Mr Tng Ah Yiam has been appointed Chairman of the Singapore National Co-operative Federation (SNCF). Previously SNCF’s First Deputy Chairman, Mr Tng takes over the Executive Council position from the late Mr Kwek Kok Kwong.

Mr Tng will continue to work closely with the board and management of SNCF to promote and develop the strategic direction of the Singapore Co-operative Movement, which has been rooted in Singapore for over 95 years. Today, there are 64 affiliated co-operatives serving the needs of more than 1.4 million members in Singapore by providing affordable daily essentials, education and training, healthcare, financial services, recreation, and employment opportunities, as well as increasing inclusion of the less advantaged, such as the elderly and vulnerable.

Mr Tng is also the Chief Procurement Officer at FairPrice Group, comprising NTUC FairPrice Co-operative, NTUC Foodfare Co-operative, Kopitiam and NTUC Link.

On his new appointment, Mr Tng said: “Co-operatives have come a long way, helping to improve lives since its early days by tackling social issues and supporting members through difficult times. Our co-operative values such as mutual help and co-operation are even more relevant in this current climate. Besides working together with our co-operatives to create more value, opportunities and impact for our members and the broader community. I also look forward to continuing Kok Kwong’s work in advocating for collaboration and youth engagement to help businesses and upcoming generations embrace and embody the unique business model of co-operatives to do good and do well.”

He continued: “To that end, it heartens me to see the establishment of three new co-operatives – A Good Space, Helmet and The Penguin, and Agape Energy Efficiency Co-operative, despite 2020 being a very challenging year. It is encouraging to see a new generation of purposeful co-operatives set up to inspire collaboration and innovation in the community (A Good Space), provide affordable haircuts to senior citizens at nursing homes as well as vocational training and employment opportunities to marginalised groups in Singapore (Helmet and The Penguin), and to provide technical education and training to youths-at-risk (Agape Energy Efficiency Co-operative).”

SNCF Chief Executive Ang Hin Kee said Mr Tng has much to offer to the co-operative movement from his many years on the ground addressing community needs as a co-operator. He said: “I look forward to Ah Yiam’s leadership in his new role as we steer the co-operative sector to adapt and thrive in these volatile times. The embracing of co-operative principles such as self-help and mutual assistance will also enhance the cohesiveness of society and to build one that is more caring and inclusive, something that we need in these disruptive times.”