Happenings

New Co-ops In The Pipeline To Help The Needy

New co-operatives are geared with programmes that are aimed to serve the community - with help from the Central Co-operative Fund (CCF).

The Women Enterprise (WEworkz) of South-west Community Development Council (CDC) was launched in March 2008 with the purpose of equipping women with skills to engage in home-based economic activities that will allow them to supplement their family income. Two other co-operatives, the Community Kitchen of North-west CDC and Women’s Initiative for Ageing Successfully (WINGS) are also in the midst of starting their operation.

These new co-operatives are born out of the social mission – to serve the needy in the community, particularly those who are of lower-income and the unemployed. This group is the most affected by the rising costs of living and in view of this; the co-operatives have been set up to provide flexible employment and income opportunities for them.

Given the encouraging support from grassroots and the community, SNCF calls for organizations and groups of people in the community to come forward and provide their valued services to those in need.

Student Co-operators All Geared Up At The Personal and Communications Mastery Workshop

The SNCF Campus Sector organised a Personal and Communications Mastery Workshop conducted by the Adam Khoo Learning Technologies Group (AKLTG) School Division on 8 March 2008.

Held at the AKLTG training centre at Keppel Towers, the workshop saw 29 student co-operators from 6 campus co-operatives gain new skills that can come in handy when dealing with issues in both personal and working life.

Participants were enlightened on Life Mastery and Communication skills through customized activities and role plays from this highly interactive workshop which covered topics such as “Essential Habits for Happy and Effective Teens” and “Instant Rapport Building”.

The activities for the workshop are focused on helping the student co-operators re-program their beliefs, attitudes and behavioural patterns to achieve the results they want in life and controlling their opinions, thoughts and attitudes.
 

NTUC and SNCF Celebrate International Women’s Day cum Family Carnival Outdoors.

Some 4,000 participants turned up for the Women’s Health Fiesta on 8 March 2008 – an event organised by SNCF and NTUC Women’s Committee to celebrate the International Women’s Day (IWD). This year’s celebration, which focused on health, coincided with the 100th Anniversary of the IWD.

Joining in the carnival fun was Mr Lim Swee Say, NTUC Secretary-General and Minister in Prime Minister’s Office, as the Guest-of-Honour for the event held at the Bishan Park Grand Lawn II. Mr Lim flagged off the mass walk after the 15-minute workout.

The SNCF and NTUC joint celebration on the IWD has proven that more are acknowledging the efforts and supporting women of all ages, to pursue and embrace their different roles and contributions towards the economy, family and society.
 

SNCF launches its first Co-operative Scholarship

SNCF launches its very first Co-operative Scholarship which is open for ‘A’ level and Diploma holders enrolling into the NUS, NTU, and SMU to pursue first-degree courses in Business Management, Accountancy, Information Technology, Mass Communications and Arts (specializing in Economics or Statistics). The Scholarship is one of SNCF's new initiatives to develop academically outstanding students who are keen in furthering their studies and pursue a career within the co-operative sector.

For more information… click here

Special Project Grant

Also under the umbrella of the Central Co-operative Fund is the Special Project Grant which is available for professional services encompassing projects in the areas of information technology and consultancy. A grant of up to 80% of the approved project cost incurred will be given out to the successful co-operative subject to a cap of one project annually for each co-operative. Additional projects will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

For more information... click here

On 25 January 2008, more than 100 fellow co-operators and guests gathered at the Restaurant 1827 Thai @ Old Parliament House to welcome the New Year.

In his welcome speech, Chairman Mr Seah Kian Peng got the co-operators excited about the line-up of events for the year and called on them to give their full support and participation.

International Women’s Day
An action-packed weekend of carnival fun will be held at Bishan Park, on Saturday, 8 March 2008. The International Women’s Day will be organized by the Women’s Programme Committee of SNCF and NTUC to celebrate healthy living. A turnout of about 5,000 women union and co-operative members, together with their families and friends is expected.

SNCF’s 27th Anniversary Dinner-cum-Honour Awards
SNCF will celebrate our 27th Anniversary with a Gala Dinner, to be held on 4 July 2008. This celebration also marks the 86th International Co-operative Day. The SNCF Honour Awards 2008 will also be presented during the dinner, to give due recognition to individuals and organizations who have contributed to the co-operative movement, nationally and/or internationally.

Annual Co-operative Leaders’ Conference
Tentatively scheduled for early September, the Annual Co-operative Leaders’ Conference this year, may be held at one of our neighbouring countries

Triennial General Assembly
Our Triennial General Assembly is also due this year to elect Council members who will provide directions to the Secretariat from 2008 to 2011. The SNCF Executive Council and the respective Sectoral Committees will work out a slate of suitable nominees for consideration by the Assembly.

Study Mission/ICA AP Regional Assembly – Hanoi, Vietnam
To coincide with the ICA Asia Pacific Regional Assembly in early December, SNCF is looking to organize a Study Mission to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

More than 1,000 Co-operators Came to Singapore

More than 1,000 co-operators from 69 countries converged in Singapore for the ICA General Assembly 2007 (14 October to 19 October 07). The GA in Singapore brought co-operators and co-operatives together for a week to share initiatives, knowledge and common goals. Playing host was the SNCF. And the theme – Innovative in Co-operative Business.