By Sng Ler Jun

At local or regional levels, co-operatives have always contributed to sustainable development and promoted peace. Co-operatives, empowered by their values and principles, are well suited to champion different Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The theme for this year’s International Day of Co-operatives (1 July) is “Cooperatives for sustainable development” and it aptly pays homage to this very DNA. For the uninitiated, the International Day of Co-operatives take place on the first Saturday of July and spotlights the global co-operative movement’s extensive contributions to resolving major world issues.

Ahead of the International Day of Co-operatives, also the 101^st instalment since inception, the Singapore National Co-operative Federation (SNCF) spoke to three local co-operatives–Love Empowered Co-operative, NTUC First Campus Co-operative, Singapore Government Staff Credit Co-operative–on how they champion sustainability and SGDs.

What does sustainable development mean for your co-operative?

Tony from Love Empowered Co-operative: To us, sustainable development is best described when and where a child's needs are catered for through quality and empowering education processes to reach their greatest potential. At Love Empowered, sustainable development can also be attained by reducing and eliminating the stigma some children face as a result of social inequalities.  

NTUC First Campus Co-operative: NTUC First Campus inspires our preschoolers to be little global citizens, who appreciate the world they live in and the important role they can play to make a difference. Our educators inculcate a sustainability mindset in our preschoolers through participating in national gardening initiatives, as well as World Water Day and Earth Day activities. Our teachers also actively practise the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle) in the classrooms - such as using natural materials like twigs or sticks to teach children numeracy, and creating learning materials with cardboard boxes, toilet rolls and cereal boxes. Besides empowering children to be sustainability ambassadors at school, in the community and at home, our preschools work closely with supportive parents to ensure that each family follows through with sustainable activities and lifestyles.

Singapore Government Staff Credit Co-operative (SGSCC):  Many things, spanning from financial sustainability, member empowerment, and environmental responsibility. As the co-op prioritises long-term financial viability, we want to provide members with access to financial resources and education, contribute positively to society, embrace digital technologies, and promote eco-friendly practices. These efforts aim to enhance members' financial well-being, create a positive social impact, leverage technology for efficiency, and contribute to a sustainable future.

Why are you proud of being in a co-operative?

Tony Lim from Love Empowered: I am proud of being in a co-op as it promotes sustainability in the economy by doing well, doing good and doing together. The social mission and the personal involvement of each member in the co-op allows for greater passion leading to higher quality and more self-driven work for society at large. Working together to achieve social goals while taking care of our loved ones' needs also appeals to me. 

NTUC First Campus: We are committed to making high-quality early childhood education accessible to Singapore families. We are on a mission to enable bright futures for every child and their family. We do this by providing the children with preschool education that nurtures them for a lifetime of growth and partnering parents to enable this, including supporting families who may need more help. As we interact with fellow Co-operators, we are inspired by their commitment to honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others. This spurs us to continue doing the work we do so that collectively, we can make a positive impact to society.

SGSCC: SGS Co-op is Singapore's oldest co-op. We will be celebrating our Centennial in two years’ time, in 2025.  We were founded to provide a form of safe financial relief and to teach members what we now call financial literacy – how to manage income and expenditure. As the first Credit Co-operative in Singapore, SGS Co-op has contributed towards the culture of care – not just to our members, but also to the larger community. During the pandemic, SGS Co-op also kept its office open to serve our members and extended a helping hand through useful loan services and members’ benefits. This shows that SGS Co-op is always there, even during tough times.

Which Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are your co-op working to achieve? How is your co-op going to achieve them?

Love Empowered: SDG 4 – Quality Education. Education policies and practices play a critical role in either reducing or perpetuating educational inequalities. Love Empowered has developed curated education programs designed to stimulate children’s learning through structured learning space and at their own pace, these programs provide various activities aimed at fostering intellectual growth, character and social development.

SDG – 10 Reduced Inequalities. We believe in empowering children, families and schools, regardless of the children's needs, to help children develop their full potential. Recognising the importance of early intervention, we actively work towards creating an inclusive environment that caters to each child’s individual needs and foster their holistic development.   

SGSCC: SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth. We recently underwent digitalisation which allowed us to automate some of our work processes. We are able to reallocate human resources to more value-added activities. Automated loan decision engine not only saves time but also enhance overall work quality by reducing human errors and inconsistency.

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Through leveraging digital tools, such as integrated banking software, we are able to respond to disruption and adapt to situation as it changes. The ability for user to access critical data, collaborate virtually through cloud-based solution allows the business to maintain business continuity even during challenging circumstances contributing to resilience!

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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Co-operative Movement Night 2023 Returns!

Keen to hear more SDG and sutainability stories? Join us at Co-op Movement Night 2023! Happening on 21 September 2023, immerse yourself in a sensational journey of Sense & Sustainability where we pay homage to local co-ops and their sustainability efforts as well as learn how to engage your senses with sustainability!

From 6:30pm to 9:30pm, join us at PARKROYAL COLLECTION @ Marina Bay for an evening that will awaken your senses and ignite your passion for a sustainable future.

SEE awe-inspiring displays of sustainable practices – Be inspired to champion your own cause.

HEAR how rhythm can be created out of everyday items – Embark on a hands-on exploration, unravelling the secrets of a musical composition that awakens the soul.

SAVOUR organic and locally sourced culinary delights that are both delectable and environmentally conscious – Embrace new and unconventional food sources as we venture into uncharted territories of sustainability. The transformation starts with you today!

TOUCH hands-on exhibits and activities that will engage you in the wonders of sustainable living – Have fun identifying objects by relying on your 5 senses.

SMELL your way through a perfume bar – Create an alluring scent that defines you!

Tell us what sustainability means to you. And finally, let your FEEL the powerful impact we can make together as we embrace Sense & Sustainability. The Co-operative Movement Night 2023 will leave you inspired and motivated to create a sustainable future. See you there!⁠

Sign Up here!