After four years of service to the Singapore National Co-operative Federation (SNCF), Ms Adeline Kee will step down as Assistant Chief Executive Officer on 31 March 2025.

Having first served on SNCF’s Executive Council, she stepped in as Executive Director before taking on her current role as Assistant CEO. Her leadership during a critical transition period, following the departure of the former CEO, ensured continuity.

Notable moments of her various roles included the COVID-19 pandemic where she helped co-operatives (co-ops) develop resources and pilot initiatives to overcome challenges. She also guided co-ops on governance and financial planning, introducing frameworks that enhanced transparency and resilience especially on cybersecurity and procurement policies. 

Ms Kee shared: "Piloting solutions and creating resources that could help co-ops, especially the ones with fewer resources available to develop solutions on their own, is something I’m very proud of. And so is helping some of them set in place guidelines from a finance and governance perspective."

Her passion for the co-op sector stems from her tenure with NTUC social enterprises, where she recognised the power of co-ops in shaping communities. "Honestly, the Singapore Co-operative Movement found me, and I was very happy it did!” she said. “I’m glad for the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way back to Singapore." 

She remains committed to mentoring young professionals, encouraging them to embrace purpose-driven careers and contribute to Singapore’s social fabric. "Youths today have this 'dare to try' mentality that I admire a lot. So, I would say go for it! Start your own with like-minded youths and make an impact in our community and contribute to enhancing our social fabric."

On the one trait youth should possess to do well in the co-op ecosystem, she added: "I know this is very cliché, but it’s having the passion for doing good."

What is one word that best sums up her time at SNCF? "Change," she said. Ms Kee acknowledges the evolution of both the organisation and the Singapore Co-operative Movement over the years. Even as she steps away, her impact on the Singapore Co-operative Movement will persist in new, unexpected ways.

By Sng Ler Jun