On July 6, co-operatives around the world will celebrate the International Day of Co-operatives, or #CoopsDay. Now observed on the first Saturday of July, #CoopsDay was first celebrated by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) in 1923. This year's theme, "Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All," marks the 30th International Day of Co-operatives recognised by the United Nations and the 102nd International Co-operative Day.

"As we celebrate the significant and often quiet contributions of co-operatives, it is also time for us to reflect on what we have accomplished to build a better future, and what we can do better together," says Jeroen Douglas, the Director General of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA).

"Let's use this day to be inspired to collaborate, examine all the possibilities to reach the SDG goals, and take action to achieve them."

In the lead-up to this annual event, SNCF spoke to co-operatives in Singapore to learn how they are contributing to a sustainable future and addressing global issues. Read on to find out more.

 NTUC FoodFare Co-operative

Established in 1995, NTUC FoodFare Co-operative was created to help moderate prices of cooked food amidst profiteering in Singapore during the introduction of Good & Services Tax (GST). At Foodfare, the co-operative promises to ‘Nourish Generations and Make Life Better for All’. Together with their partners, they are committed to the social purpose of providing affordable, quality tasty and healthy meals.

Did you know? NTUC FoodFare supplies nutritious meals to Singapore Armed Forces servicemen? Their meal services extend to the cookhouses in the Civil Defence Academy and the National Service Training Centre.

Additionally, NTUC FoodFare also plays a role in providing rations and meals during contingencies and disasters, contributing to Singapore's food resilience and ability to manage food crises and uncertainties.

Silver Caregiver Co-operative

Silver Caregiver Co-operative Limited (SCCL) hopes to better the quality of life of caregivers through workshops, courses, talks, as well as to become a one-stop centre of information in their caregiving roles in Singapore. Their goal is to build a better future by supporting caregivers, fostering a caring society with well-informed and well-prepared caregivers.

Did you Know? SCCL is currently the leading Psycho-Social Course Provider for caregivers, providing learning opportunities and support towards caregivers’ journey in Singapore.

Citiport Credit Co-operative

Established in 1925, Citiport Credit Co-operative was originally known as the Singapore Harbour Board Employees Thrift and Loan Co-operative Society. Today, it has over 3,000 members, primarily from PSA Corporation (formerly Port of Singapore Authority).  Citiport Credit Co-op's mission is to encourage thrift and help members save for a bright future. In addition to providing thrift and loan services, members also receive welfare benefits and study grants for their children.

Did you Know? Citiport Credit Co-operative's members can apply for study awards for their children, ranging from secondary school to university.

AUPE Credit Co-operative 

Established in 1965, AUPE Credit Co-operative (ACC) was formed to provide loan services to lower-income public employees in Singapore. When asked how the co-operative is building a better future for all, Chief Executive Officer Mr Sanjeev Kumar Tiwar said: "Building a better future is about having adequate financial independence, proper safety nets, and being able to do good for society and the environment."

He added that ACC supports their members in building a secure future through various thrift and loan options, along with benefit schemes for peace of mind. Beyond this, ACC prides itself in having a strong framework of governance and actively participate in ESG initiatives, contributing to a greener, more caring community.

Did you Know?  Anyone who is an existing NTUC member can consider joining ACC – this includes individuals who might be working in the private sector.

Singapore Government Staff Credit Co-operative

Established in 1925, the Singapore Government Staff Credit Co-operative (SGSCC) was the first co-operative to have been founded in Singapore. Like other credit co-operatives in Singapore, SGSCC aims to build a better future by maintaining its mission of providing financial relief and encouraging thrift among its members. They achieve this by offering loans, savings plans, and membership privileges to staff employed in the Civil Service, Statutory Boards, and Government-Linked Companies.

Did you Know?  The late Singapore president S.R. Nathan was a member and huge advocate of SGSCC. 

Premier Security Co-operative

Established in 1984, Premier Security Co-operative was formed to provide reliable and professional security services to others. Unlike other security companies, Premier Security taps onto the valuable experience and knowledge of retired Police and other uniformed officers to deliver stellar security protocol and top-quality service to their clients. The co-operative is committed to building a better future for all using its wealth of skill and experience to deliver good service to others.

Did you Know?  Premier Security Co-operative is a joint collaboration between Singapore Police Co-operative Society and SGSCC.

Singapore Statutory Boards Employees Co-operative Thrift & Loan Society

Singapore Statutory Boards Employees Co-operative Thrift & Loan Society(SSBEC) was the second co-operative to be formed in 1925, a day after SGSCC was formed. Like SGSCC, it provides thrift and loan services to the vulnerable who were susceptible to exploitative moneylenders. Today, the co-op continues to honour its founding principles while evolving to meet the dynamic financial needs of the community. SSBEC ensures that each member's needs are comprehensively met, fostering a sense of belonging that extends beyond financial transactions.

Together, the seven co-operatives above are committed to contributing to the community and building a sustainable future for all! #CoopsDay
Find out more about what other countries are doing for international coop day here.
Discover what we covered last year for International Co-op Day 2023 here

By Tanya Ee

Edited by Sng Ler Jun