Champion”

DID: 6602 0753

SOO LEnG “Credit Guru”

DID: 6602 0745

BEE BEE “Wonder Lady”

DID: 6602 0742

mOOi CHEnG “accounts & HR Samurai”

DID: 6602 0756

HELEn “numbers Guru” DID: 6602 0743

may LinG“Relationship & iT Guru”

DID: 6602 0744

aaROn "Social media

Whiz" DID: 6602 0746

HaWa “Digital Samurai”

DID: 6602 0749

BELinDa“Brand & marketing Guru”

DID: 6602 0240

RamESH “Events

Champion”DID: 6602 0746

DaniEL “Credit Samurai”

DID: 6602 0750

MARK Your Calendar!Be informed of events, programme updates and more at www.sncf.org.sg

April

August December

15-17 14 Dec

(TBA)

Co-op Wheels Explorer SNCF Bowling Tournament

ICA-Asia and Pacific Regional Assembly

SNCF At Your ServiceSTAFF DIRECTORY

WOCCU (Gold Coast)27 - 30 Jul

July

September

October

November

June

SNCF Anniversary Dinner

ACCU (Jakarta)

Quebec International Summit of Co-operatives

SNCF Comics & Manga Design Competition

05

18 - 20 Sep

06 - 09 Oct

10 Nov - 12 Jan 2015

Come Together As One (mini Co-opaliciouz)

15

Annual Co-op Leaders’ Conference (Bandung)

16-19

SNCF Co-op Hot Shots

Triennial General Assembly

01 Jul -19 Sep

25 Sep