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ICA General Assembly 2009
Seah Kian Peng Re-elected to the ICA Board

Never in the 112-year history of International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) had a Singaporean sat on its Board till the year 2005 when Mr Seah Kian Peng was elected to the Board.

On 23 November 2009, it was with great pride that we announced Mr Seah’s (former Chairman and current Trustee of SNCF) re-election to the Global Board of the ICA for a new fouryear term from 2009 to 2013.

The election, during the one-week ICA General Assembly 2009 at the Geneva International Conference Centre in Geneva, Switzerland, saw a total of 22 candidates contesting for a seat on the 15-member board.

The re-election is a strong endorsement of Mr Seah’s leadership and passion for the Co-operative Movement not only in Singapore but at an international level as well. Commenting on his reelection, Mr Seah said: “I am indeed honoured and humbled by the results. I am grateful to members of the ICA for their vote of confidence in me and also to SNCF for their nomination and strong support rendered to me. I shall endeavour to do my best to help ICA achieve its strategic objectives in the areas of membership, influence, development and governance.”

Mr Seah also pointed out that the re-election is an indication that ICA acknowledges the strength of our co-operatives here. “Though a small Movement by international standards, we have shown that quality counts and even in a global city like Singapore, co-operatives have a relevant and important role to play. It is also a recognition of the good reputation of our country and the strong brand name that is “Singapore”,” said Mr Seah, who is Managing Director (Group Business) of NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Limited and a Member of Parliament, Marine Parade GRC.

Leading a contingent of 20 Singaporean delegates to this year’s General Assembly, Mr Chan Tee Seng, Chairman, SNCF Executive Council said, “The ICA Board is the highest body representing 800 million co-operative members throughout the world. The 22-member ICA Board is like the “G-20” equivalent of co-operative organisations. The SNCF is very proud that Mr Seah has been re-elected to the Board of the global body. It is a very strong testimony and recognition for the role that co-operatives have played in Singapore society, and Kian Peng’s contributions and leadership at the international level. We are very proud for Kian Peng, and indeed, for Singapore.”

First Woman ICA President

The ICA General Assembly 2009 was a historic event – Dame Pauline Green of the United Kingdom was unanimously elected as the ICA President and became ICA’s first woman President.

“Global Crisis – Co-operative Opportunity” was the theme of the GA held from 16 to 20 November 2009. The Conference brought together nearly 800 delegates from around the globe.

Other highlights of the General Assembly included:

• Keynote Address by Professor Jeremy Rifkin (President of the Foundation on Economic Trends and a noted economist and adviser to key political and economic leaders in Europe and the USA) on how co-operatives could be the lead organisers of distributed energy
• Panel sessions addressing the theme
• Five resolutions on the economic global crisis, climate change, sustainable energy and peace were adopted
• ICA rules and By-Laws amended
• Rochdale Pioneer Award

The next ICA General Assembly will be held in Mexico in 2011.

9th SNCF Inter Co-operative Bowling Tournament 2009

The 9th SNCF Inter Co-operative Bowling Tournament witnessed an overwhelming response that marked the close of 2009.

With the special inclusion of three categories namely, the Ladies’ Open, Senior, and Youth, our annual sporting event saw a record increase in the participation of senior and women co-operators. In total, 148 co-operators from 28 co-operatives started the ball rolling on the morning of 13 December 2009 at the Orchid Bowl @ Orchid Country Club. Intra co-operative camaraderie was also demonstrated with eight gutsy youth co-operators, representing two teams joining the tournament for the first time. The inclusion of new categories certainly opened the floodgates for a greater participation and stronger promotion of inter co-operative bonding.

Joining us in the family fun was our Executive Council Chairman, Mr Chan Tee Seng, who rolled the first ball of the day and presented trophies to the winning bowling enthusiasts.

BOWLed over by YOUTHS

Fifteen youth bowling enthusiasts from eight co-operatives bowled to the beat of disco sounds and laser lights on the evening of 4 December 2009. Organised by our SNCF Youth Committee, this cosmic bowling event at the Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild was part of our outreach efforts to youth co-operators aged 35 years ‘young’ and below.

Cosmic bowling strikes people of all skill levels as enjoyable, which was why during our two-hour trip through the cosmic galaxy, there was laughter and fun coupled with lively music and good food. Our Remy Ong and Jennifer Tan-wannabes also pitted their skills against their bowling mates and exchanged bowling tips.

The enthusiasm of our youth co-operators continued when our Committee was represented by two teams at our 9th Annual Inter Co-operative Bowling Tournament.

Winners

Team Event
Champion
Singapore Teachers’ Co-op (St Hilda’s Primary School), 2200 points

2nd
TCC “A”, 2118 points

3rd
Keppel Credit Union Co-op “C”, 2072 points

4th
Jurong Shipyard Multi-Purpose Co-op, 2058 points

5th
Singapore Shell Employees’ Union Co-op “A”, 2052 points

High Game
1st
Rique Song, Singapore Prison Service Multi-Purpose Co-op “A”, 242 points

2nd
Kamaruldzaman Bin Mohd Diah, Energy & Utilities Employees’ Co-op, 231 points

3rd
Victor Teo, Singapore Shell Employees’ Union Co-op “A”, 226 points

4th
Raymond Ang, TCC “A”, 225 points

5th
Daly Chua, TCC “A”, 221 points

Men’s Open
1st
Alvin Wee, Phoenix Co-op, 629 points

2nd
Daniel Ng, Singapore Teachers’ Co-op (St Hilda’s Primary School), 617 points

3rd
Mazlan Wari, Keppel Credit Union Co-op “A”, 583 points

4th
Kamaruldzaman Bin Mohd Diah, Energy & Utilities Employees’ Co-op, 565 points

5th
Ayvern Lim, Singapore Prison Service Multi-Purpose Co-op “A”, 555 points


Youth (*New category)
1st
Alvin Wee, Phoenix Co-op, 629 points

2nd
Daniel Ng, Singapore Teachers’ Co-op (St Hilda’s Primary School), 617 points

3rd
Wynny Wee, TCC “A”, 591 points

Senior (*New category)
1st
Andy Loh, Keppel Credit Union Co-op “C”, 605 points

2nd
Vincent Teo, TCC “B”, 563 points

3rd
Ng Ngak Thong, Keppel Credit Union Co-op “B”, 560 points

Ladies’ Open (*New category)
1st
Wynny Wee, TCC “A”, 591 points

2nd
Katharine Ong, Singapore Bank Employees’ Co-op Thrift & Loan Society “A”, 586 points

3rd
Wendy Chia, Singapore Prison Service Multi-Purpose Co-op “B”, 562 points

Annual Co-operative Leaders’ Conference 2009

The co-operative model of self-help and serving members has stood the test of time and is still valid today. The success of our co-operatives is measured not just by profit margins but by how well we meet the needs of our members and the larger community.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports pointed out that even when others were downsizing, the Co-operative Movement retained its workforce and some co-operatives have even increased their staff strength.

Speaking at the SNCF Annual Co-operative Leaders’ Conference held on 4 October 2009 at The St Regis Singapore, Dr Balakrishnan commended the NTUC group of co-operatives for continuing to play a crucial social role of moderating the prices of products and services such as food, insurance, healthcare, childcare and eldercare to name a few. Citing NTUC FairPrice as an example, he highlighted that the leading supermarket retailer provides essential consumer goods at reasonable prices and provides employment for more than 7,000 people in Singapore. Dr Balakrisnan also applauded NTUC First Campus, the largest childcare operator, for its expansion and rebranding exercise to meet our society’s need for more accessible and affordable childcare services.

“Besides the NTUC co-operatives, other co-operatives have, in
their own way, played an important role in meeting the needs of their members and society at large,” he said. To maintain the trust of members and the general public would include not only trust in the co-operative’s stewardship of money and resources but also, the assurance that they will serve and protect members’ interests for the long term.
Co-operatives did right by having a risk-based regulatory framework in place.

Dr Balakrishnan went on to encourage us to promote the co-operative model in order to increase the impact of our co-operatives and our contribution to economic recovery. “We should encourage the formation of new co-operatives and further develop them,” he said.

SNCF, as the Secretariat to the Central Co-operative Fund (CCF) helps seed new initiatives. To date, an encouraging number of organisations and groups of individuals have responded to the call for new co-operatives with strong social missions.

Singapore’s Very Own Co-operative Float

The track at the National University of Singapore Sports and Recreation Centre (NUS SRC) was transformed into a vibrant riot of colours on 8 August 2009, as NUS alumni, students and staff came together for the annual NUS Students’ Union (NUSSU) Rag Day, one of the University’s oldest and proudest traditions.

This year, the event was made special by the inaugural participation of the Singapore Co-operative Movement. Specifically, we and the NUS Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society co-sponsored our very own float, created by one of the six Halls of Residence, Eusoff Hall. Coincidentally, this year marks the 40th anniversary of the latter, which is also Singapore’s well-established campus co-operative. It was thus of little surprise when such an exultant presentation successfully earned the Eusoff Rag Team 2009/2010 three NUSSU Challenge Shields for Halls of Residence – Best Float Design, Best Float Presentation and OSA Most Creative Award!

Meet Our Co-operative Scholars 2009

Ms Jaeden Tan Hew Yenn
Course: Accountancy (National Technological University, 2009/2010)
Temasek Polytechnic Alumnus (2006–2009)

“I came from a broken home and my mum was left with the heavy responsibility of bringing the bacon home. I did the least which I could do to relieve her burdens from financing my school fees by searching for scholarship providers – and I found SNCF. The Co-operative Movement is an example for all organisations to follow. Its focus on the community is one that concurs with my belief in contributing to the society, so integrating in a co-operative would be relatively easy for me.”

Mr Shieh Jun Fa Alex
Course: Communication Studies (National Technological University, 2009/2010)
Nanyang Polytechnic Alumnus (2004–2007)

“It is a privilege and a blessing because it is a way of recognising the hard work and efforts that I had put in the past few years, recognising me as an individual who would be able to help and add value to the Co-operative Movement.”

Ms Tan Li Xin Joan
Course: Accountancy (National Technological University, 2009/2010)
Hwa Chong Institution Alumnus (2007–2008)

“The Co-operative Movement produces a society which genuinely looks after both worker and societal welfare. It has to continue to address changing social needs to stay relevant and continue to reach out to society through its different causes and on this note, more youths should be engaged by increasing awareness, as they can provide valuable inputs.

As a prospective accountancy graduate, I will probably be joining the finance department, which plays an important role in the co-operative model as good funds management is necessary so as to fulfill the co-operative objectives of self-help and mutual-help.”

Ms Toong Si En
Course: Business (National Technological University, 2009/2010)
Pioneer Junior College Alumnus (2007–2008)

“I see the Co-operative Movement as a way of helping the less privileged, so I believe it will be a rewarding and satisfying career. I noticed that many people are not aware of it, so I will play a part in promoting the Co-operative Movement to the public to ensure that more people can be involved and more people can benefit from it.”

SNCF 28^th Anniversary Reception
Celebrating Our Resilience and Growth

Co-operatives are more resilient to crisis than other forms of enterprise according to a recent International Labour Office (ILO) study commissioned to the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA). Their social mission is again brought to the fore on 10 July 2009 when we commemorated our 28th Anniversary, in conjunction with the 87th International Co-operative Day.

Speaking to more than 150 fellow co-operators and invited guests at The Grassroots’ Club, our guest-of-honour Senior Minister of State for Trade & Industry and Education Mr S Iswaran is no stranger to the Singapore Co-operative sector. As Deputy Director (Special Projects) of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) in the early 1990s, the Minister reminisced with fondness about his involvement in NTUC-led co-operatives, especially that with NTUC Income and then-NTUC Childcare (now known as NTUC First Campus).

NTUC co-operatives, he lauded, serve as a benchmark, if not a check, on price and quality against other players in the economy which has been particularly important in the context of inflation last year and the current economic downturn.

Even as Singapore’s vibrant Co-operative Movement, with a membership of more than one million, has grown remarkably to become the largest local grassroots movement, one must not rest on its laurels. Indeed, our Executive Council Chairman Mr Chan Tee Seng revealed that SNCF is embarking on a Strategic Review to create a new vision for ourselves and the Co-operative Movement, and to define growth areas for more co-operatives that will meet the emerging social and economic needs.

To stay relevant to this changing economic landscape, Singapore’s co-operatives must re-examine how they can respond to socio-economic and demographic changes, Mr Chan added.

International Women’s Day 2009 Funnival By The Park

More than 4,300 co-operative and union female members and their family participated in the 101st International Women’s Day with “Funnival by The Park” which was held at Bedok Reservoir Park on 8 March 2009.

The fun walk-cum-family carnival was jointly organised by the NTUC Women’s Development Secretariat, in collaboration with the Singapore National Co-operative Federation (SNCF) Women’s Programme Committee.

Gracing this annual event was Guest-of-Honour Mr Lim Swee Say, NTUC Secretary-General and Minister in Prime Minister’s Office, who flagged off the 2km mass walk after a 15-minute mass workout. At the end of the walk, all participants were each rewarded with an attractive goodie bag. More fun awaited them at the Sports and Health exhibition booths and carnival game stations. Furthermore, performances and lucky draws on the stage entertained the crowd.

Mr Lim Swee Say capped the morning when he joined on stage to launch a new NTUC initiative: “We Care for U” project. This Project aims to reach out to divorcees, widows and other single mothers to upturn the downturn.

Besides participating in the fun walk, the co-operative sector was also represented by the following five SNCF affiliates and five organisations in the exhibition and carnival segment – AIN Society, Bedok Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society Ltd, CARE Singapore, Entrepreneurs’ Co-operative Ltd, Kids Meet Up Enrichment Centre, Premier Security Co-operative Ltd, New Style Kiosk Fitness, NTUC Club, NTUC Income Co-operative Ltd and WEworkz Multi-Purpose Co-operative Ltd.

Rebuilding Lives in Aceh and Nias

Valentine’s Day this year took on a special meaning for the people living in Aceh and Nias Island whose livelihoods were drastically affected by the tsunami.

The day marked the inauguration of the completion of the Post-Tsunami (2004) Project for Aceh and Nias Island as officials from the Singapore National Co-operative Federation (SNCF), Dewan Koperasi Indonesia (DEKOPIN) and Singapore Red Cross Society (SRCS) witnessed the handing over of equipment to the various fishing and farming co-operatives in Aceh and Nias.

The ceremony at Banda Aceh was graced by the Deputy Governor of Aceh Mr Muhammad Nazar. Other invited guests included Mr Adi Sasono (President of DEKOPIN), Mr Lim Neo Chian (Vice Chairman of SRCS), Mr Saraj Din (Executive Council Member of SNCF), Mr Zulkifli Mohammed (Chief Executive of SNCF), representatives from the SRCS and beneficiary co-operatives.

The funds have been put into good use with the construction of eight fishing boats for eight fishing co-operatives in Aceh, which would help 1,177 members with their means of livelihood. The procurement also included two rice mills, two hand tractors and two trucks that would benefit 14 co-operatives in both Aceh and Nias.

SNCF and DEKOPIN could not have achieved this without the generous donations totaling US$401,970.24 from the Singapore public through the Tidal Waves Asia Fund. The ownership of these fishing boats and equipment would go a long way to lift the spirit of the Aceh and Nias’ co-operative communities, empowering them to revive their livelihoods after the 2004 tsunami. 

SNCF New Year Reception 2009

The New Year Reception was held on 15 January 2009 at The Arena @ Clarke Quay.  Dr Balaji Sadasivan, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, graced and celebrated the occasion together with more than 100 fellow co-operators and guests.

SNCF Chairman, Mr Chan Tee Seng, gave the line-up of events for the year in his welcome speech.  He urged all affiliates to schedule the dates of their own events around the dates of the key SNCF events and to give their full support and participation.

1.  NTUC & SNCF Women’s Event in celebration of International Women’s Day 2009

To celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day, the Women’s Programme Committee of SNCF and NTUC will jointly organise ‘Funnival by the Park’ at Bedok Reservoir Park on 8 March 2009 from 8.00am to 12.30pm.  

2.  Launch of Shared Services

In a bid for greater cost effectiveness, SNCF plans to bring in a larger pool of shared services in the areas of directors' liability insurance, audit services, legal services, secretariat support, etc.  The launch is scheduled for March/ April 2009.

3.  Extraordinary General Meeting

SNCF will conduct our EOGM in April/ May, primarily to amend the SNCF By-laws both to conform to the new legislation and to improve operational efficiency.

4.  SNCF Anniversary Reception

On 3 July this year, SNCF will celebrate its 28^th Anniversary with a Reception. This celebration also marks the 87^th International Co-operative Day.

5.  Campus Co-operatives' Bazaar

To encourage and involve our student co-operators, we propose to run a series of programmes, possibly starting this May with a retail management workshop. The skills thus gained will definitely come in handy for the Bazaar in August.

6.  Annual Co-operative Leaders’ Conference

Riding on the success of last year’s Bangkok Conference, we are confident of achieving another round of positive outcome at this year’s Conference which will be held here.

7.  ICA General Assembly

The ICA General Assembly and related events will be held in Geneva, Switzerland from 16 to 20 November 2009 at the Geneva International Convention Centre.
 

8th SNCF Inter-Co-operative Bowling Tournament 2008

SNCF Exco Chairman Elected to ICA-AP Regional Board/ 8th ICA-AP Regional Assembly and 5th Asia-Pacific Co-operative Forum

Chan Tee Seng Elected to ICA-AP Board 

It was double celebrations for SNCF, when its Exco Chairman Mr Chan Tee Seng successfully took over the position from his predecessor, Mr Seah Kian Peng, Member of SNCF Board of Trustees, as the Singapore Representative on the International Co-operative Alliance-Asia & Pacific (ICA-AP) Board and Mr Teo Say Hong, SNCF Youth Committee Chairman, was re-elected as its Youth Representative. This was announced at the Regional Assembly Elections on 5 December 2008.

The ICA-AP 8^th Regional Assembly and 5^th Co-operative Forum was held in Hanoi, Vietnam from 1 to 6 December 2008. Hosted by Vietnam Co-operative Alliance (VCA), some 400 delegates from 35 member countries and organisations as well as representatives from international organisations gathered to discuss on the theme “Co-operative Advantage in the Global Economic Crisis”.

Mr Chan had the opportunity to present a perspective of how co-operatives were responding to the global economic crisis. He said that the crisis of confidence presented opportunities for co-operatives to convince the public and customers that “we can play a more important role in a new economic order”.  

Led by Mr Chan, Singapore was represented at the week-long event by 17 participants from five co-operatives.

The next Regional Assembly will be held in Beijing, China in 2010.

Annual Co-operative Leaders’ Conference

Bangkok, Thailand from 31 October to 2 November 2008

The Conference was attended by more than 100 like-minded co-operators. In his speech “Changing Times – Making Co-operatives Relevant”, SNCF Chairman Mr Chan Tee Seng focused on social enterprise and how co-operatives should remain relevant in changing times.

Guest Speaker Dr Preecha Sitdhikornkrai, who sits on the Board of Directors of the Co-operative League of Thailand also delivered a thought-provoking speech.

The Conference participants had the opportunity to break into smaller groups to discuss and delve deeper into issues close to their heart.

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 behavioral patterns to achieve the results they want in life and controlling their opinions, thoughts and attitudes.
 

SNCF Offers Co-operative Scholarship

For the first time, SNCF has offered Co-operative Scholarship in 2008. Three pioneer scholars were presented with their scholarship on 4th July 2008 during the SNCF 27th Anniversary Dinner held at Marina Mandarin Hotel. The three scholarships are worth a total of more than $150,000.

During the scholarship presentation ceremony, Mr Seah Kian Peng, Chairman of SNCF pointed out the need to draw young talent to rejuvenate the Co-operative Movement. He said: “Investing the right kind of people is imperative for the future of the Co-operative Movement. We need individuals with the right mind-set who will empathise with the people who comprise the core of the co-operatives.”

The SNCF is pleased that the three pioneer scholars chosen for 2008 are from humble backgrounds and will be suited for this role.  Congratulations to three scholars; Mr Chen Yonghui, Mr Lim Wei Lun Irving and Ms Leow Xian Yin.

SNCF 27th Anniversary Dinner-cum-Honour Awards 2008

The SNCF 27th Anniversary Dinner-cum-Honour Awards 2008 was successfully held at the Marina Mandarin ballroom on 4th July 2008. Guest-of-Honour, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan graced and celebrated the occasion with 570 fellow co-operators and invited guests. The celebration also marked the 86th International Co-operative Day. 

At the dinner, a total of 21 Honour Awards were awarded to eminent co-operators and co-operatives to acknowledge them for their services towards the cause of the Co-operative Movement within Singapore and / or internationally.

SNCF would like to once again congratulate our fellow co-operators for winning the following Awards in no order of precedence:

Category: Individuals

  A.   Friend of the Co-operatives Award
        Mr John Lim with NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Limited

        Mr Raymond Chia with Seacare Co-operative Limited

 B.   Commendation Medal
          Ms Chow Fong Leng from the Straits Times Press Co-
        operative Thrift & Loan Society Limited

 
        Mr Chua Sian Kay from the Singapore Teachers’ Co-
        operative Society Limited

 
        Mr John Cheong Puk Fai from Methodist Co-operative 
        Society Limited

 
        Mr John Raghavan from Singapore Government Staff 
        Credit Co-operative Society Limited

 
        Mr Kong Kwok Ying from ExxonMobil Employees’ Co-
        operative Limited

 
        Mr Konnaiyar Sinnaboyan Periasami from Singapore 
        Statutory Boards Employees’ Co-operative Thrift and 
        Loan Society Limited

 
        Mr Lee Chee Chiew of the Singapore Police Co-
        operative Society Limited

 
        Mr Richard Zaccheus from the Singapore Teachers’ 
        Co-operative Society Limited

 C.  Certificate of Honour
          Mr Abdullah Aman from AUPE Multi-Purpose Co-
        operative Society Limited

Category: Organisations

A.   Rochdale Plaque
        Industrial and Services Co-operative Society Limited 
        (ISCOS)

        NTUC Childcare Co-operative Limited

B.   Commendation Plaque

        AUPE Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society Limited

        ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Private Limited

        Methodist Co-operative Society Limited

This year, besides the Honour Awards, we also held the inaugural presentation of the SNCF Scholarships Awards. Mr Lim Wei Lun, Irving, Ms Leow Xian Yin and Mr Chen Yong Hui received the Scholarships from SNCF Chairman Mr Seah Kian Peng that night.

Besides a sumptuous dinner, the evening ended with the co-operators treated to an array of oldies belted by our Evergreen band.

Seminar on Inspirational Leadership

A Spotlight on Female Leadership

A seminar that teaches leaders to inspire and remain inspired

Inspire and be inspired - that is one of the distinctive characteristics of a leader. Picking up practical and useful tips on leadership were 102 participants who attended the empowering seminar on Inspirational Leadership, an event organised by the SNCF Women’s Programme Committee.

Held at the NTUC Centre on 30 August 2008, the seminar enabled the participants to appreciate the tremendous power of encouragement and motivation and to understand how our leadership contribution might change in the different seasons of our lives.

Through the two speakers, Mrs Ding-Khoo Seok Lin and Associate Professor Low Guat Tin, the participants, many of whom are leaders in different capacities, also learned how to identify what inspired them in leadership and how they could in turn inspire others. Another observation that was gleaned from the seminar was the differences between management and leadership.

NTUC Income and NTUC FairPrice in
Global 300

Singapore boasts two enterprises which are listed in the Global 300 – NTUC Income and NTUC FairPrice.

The Global 300 Listing confirms the largest 300 co-operatives and mutuals worldwide contribute nearly US$1 trillion in revenues to the global economy each year, equivalent to the 10th largest global economy.

The success of our social programmes is underpinned by our commercial success,” said Mr Seah Kian Peng, SNCF Chairman. “We can only fulfil our social responsibilities by remaining profitable and highly competitive as businesses.”

Tsunami Reconstruction Project: MOU Signed Between SNCF and Red Cross

An historic MOU was signed between Mr Seah Kian Peng of SNCF and Mr Christopher Chua, Secretary of Singapore Red Cross Society, acknowledging the grant of over US$400,000 towards Tsunami reconstruction in Aceh and Nias in Indonesia.

The total project cost was estimated at US$508,823 and Singapore Red Cross Society had approved SNCF's request for US$403,173, which is about 80% of the total project cost. The remainder of the cost will be co-funded by DEKOPIN.

Stars Galore at the President’s Challenge Finale

The grand finale of the President’s Challenge Soccer 5 displayed the dazzling footwork of our Minister, Members of Parliament (MP) and celebrities in aid of the President’s Challenge charity.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee and Mr Teo Ser Luck and Mr Seah Kian Peng were among the 11-strong team that captivated the spectators on Sunday, 10 June 2007. The team also featured two female participants – Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo and Dr Fatimah Lateef.

Challenging the MPs team was the 11-member celebrities team comprising TV personalities. The match between the two teams added to the thrill and glamour of the tournament that saw a record total of 211 participating teams. More than $50,000 was raised from this event.

SNCF receives recognition from CARE

The Children-At-Risk Empowerment Association Singapore(CARE) celebrated its 10th anniversary on 17th July 2007 at the Grand Hyatt Singapore by honouring her sponsors, supporters and partners. President S R Nathan was the distinguished Guest-of-Honour.

SNCF, which has adopted CARE since 2003, was acknowledged as one of the CARE Star Sponsors. Over the last  three years, SNCF has raised more than $200,000 to support CARE through fund raising events such as walk-and-jog, charity golf tournament, gala dinner and more.

More than 1,000 Co-operators Came to Singapore for the ICA GA

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.

ICA General Assembly Singapore 2007 - Quotable Quotes

“Co-operatives are generally known more for reliability and incremental progress, rather than a snap of the fingers, lighting of a match magic. Yet, trustworthiness, sustainable growth and social missions have a place, a big place in this world. Indeed, cooperatives are the stuff of dreams too – a peaceful, evolutionary dream, into a common vision of a prosperous, united, caring and peaceful world.”
- Mr Seah Kian Peng, SNCF Chairman
click here for full speech

“It is particularly appropriate that the theme of this year’s General Assembly is ‘Innovation in Co-operative Business’.  This theme succinctly captures the opportunities for co-ops to make a difference in today’s challenging environment. 
The theme recognises that co-ops are business entities. Co-ops have to succeed commercially. Only then can they provide benefits to their members and the broader community.  Co-ops must aim for financial viability and build up surpluses for their long term sustainability.  Co-ops typically function in the commercial marketplace and compete with other types of business enterprises to serve customers.  As market participants, co-ops are subject to market trends and competitive forces.  Consequently, co-ops must embrace leading edge best practices to better serve their members and other stakeholders.”
- Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports
click here for full speech

“In short, co-operation has the creativity, the willingness to grow and rich entrepreneurial experiences, allowing it to achieve important results and build a sound basis, thus making it an important part of the economy and society of this century.”
- Mr Ivano Barberini, President, International Co-operative Alliance
click here for full speech

“In the era of the globalised free-market, the cooperative movement acts as the counter-weight to for-profit enterprises to ensure that the larger needs of society are served.  Indeed, I cannot imagine a type of enterprise or even social organisation that is better suited to reflect profit making as the means to generate social good than the cooperative model.”
- Mr Lim Boon Heng, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office
click here for full speech

“Our NTUC Cooperatives are not business enterprises seeking to maximize profits for the benefits of shareholders. We are social enterprises seeking to do well (competitive and making profit) so that we have the resources to do good (maximise social impact). To us, measurement of greatness is how much social impact we have created, and not how much profit we have generated.
- Mr Lim Swee Say, NTUC Secretary-General
click here for full speech

ICA General Assembly Singapore 2007 - Photo Gallery

click here for gallery