C o-operatorMCI (P) 125/12/2012

January - MarCh 2015

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03 Chairman’s message - reflections and Looking ahead 04 Distinguished Leaders of the Co-operative Movement – Exclusive Interviews with Mr S Chandra Das, Mr Chan Tee Seng and Mr Leow Ching Chuan

06 Seacare Co-operative rises up

07 JCCu – a Cooperative Effort to Build a Better Tomorrow

08 SnCF Staff Gets award from President

ITE Students and Social Innovation

Supporting youths in Entrepreneurship

09 Celebrating the Spirit of Enterprise

Students Outwit and Outtalk at Debate

a Learning Experience for all

10 Scholars’ Thoughts on Leading 2nd ICE Challenge Learning Camp

SnCF Scholarship

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 submissions 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.

11 SnCF hosts Guests From Overseas • anGKaSa’s Extra Special Visit to FairPrice Xtra

• Philippines Co-operators Explore nTuC health 12 understanding PDPa

Caring for the Pioneer Generation

Off to a Good Start

13 SnCF Wins TOP COOP honourable Mention award in Quebec

14 CCF Grant Framework

15 2015 Calendar of Events annual Co-operative Leaders’ Conference 2015

Shared Marketing Services

Co-operative Bursary for Polytechnic Studies 16 SG50@Co-opaliciouz

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Dear Co-operators, Happy New Year!

It is fitting, that as we stepped into the new year, for us to reflect on the past year’s events and start looking ahead.

We are grateful – grateful for the friendship we have with our affiliates; grateful for the many things we achieved together for the purpose of Making a Difference.

One of the highlights that brought much delight to the Singapore Co-operative Movement was SNCF winning the TOP COOP Honorable Mention Award (Mobilisation + Innovation category) for the impact we made in the celebration of International Year of Co-operatives (IYC) 2012. The award was presented to SNCF, the only award recipient from Asia Pacific, at the 2014 International Summit of Co-operatives in Quebec, Canada. SNCF CEO Dolly Goh, NTUC Enterprise Group Chief Executive Tan Suee Chieh and NTUC FairPrice Co-operative CEO Seah Kian Peng spoke at the summit and raised the Singapore flag up and high.

Another privilege that we had last year was seeing Mr S Chandra Das, Chairman, Central Co-operative Fund Committee (CCF) and Mr Leow Ching Chuan, Chairman, Seacare Co-operative Limited, receiving the prestigious ‘Friend of MCCY’ Award from Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Ministry of Communications and Information. I was humbled to also be a recipient of the award.

This issue of Co-operator is packed with news, reports and stories of our dynamic generation of youth who are infused with energy and passion. Looking at their commitment to serve, we are inspired to look into the future with anticipation.

At the beginning of 2015, we look forward to the many new things we will be doing. This year is extra special. Singapore turns 50 and the Co-operative Movement turns 90. We will celebrate them with much jubilance. The activities are now rolling out at a breathtaking velocity.

Please take time to check out the events such as Co-opaliciouz SG50 – Come Together As One which will take place in March; Annual Co-op Leaders Conference (ACLC) in May, SNCF 35th Anniversary and launch of the Co-operative Movement Commemorative Book in September and more. We will also be staging a mobile exhibition that showcases SNCF and our affiliates’ meaningful journey. The exhibition will hit the schools and heartlands this year.

2015 is going to be an exciting year filled with hope, determination and confidence. Let’s continue to stay anchored to our Co-operative calling.

Have a fulfilling 2015!

Chan Tee SengChairman, SNCF Executive Council

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Reflectionsand

lookingahead

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Distinguished Leaders of the Co-operative Movement Exclusive Interviews with Mr S Chandra Das, Mr Chan Tee Seng and Mr Leow Ching Chuan

Mr S Chandra Das, Chairman, Central Co-operative Fund Committee (CCF), Mr Chan Tee Seng, Chairman, SNCF and Mr Leow Ching Chuan, Executive Chairman, Seacare Co-operative Limited, three distinguished leaders of the Singapore co-operative movement were recently presented the prestigious ‘Friend of MCCY’ Award by Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Ministry of Communications and Information, in commemoration of their outstanding contributions to the Singapore co-operative movement as well as to the nation-building of Singapore.

We at SNCF cordially congratulate Mr Das, Mr Chan and Mr Leow on this notable accolade.

The personal journeys of these three luminaries encompass many momentous milestones and learning points which constitute great insight for members of the co-operative movement as well as other members of the professional community.

These learning points and milestones have been crystallised through interviews conducted with each of these three exemplary co-operative leaders.

What, in your opinion, would be the most significant milestone throughout your history with the co-operative movement?Let me tell you how I got involved with the co-operative movement. While I was director of Export Promotion in EDB from 1966 to 1968, I was tasked by then Finance Minister Dr Goh Keng Swee to set up a co-operative to make and sell ladies’ slippers. Together with my colleagues, I set up a co-

operative called the Shoemakers’ Co-operative in 1967. We struck a deal with Bata to train our employees and buy slippers manufactured by us. The co-operative took off and became very successful.

I then left the co-operative in 1969. That was the year when the NTUC organised the ‘Modernisation of the Labour Movement’ seminar. One of the recommendations of the seminar was the setting up of a supermarket to provide workers with basic foodstuff at competitive prices. The supermarket, named NTUC Welcome, was opened by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew in 1973. I was recruited into the Board of Directors, and was given the responsibility of resourcing, of buying commodities such as rice in bulk at low prices so as to combat profiteering by retailers of the time. In the mid-80s, Welcome

merged with SILO supermarkets to form the NTUC FairPrice Co-operative. In 1993, I was approached by Mr Ong Teng Cheong to become Chairman of FairPrice, and I stayed on to serve four terms as Chairman until 2005. I thereafter, stayed on as Advisor till 2006, when I became Chairman of the Central Co-operative Fund (CCF). What would you say has fuelled your passion for co-operative development?As a young man, I got started on the agenda of moderating the prices of essential goods in Singapore. This agenda was set forth by former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, and I was dedicated to stretching the dollar of the average Singaporean. As the Chairman of FairPrice, I was given a fairly free hand with not much interference by the Board, which proved to be very supportive. I also had the support of a competent managerial team and loyal staff in FairPrice.

My passion in serving the FairPrice agenda geared me towards developing a keen interest in going down to the ground to inspect the delivery of operations, quality of goods and services as well as monitor prices of goods sold at FairPrice supermarkets.

how do you suggest we suggest we move on in challenging times Mr Das? Sustainability is imperative for co-operatives. The size of the

Interview with Mr S Chandra Das, Chairman, CCF

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Distinguished Leaders of the Co-operative Movement Exclusive Interviews with Mr S Chandra Das, Mr Chan Tee Seng and Mr Leow Ching Chuan

Who were your mentors in the formative years of your involvement in the co-operative movement?My mentors in the formative years of my involvement in the co-operative movement were Mr Lim Boon Heng, Immediate Past Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), and Mr Choo Eng Khoon, who still remains as the legal advisor of Seacare Co-operative Limited.

I am grateful for their insightful advice and counsel during the formative years of Seacare Co-operative Limited.

are cooperatives in Singapore relevant today other than those from nTuC?Non-NTUC co-operatives are still relevant, in particular the credit co-operatives, which encourage thrift by offering saving schemes to members as well as provide financial assistance by providing loans on reasonable terms.

Some new co-operatives in Singapore are also very relevant with respect to our ageing population.

Examples of these are the Silver Horizon Travel Co-operative Ltd which promotes active lifestyles and learning through customised travel programs for senior citizens, and The Good Life Co-operative Limited, which seeks to enhance the health of senior citizens through the provision of health advisory and health services conducted through partnerships with medical professionals as well as enterprises and institutions within the healthcare industry.

What are the opportunities within Singapore and beyond which are available and which you forecast in the near future which should be capitalised on by co-operatives in Singapore?In my opinion, opportunities available now include:

(i) Eldercare-related products and services(ii) Ambulance services(iii) Continuing education

Preventive healthcare is an area co-operatives could capitalise on in the near future.

Could you describe the fondest memory that you have with respect to your involvement with the co-operative movement?I have had careers in various companies within the co-operative movement. I was working previously in NTUC Unity and NTUC Income and am now the CEO of NTUC First Campus. I find the work that I do in co-operatives meaningful and fulfilling due to the strong and compelling

social missions of these co-operatives. I would say that I have been on a challenging but enjoyable journey so far.

What were some of the challenges which you faced throughout your journey in the co-operative movement?One challenge which I faced in the past would definitely be attracting talent to the co-operative sector. This is attributed to the image co-operatives of being social enterprises and non-profit organisations instead of being business enterprises, which we are. However, the changing times have seen more promising young people broadening their horizon with respect to their options of careers and joining co-operatives. I do hope that more young professionals

will find value in starting careers within the co-operative movement, especially those who have identified with social purposes from an early age. Careers in the co-operative sector will provide them with a platform for making a difference to society.

To what extent should we place a premium of values in the running of co-operative businesses?Although co-operatives have unique legislation which define their identities, what differentiates us is that we, the co-operatives, are value-based organisations, and if we are able to harness those values, we can be the example of how business can be run differently. Our values should be at the core of what we do. However, competencies and capabilities are equally important as we operate in a competitive marketplace today, and if you can’t run competently, you can’t compete and you can’t deliver a product or a service at a lower cost than a commercial operator. This is something to be looked into and improved on in the co-operative sector. If we could build a stronger group of people with good administrative, managerial and business capabilities, and combine that with strong business ethics and values, we can be a unique differentiating business organisation, and contribute better to nation building and to building a better society.

business does not matter but sustainability does. I have studied enterprises and co-operatives around the world, and I have observed that business big and small succeed with effective forward planning, management renewal and very importantly, staff training. Staff should be well-trained in customer service, operational management as well as in IT and technology so as to streamline and automate operations which will have a profound impact in upscaling productivity.

What would be your vision for Singapore’s co-operative movement?In Singapore, there is a keen enthusiasm in setting up social

enterprises. This has seen many individuals coming together to establish these enterprises. The co-operative model may not suit all of those amongst them who desire flexibility in the running of their businesses. Should they be receptive to the co-operative model and framework, they will find value in setting up co-operatives due to the unique advantages that the co-operative model stands to offer. I also feel that it is essential for us to strengthen existing co-operatives, as well as outreach to schools with the objective of nurturing the interest amongst students in co-operatives by educating them on establishing school-based co-operatives.

Interview with Mr Chan Tee Seng, Chairman, SnCF

Interview with Mr Leow Ching Chuan, Executive Chairman, Seacare Co-operative Limited

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“As a co-operative, Seacare looks after the interest and welfare of seamen. Providing accommodation and maritime related services will benefit the shipping community and support Singapore’s development as the leading international maritime centre.”

- Mr Leow Ching Chuan, Seacare Executive Chairman

Set up by the Singapore Organisation of Seamen (SOS), a maritime trade union and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) in 1994, Seacare was birthed to help and benefit Singapore seamen and their families by providing more work opportunities from appropriate investment projects.

Since then, there is no stopping the Seacare Co-operative as it continues to develop and grow. To date, Seacare’s five distinct clusters form a viable and sustainable enterprise that fulfills the economic, social, educational and wellness needs of its members and their dependents. Joint ventures with corporations overseas are also set up to diversify and broaden the scope of its subsidiaries.

• The Hotel and Property Cluster manages property development and investments as well as offers value-for-money customised cleaning programme for commercial buildings, hotels and industrial buildings. • The HR and Lifestyle Cluster provides job placement and training for Singaporeans and recreational activities for its members. • The Medical Cluster looks into serving its members and the community. Besides offering ship call and office consultation, one of its subsidiaries, Seacare Maritime Medical Centre, also provides quality pre-employment medical examination for seafarers and offshore personnel to prepare them for their seafaring journey. • The Maritime Services Cluster focuses on serving the members welfare needs and offering maritime related services including providing top notch maritime education and training.• The Investment Cluster under the co-operative umbrella handles the economic and commercial dealings. Seacare Holdings Pte Ltd and Seacare Foundation Pte Ltd not only invest in Seacare subsidiaries, but also in Connect Centre Pte Ltd – a company that creates meaningful work opportunities for rehabilitated ex-offenders and equips them with necessary skills for reintegration into the society.

Since its founding, the Co-operative has always sought to balance its need to be economically viable as a co-operative enterprise and helping seafarers as job seekers or consumers. From the looks of it, Seacare scores well in doing just that.

Seacare Co-operative rises up

Standing tall at 16 storeys, The Seacare Hotel is the first co-operative owned hotel in Singapore. The hotel, situated at Chin Swee Road, boasts 103 Superior, Executive, Executive Deluxe and Suite rooms with facilities such as a business centre, gym, sky garden and a rooftop wine bar. Aimed at making affordable hotel accommodation more readily available for seamen, the hotel was officially opened in 2013 and is run by the hospitality arm of Seacare Co-operative Limited (Seacare).

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2014 ended with a big bang as representatives from Japanese Consumers’ Co-operative Union (JCCU), Consumer Co-operative Miyagi, Consumer Kobe and Consumer Co-operative Mirai visited SNCF on 19 December 2014. An informative sharing session was held for JCCU and SNCF to address achievements made in 2014 and discuss key challenges in the new year.

JCCU has come a long way since its establishment in 1951 by Toyohiko Kagawa, the father of the modern Japanese Co-operative Movement. It developed distinct characteristics of “Japanese-style Consumer Co-ops” such as having active housewife members, a unique business model of home delivery and a strong social movement in consumerism and pacifism. An excellent model of a co-operative that marries business goals and social needs, the JCCU is entirely funded, utilised and managed by its own members. Its collaborative efforts in ‘doing together’ has truly benefited the people who participate in the co-operative movement.

Business activitiesJCCU supports the activities of member co-ops through three main business divisions – merchandising, insurance and other services. The merchandising division includes store operation, home delivery, catalog and internet businesses. Member retail co-operatives also supply safe and reliable co-op products that suit the changing lifestyles and mindsets of the Japanese people. Food such as plain yoghurt Bifidus and QCO packed materials for chirashi-sushi was introduced into the market as people became more health conscious. JCCU Group co-ops also offer insurance products, nursing care services and medical services for the ageing population in Japan.

Doing good for the society and the environmentCommitted to JCCU’s modus operandi of doing business and doing good, members actively engage in community involvement activities and participate in peace action projects to create a peaceful society. Some of the notable activities include Fureai salon that provides a place of meeting for senior citizens in their regional communities, reading service for visually impaired members, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) activities and promoting disaster reduction. JCCU also goes big on environmental protection as part of the union’s vision for the 21st century. Members do their part in conserving the environment by joining recycling activities and reduction of plastic bags campaign while the retail business division ramp up logistic countermeasures against global warming and reduce industry waste.

JCCu – a Cooperative Effort to Build a Better Tomorrow

With its Co-op 2020 vision in mind, JCCU continues to harness the power of individuals and communities to create a better tomorrow for everyone.

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Supporting youths in Entrepreneurship

SNCF’s marketing executive Nur Siti Hawa Nor Hashim has been awarded a Token of Appreciation by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the Istana! Over the past 10 years, Hawa has been an active youth leader and an indispensable member of the local and international Girl Guides movement. She continues to serve the youth community with a burning passion as a mentor to the young women in Girl Guides and as a dedicated design samurai at SNCF, handling various creative projects and events. SNCF congratulates Hawa for her achievements and contributions to the community and wishes her every success in her endeavours.

The Innovation, Creativity and Enterprise (ICE) Challenge, organised by MoneyTree Singapore, was held at Kallang Leisure Park Shopping Mall. SNCF was proud to be the Silver Sponsor for the Social Enterprise Category in the national level competition that gathered primary and secondary school students to submit innovative solutions to identified problems. At the fun-filled two-day event on 8 and 9 November 2014, SNCF set up a booth to attract students to join the Co-op movement and raise awareness on youth programmes and the Social Co-op

Inc Programme. SNCF Acting Senior Manager Mike Chian was one of the judges of the challenge. Congratulations to the students from MacPherson Secondary School Co-operative Club for winning the ICE Challenge 2014 – Social Enterprise Category!

A group of Institute of Technical Education (ITE) students returned home inspired after hearing the co-operative message on social innovation; and participating in the breakout sessions on connecting youth with the family, the community and the world.

The ITF-VTC International Student Seminar Training Programme on 14 November 2014 had speakers and trainers including Mr Yoong Ee Chuan, Chairman, Campus Sector; Mr Chong Kum Hong, SNCF Relationship Manager; Ms Meirlin Gunawan, SNCF Assistant Manager (Campus and Youth); and Ms Yen Chua of Singapore Amalgamated Services Co-operative Organisation (SASCO) sharing their expertise on social innovation from the co-operative’s perspective.

Three hundred ITE students will participate in the seminar in June 2015 at the Vocational Training Council (VTC) in Hong Kong. The social innovation training programme aimed to prepare the Singapore students for the seminar.

ITE Students and Social Innovation

SnCF Staff Gets award from President

Nur Siti Hawa (bottom left, front row) with the Girl Guides

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Causeway Point became a youth hub buzzing with dynamic energy on 15 and 16 November 2014 as more than 250 students from 36 schools gathered to showcase their innovative social entrepreneurship projects for the National Pushcart Challenge.

Organised by Republic Polytechnic and sponsored by SNCF, the nationwide inter-secondary school challenge attracted crowds of people who came to support students with a burning passion for enterprise. SNCF Acting Senior Manager Mike Chian, together with SG Enable Director Ng Herk Low and SE Association Business Advisor Serene Tay were the judges of the challenge. St Anthony’s Canossian Secondary School emerged as the champion while Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School and Holy Innocents’ High School were placed second and third respectively.

SNCF scholars took the helm to organise an impacting five-hour Learning Camp at MacPherson Secondary School. Guo Mei Qi, Lee Keng Boon Raymond, intern Kimberley Neo and 2014 scholars (Lee En Ying, Ingewati Sastrawidjaja, Sharon Lim and Low Choon Chye) planned the programme centered on the theme – Resilience in a Changing World.

The Learning Camp, jointly organised by SNCF and MoneyTree, a partner for the Youth Social Entrepreneurship Programme – Social Co-op Inc, ignited creative thinking and analytic skills in the participants from four schools - Bedok North Secondary School, Bukit Merah Secondary School, MacPherson Secondary and Pioneer Secondary School.

The 10 participating teams pitted against each other at the ice-breaker activity, business plan proposal and poster design competition. The panel of judges included SNCF Acting Senior Manager Mike Chian, Campus Sector Chairman Yoong Ee Chuan, and the teachers-in-charge of each school. The Best Poster Design went to Bukit Merah Secondary School and the Best Business Plan to Bedok North Secondary School.

The camp was a great learning experience for both the participants and the SNCF scholars who applied their knowledge and developed their skills in events organisation.

a Learning Experience For all

Celebrating the Spirit of Enterprise

Students Outwit and Outtalk at DebateSome 120 eloquent secondary school students clashed in an intense battle of wits at Catholic High School on 6 and 7 December 2014. The students were sharp in providing valid and strong arguments to support their stances at the SNCF British Parliamentary Debate Open 2014. The students went through five preliminary rounds with co-operative related motions. The final round of the debate was an especially heated one as speakers of each team tried to outwit and outalk each other about the motion 'This House believes that developing countries should mandate that producers of export-oriented crops (e.g. coffee or quinoa) form co-operatives.'. Guest of Honour Mr Yoong Ee Chuan, Chairman, Campus Sector, the judges and audience gave a big round of applause to acknowledge the efforts that the participants put in to prepare for the intensive two-day tournament.

Congratulations to the winning teams and top 20 speakers!

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The ICE Challenge Learning Camp was one of the main highlights of my scholarship journey thus far because it was truly inspiring listening to revolutionary ideas coming from these 15-year-old students. As we shared with the students the concept of co-operatives as well as the principles of self-help and mutual help, they also shared with us their passions for doing good for the community. They demonstrated, without a doubt, the potential of youth in Singapore, and how truly, knowledge, creativity, and a heart to do good abound in this country. - Sharon Lim, Bachelor of arts (Communication), national university of Singapore (2014)

Scholars' Thoughts on Leading 2nd ICE Challenge Learning Camp

It was a meaningful camp and I wish it had lasted longer. It would also have been good if we could train the kids on their presentation skills as well. - Low Choon Chye, Bachelor

of Engineering (aerospace), national Technological university

(2014)

Co-operativesbecome the norm;

Communication Studies

National University of SingaporeSharon Lim

where value, and not profit,

is maximised

Enhanceinclusiveness of our society

AccountancyNational University of Singapore

Lee En YingEntrepreneurship &

communityIngewati Sastrawidjaja

BusinessNanyang Technological University

Meet the social

needs of everyone

Aerospace Engineering

Nanyang Technological UniversityLow Choon Chye

Business with asocial mission

Business AdministrationNational University of Singapore

Fam Hui Wen

Engaging with secondary school students with the passion to serve the needs of the community through innovative ways was a memorable experience. It has definitely inspired me to look and think of new ideas to leverage on the entrepreneur spirit in order to meet others' needs. The ICE Challenge Learning Camp was also a valuable learning opportunity for the students to stretch their creativity in a realistic manner, as well as to hone their business pitching skills. - Lee En ying, Bachelor of accountancy, national university

of Singapore (2014)

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SnCF hosts Guests From Overseas

SNCF and NTUC FairPrice played host to a delegation of lecturers from the National Co-operative Organisation of Malaysia (ANGKASA). The 31 lecturers, including those from school and university co-operatives, toured FairPrice’s second largest hypermarket at Jurong Point 2 and checked out the wide variety of products and services the 24-hour FairPrice Xtra offers. SNCF Manager Chong Kum Hong facilitated the visit which included an engaging and enjoyable session about mutual learning of best practices regarding various aspects of the co-operative movement.

Chairperson Mr Ronnie C Ravanera, CEO Mr Floriano R Hilot together with 22 members from Philippines-based Oro Integrated Cooperative made a study trip to Unity Pharmacy at Great World City Shopping Centre. Facilitated by SNCF Manager Chong Kum Hong, the trip aimed to give insights on public health through engagement with NTUC Health Co-operative Ltd. SNCF was most heartened to receive a plaque of appreciation at the end of the event!

Philippines Co-operators Explore NTUC Health

ANGKASA’s Extra Special Visit to FairPrice Xtra

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understanding PDPa

Off to a Good Start

Thanks to The Good Life Co-operative (TGLC), a group of seniors now know more about knee health and some key prevention measures for osteoarthritis. At the Painful Knee forum held on 2 November 2014 at Bedok Community Centre, TGLC geriatric specialists Dr Carol Tan, Dr Darren Phua and Dr Lai Choon Hin were at hand to share medical tips and advice to the Pioneer Generation. A team of SNCF staff and student researchers were present to conduct an awareness survey at

Runninghour will hold its first nationwide inclusive race in March and it is all thanks to the Central Co-operative Fund (CCF) that offers Grant for New Co-operative.

It was smiles all around when SNCF CEO Dolly Goh and Acting Senior Manager (Campus, Business Development and Special Projects) Mike Chian presented the contract to Runninghour Co-operative Chairman John See Toh and Treasurer Soh Kheng Hong. Part of the grant will be used to defray set-up costs and operating expenses for the Run So Others Can race that will have participants run alongside over 200 visually, intellectually and physically-challenged runners.

SNCF congratulates Runninghour Co-operative on receiving the CCF grant and wishes them all the best in organising enjoyable and meaningful activities.

To help SNCF affiliates keep abreast with the government regulations, the Singapore Professionals’ and Executives’ Co-operatives Ltd conducted a informative training session on Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) that covered:

Key concepts and obligations of PDPA including Data Protection Provisions and Do Not Call Provisions Data Protection Internal Audit Policy PDPA communication plan for staff Group presentation of best practices in areas of generic compliance and HR guidelines and Creation of Data Inventory Map for Organisations.

The session was especially useful for the 11 participants as they would be putting the new knowledge into good use when they communicate with clients and stakeholders.

the forum which was supported by People’s Association Active Ageing Division. At the end of the informative forum, the senior citizens went home with essential health knowledge and small gifts from SNCF and NTUC Income.

h t t p : / / r u n n i n g h o u r 2 0 1 5 . c o m /

Caring for the Pioneer Generation

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SnCF Wins TOP COOP honourable Mention award in QuebecSNCF won the TOP COOP Honourable Mention Award (Mobilisation + Innovation category) for its contributions in the celebration of International Year of Co-operatives (IYC) 2012. The award was presented to SNCF at the 2014 International Summit of Co-operatives in Quebec, Canada. SNCF was the only award recipient from Asia Pacific at the summit that gathered some 2,500 delegates from 100 countries.

The biennial four-day summit, organised by Desjardins Group and the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) offered a platform for managers and experts of various co-operative and mutual enterprises from around the world to learn about major international development trends and shared their valuable knowledge.

To help foreign counterparts better understand the Co-operative Movement in Singapore, SNCF CEO Dolly Goh, NTUC Enterprise Group Chief Executive Tan Suee Chieh and NTUC FairPrice Co-operative CEO Seah Kian Peng spoke at the summit. Ms Dolly Goh gave Singapore a voice as a panelist at the forum on Boosting Performance through

Education about the Co-operative Business Model. The forum also covered important topics such as the impact of existing education programmes and suggestions on how co-operatives and mutuals could work together in the future. Mr Tan Suee Chieh was involved in the forum on Innovation in making Healthcare and Social Services accessible while Mr Seah Kian Peng participated in a roundtable where twenty other elite speakers from different countries discussed reducing food insecurity and the possibility of feeding 9 billion people by 2050.

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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.

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

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

Shared Marketing ServicesSNCF offers shared marketing services to provide affiliates a scalable way to align their marketing, social media, media relations needs while making their costs more predictable and flexible.

Scope of Services

Digital Presence PR support Content license

Target group

Co-ops without website, without domain name

Newly formed (within 2 yrs) and registered Co-operatives with or without financial resources but ready to garner publicity

Co-operatives that have stories about themselves in SPH publications

Funding Co-pay: Website: S$499 Hosting: S$150/yr Domain name: S$ 55/yrTOTAL: S$ 709(SNCF to pay 80% for 1st yr only. Subsequent yrs, co-op pays own hosting and domain name.)

FOC (one-time) up to S$6000 but based on these merits:1. Demonstrate relevance of social mission i.e. service that will create publicity for Co-op Movement.2. Increase profile of SNCF.3. Must be ready for media publicity and media engagement

agenda must be topical.

N.A.

Target group

Co-operatives with website, with domain name that need a makeover/revamp

Co-operatives that need to pitch for stories Co-operatives published SPH articles

Funding Co-pay: Website : S$ 499

SNCF to pay 80% for 1st year

Co-pay 80% by SNCF(Maximum amount for one full activation by PR agency is S$3,800)Co-op must1. Demonstrate revitalization efforts2. Demonstrate effort will enlarge membership pool.3. Be relevant to topical interest

Each SPH content license is S$26.75 per year.Subsidy: SNCF will provide 20% subsidy for each license up to 3 years only

Applications for grants include digital presence, media relations support, and resources and pricing from negotiated suppliers will be made available to affiliates of SNCF.

1. Co-opaliciouz@SG50 29 Mar 2015 Singapore Sports Hub

2. Annual Co-op Leaders’ Conference 2015

30 May - 2 June 2015 Chiang Mai, Thailand

3. Co-op Hot Shots 1 July - 19 Sept 2015

4. WOCCu 12 - 15 July 2015 Denver, Colorado, USA

5. ACCU 10 - 12 Sept 2015 Bangkok, Thailand

6. SNCF Anniversary Dinner 26 Sept 2015 The Grassroots Club

7. Coopow! Comic and Manga Design Competition 3 Aug - 13 Nov 2015

8. ICA Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly 15 - 22 Nov 2015 Antalya, Turkey

9. 14th Annual SNCF Inter-Co-op Bowling Tournament 13 Dec 2015 Orchid Country Club

2015 Calendar of Events

Annual Co-operativeLeaders’ Conference 2015Chiang Mai, Thailand | 30 May - 2 June

“Sustainabilitythrough creativity”

6 Mar 2015

To enjoy subsidisedrate, register by:

$600Single Room :

: $500TwinRoom

Price Packagefor Affiliates:

For more information, please visit http://events.sncf.org.sg/aclc/

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