2025 is setting out to be quite the celebratory year for Singapore. Not only is 2025 the diamond jubilee for the sunny island, but it also marks the Centennial Anniversary for the Singapore Co-operative Movement.   

The Co-operative Movement Transformation Roadmap 

Ahead of the celebratory fanfare, the Singapore National Co-operative Federation (SNCF) and Registry of Co-operative Societies (RCS) under the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), have unveiled plans to formulate a decade-long co-operative sector Transformation Roadmap.  

The announcement was made by Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth & Trade and Industry Alvin Tan at the Committee of Supply Debate on Monday (10 March). 

“The roadmap aims to enhance social missions and impact, develop talent, and strengthen governance,” Mr Tan said.   

SNCF and RCS will consult stakeholders within the Singapore Co-operative Movement, including youths, co-op leaders and industry experts, on how the Roadmap can best address their needs and aspirations.

SNCF’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Ang Hin Kee pointed out that co-ops still have a part to play in society. “No longer the only players in the market, co-ops will have to play to their strengths and keep pace with the times to do good and impact change,” Mr Ang said.  

The Roadmap will comprise a range of initiatives and programmes, some short-term while others more extended, aimed at helping co-ops expand their social missions and improving the competency of the sector.  

“Co-ops operate on the principles of self-help and mutual assistance, and such social responsibilities may appeal to the youths,” Mr Ang added.  

A youth taskforce, led by SNCF staff members below 25 years old and comprises members who are below 35 years old, has since been convened to explore programmes and initiatives that encourage more youths to join the Singapore Co-operative Movement, said Mr Ang.  

“These youths will lead a consultation with fellow young co-operators and budding social entrepreneurs,” he said.  

The Empowering Communities Fund 

Co-ops looking to run do good projects may tap on the Empowering Communities Fund to kickstart ground-up initiatives or programmes that benefit vulnerable communities in Singapore.  

Complementing the Government’s efforts in strengthening Singapore’s social compact and building a more resilient and inclusive society, the Empowering Communities Fund is a $1,000,000 (one million) seed funding set up by SNCF, RCS, with the support of the MCCY, and the Central Co-operative Fund Committee.   

Co-ops can choose to contribute alone, collaborate between two or more co-ops, or partner with a charity or established entity*. All proposed initiatives need to be carried out in Singapore. 

* An established entity may refer to government body, society or company 

By Sng Ler Jun