On 30 July 2021, the SNCF Annual Co-operative Leaders' Conference 2021 (ACLC 2021) was held in partnership with the Registry of Co-operative Societies (RCS) and Singapore Institute of Directors (SID). Themed “Emerging Stronger Together with Co-Ops”, ACLC 2021 was the first-ever phygital event that took place simultaneously at Orchard Hotel and over Zoom. Attended by near 170 affiliates and partners, the annual event aims to help co-operatives strengthen their processes and capabilities to learn, stay relevant and continue serving members in the post-pandemic landscape in Singapore.

EMBRACING THE NEW NORMAL

SNCF Chairman Mr Tng Ah Yiam gave his welcome address, sharing the importance of adapting and operating in the ‘new normal’ landscape. He cited the example of how COVID-19 became an unexpected catalyst that sped up our digital transformation journey. Mr Tng also elaborated on the three key focus areas identified by SNCF: to strengthen the capabilities, professionalism, and competencies of the leaders of the co-op movement; to pave the way for greater participation in co-operatives by women; and to better collaborate with one another. 

SNCF is partnering SID to provide co-operatives access to industry-accredited programmes to help strengthen the co-operative movement on governance and build longer term capabilities. He also shared on harnessing the capabilities of women who are looking to create social impacts and to enhance their access to leadership positions in the co-operatives’ leadership renewal. Emphasizing co-operation as one of the co-operative values, Mr Tng urged the co-operatives to continue working with SNCF to identify opportunities for collaboration, and embrace the present moment as an opportune time to transform the co-operative movement and better prepare for the future. 

Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth & Trade and Industry said in his opening speech that it is our people, our spirit and our resilience that has enabled Singapore to overcome the challenges during the pandemic. Besides the governmental support schemes and measures, we can be thankful for the spirit of caring and giving back to our nation, our people and our community as we celebrate Singapore’s 56th National Day.

Mr Tan also shared how co-operatives, being member-centric, self-help organisations, must be at the forefront to champion that spirit of care for our members and our greater community. SNCF and RCS will work together to understand the challenges faced by co-operatives and provide necessary support so that they can continue with their mission of helping their members and the wider community.

PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION

With technological advancements, big data has helped organisations, including co-operatives, to gather business insights. As more data is generated, the risk of data leaks and breaches increases. Ms Lyn Boxall, Director of Lyn Boxall LLC, emphasized that data protection is too important to be left to the lawyers and compliance people. She also elaborated on the Data Protection Management Programme and its saliency as members will expect their personal data to be safeguarded by co-operatives. As such, co-operatives’ leaders must ensure that their co-operatives have trained officers and have robust processes to manage members’ data.

The panel discussion on Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) was moderated by Mr Ang Hin Kee, the CEO of SNCF, and saw panelists sharing their experience on their PDPA journey. The panelists elaborated on how their co-operatives’ management went about endorsing this journey to ensure that there is staff buy-in, including training or adopting new and safer ways of delivering services to members. Questions which were posted on the chat box by the virtual audience were addressed as well. Mr Ang also emphasized on the importance of data protection in the co-operative movement, the need to start planning for data protection measures, and the support that SNCF is extending to the co-operatives.

SAFE EVENT MANAGEMENT

How do we execute an event safely during COVID-19? Dr Nisha, Founder and Principal Consultant of Elevated Consultancy & Training, shared that whilst virtual event is here to stay, going hybrid is the future of events. Besides having good content, Dr Nisha said that it is also paramount for event planners to embrace creativity, innovative thinking and adaptation when hosing an event under a safe business event framework. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

An organisation with good corporate governance promotes transparency and accountability, and wins the trust of external stakeholders, including the customers.This, in turn, has an impact on the company’s performance and profitability. Mr Daniel Teo, a member of non-profit committee of the Singapore Institute of Directors, shared on the topic of board conformance and performance. He explained how good corporate governance can help and lead co-operatives to a positive performing and sustainable business. He acknowledged that uplifting governance requires commitment and encourage the co-operatives to start with baby steps.

The conference closed with a second panel discussion on governance moderated by Mr Yeo Chun Fing, Chairman of AUPE Credit Co-operative and SNCF First Deputy Chairman. The session saw panelists sharing their views on issues faced by the co-operatives, such as limited resources with board renewal and members’ engagement, as well as the importance of board diversity. Associate Professor Victor Yeo from Nanyang Business School said that corporate governance should not be viewed as having to conform to more regulations. Good governance, with the correct processes and people in place, will lead to a more effective and efficient management and business execution in co-operatives.

We are grateful to all our speakers and panelists who have taken time to be with us and share their knowledge and experiences. Mr Tng closed the conference, encouraging co-operators to learn from the experience from the speakers, panelists and one another — all of which in the spirit of emerging stronger together!

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