DO WELLSUSTAINABILITY

APRIL - JUNE 2013

MICA (P) 123/12/2011

2_CO-OPERATOR

03 Chairman's Message - DO WELL

04 Added Boost for New Co-operatives

06 Ethical Consumerism – The Spirit of iCOOP Korea

07 POLWEL - Protecting Those Who Protect Us

08 Wanted Hot Shots! SNCF Celebrates 32 Rocking Good Years

09 Youth Debate Explores Co-operative Values Young Entrepreneurs Sell and Learn Campus Animation Video Launch

10 Mark Your Calendar & SNCF At Your Service

11 SNCF Bursary for ITE Students Co-operative Bursary for Polytechnic Studies

12 ACLC's Sustainable Strategy on Doing Well

CONTENTS

SNCF reserves the right to select articles to be incorporated into the Co-operator for any issue. Please note that all selected articles are subject to editing by the editorial team. Such submis-sions become the property of SNCF and that all title and interest therein, including all rights of copyright, shall vest with SNCF at the time they are submitted.

The news and stories in Co-operator are made possible because of our affiliates. As such, we invite our affiliates to send in stories and photographs to continue tapping on the Co-operator to publicise co-operative updates or announce important messages. Submissions should preferably not exceed 400 words and relevant photographs are best submitted in high resolution (300dpi and above). Please email your materials and enquiries to sncf@sncf.org.sg.

Our MissionTo promote and develop co-operatives as sustainable enterprises

that address social and economic needs through the principle of

self and mutual help so as to foster a more resilient society.

CO-OPERATOR_3

As we kick off this new financial year, there is much for us to celebrate as a Co-operative Family.

The last five years, from 2007 to 2011, have been an exciting period of sustainable growth, progress and doing well. The Co-operative Group recorded a net surplus of 4.2 times that of the previous five years; and total asset notched up more than 11.5 times. I congratulate all of you for a job well done!

In this issue of Co-operator, you will read about new initiatives and activities which SNCF has in store to encourage long term sustainable partnerships, businesses and leadership. It is all about doing well.

By doing well, we are doing good. There is no let up in our pursuit of sustainability. We want to do good together so that we can do more together. These are our four main themes of our Co-operator for this financial year. So get ready for an exciting year ahead.

In this issue, we feature two co-operatives that have done well in their quest for sustainability and making a difference in the community. iCOOP Korea, consumer co-operative group, provides consumers with reliable and eco-friendly agricultural products through direct dealing with producers. The Group has set in place a business plan of increasing membership by 25,000 and turnover by 350 billion won; and setting up 20 new iCOOP Natural Dream stores. There is also a feature on POLWEL, the business arm of the Police Central Welfare Fund (PCWF) that is doing well by providing a range of services for the benefit of PCWF members and the community.

CCF InitiativeNew co-operatives can look forward to a bigger helping hand from the Central Co-operative Fund Committee (CCFC). Besides seed funds, new co-ops can look forward to receiving support in areas of expertise and knowledge; endorsements and referrals. Read all about it in this issue of Co-operator.

The CCFC also launched the Capacity and Capability Development (CCD) grant to enhance productivity, innovation and efficiency for the existing co-operatives. I encourage you to fully utilize the resources

DO WELLavailable to help you better the co-operatives you are leading. It gives us joy to see you grow.

Upcoming SNCF ActivityOne of the key upcoming activities is this year’s Annual Co-operative Leaders Conference (ACLC) 2013 which will be held in Bangkok from 30 May to 1 June 2013. Let us come together to learn and prepare ourselves for bigger things, bigger plans and bigger dreams to make a bigger difference. The leaders from Ya Kun International, Groupon Singapore and Eighteen Chefs will share with us how to build businesses that last and grow. Our fellow co-operators will share their experience on how collaboration is an integral part of a business. I believe that we will come home inspired by the speakers and the friendships we make after the Conference.

Youth Activities To continue our outreach to the youth, we have the Young Entrepreneurs’ Skill Competition 2013 (YESCOM), an annual event jointly organized by the Association of Malay Entrepreneurs (KESUMA) and ITE College East. The theme for this year is “Social Enterprise”. It is the first time SNCF is involved in the event as a guest speaker. SNCF will also be launching a campus animation video series to further raise the awareness of the Co-operative Movement among the youth. There is also a Youth Debate competition where secondary school students will debate on co-operative related themes and topics.

Although we have much to celebrate in 2012, we must recognise that 2013 will be another exciting year for us. It is good to step back from our immediate concerns and remind ourselves of how much we have achieved in recent years as we look forward to an even better year ahead together.

Chan Tee SengChairman, SNCF Executive Council

4_CO-OPERATOR

CO-OPERATOR_5

6_CO-OPERATOR

iCOOP Korea has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1997 with six co-operatives, to its current membership of 75 member societies. Their growing membership has contributed to an increasing turnover from approximately USD$270 million in 2011 and USD$307 in 2012. Throughout its history, the co-operative has constantly campaigned for safe food standards, and sprung up initiatives such as the Natural Dream Store and iCOOP Valley.

The name of the Co-op is represented by four “I”s which stand for ‘Individuals promoting the Ideals of sharing and cooperation, while never losing sight of their original Innocence and practicing Innovation, all as a consumer co-operative’. The three principles that the co-operative group works by are respecting people and labour, ensuring food safety, and protecting agriculture and the environment.

Efficient and Convenient Business SystemWith regional member co-op societies spread across the country, these centres work independently and democratically, forming a well-managed network that consumers benefit from. iCOOP Korea reduces logistical costs with its seven logistics centres and eight delivery centres which facilitate direct contact between producers and consumers. Products are fresher and are supplied more efficiently, especially in smaller cities. To provide more convenience to members, iCOOP Korea is the first consumer co-operative in Korea to open an online store, catering to the busier lifestyles of members as more women are entering the workforce.

Natural Dream StoresA joint investment by iCOOP Korea members saw the establishment of an eco-friendly consumer co-operative store which supplies food products that are safe from agrichemicals and artificial additives. To date, about 129 Natural Dream stores can be found all over the country, and have been recognised as a great contribution to the Korean economy as it has created more than 1,000 job opportunities. As a premium brand for iCOOP Korea, the Natural Dream products consist of vegetables, grains, fruits, wheat, meat, and even fair trade items such as coffee, cacao, and sugar.

Ethical ConsumerismThe Spirit of iCOOP KoreaIn Korea, its first ever consumer co-operative group’s business model encourages consumers to make alternative buying choices as they consider issues such as food safety and protecting the environment. In working towards a sustainable future, iCOOP Korea works with farmers to produce reliable and eco-friendly agricultural products which set safe-food standards in the Korean society.

Organic Food ClusterThe iCOOP Valley is an ecological space that is in the midst of construction. Upon its completion at the end of 2013, the Goesan Natural Dream Park will house orchards, stock farms, ponds, wildflower gardens, herb farms, an eco-friendly town and a school, as well as working and living quarters. Such a cluster will also serve as a strong physical base in increasing the co-operative group’s outreach.

Spreading Solidarity & Bettering Members’ LivesIn view of the fluctuating prices of produce like pork and vegetables, a price stabilisation fund has been raised by iCOOP Korea as a foundation to make members’ lives more secure with a more stable income. Other activities by the co-operative include a ‘Fun Paddy-field School’ for members and children, where they get to experience being a farmer and the ecosystem firsthand. The programme encourages protection for the environment and agriculture in Korea.

Engaging in Global SolidarityiCOOP Korea gained full membership in the International Co-operative Alliance, and was the first among Korean consumer co-operatives to do so. The co-operative gained a stepping stone to reaching out globally and working with other consumer co-operatives worldwide.

iCOOP Korea has seen a steady increase in their yearly turnover and membership since its birth, and continue to spread the co-operative message through more initiatives and increasing awareness.

An iCOOP Korea Store

A Natural Dream Store is well-stocked with produce from iCOOP Korea's members

iCOOP Korea's outreach initiatives to school children on co-operating and caring for the environment

CO-OPERATOR_7

The Polwel team at the International Year of the Co-operatives Closing Dinner

Polwel members at the Co-opaliciouz event at Marina Barrage

POLWELServing Those Who Serve Us

Each day, men and women of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) take on the risk of putting their life and limb on the line to prevent, deter and detect crime; and protect us from criminal harm.

As ordinary, law-abiding people, most of us probably give little thought to the contributions and sacrifices of the police officers. But at POLWEL Co-operative Society Limited, the very reason whythe co-operative exists is to enhance the quality of life for Police Officers.

As the business arm of the Police Central Welfare (PCWF), the co-operative provides a wide range of services for the PCWF members and the community. Ordinary members of PCWF are automatically members of the Co-operative.

The roots of POLWEL date back to 1980, where a police welfare shop was set up to offer essential household products and appliances at low interest rates, ensuring affordability.

Today, POLWEL offers a range of services under three business units namely POLWEL Shop, Save, Loan, POLWEL Approved Assessment Organisation (AAO), and POLWEL Business & Employment Services Division (BESD).

Lifestyle Services - Shop, Save, Loan

POLWEL stretches the dollar of the members by sourcing for the best prices of products such as electronic equipments, sporting goods, souvenirs, or corporate gifts.

Help is also available for members seeking loans, up to six times their monthly gross salary at competitive interest rate, for purchase of products or for big ticket items such as weddings, travel, car insurance, renovation and more. Medical loans are also provided to defray essential medical treatment. Education loans are also available to members who are in need of financial aid to pursue higher education.

Business Services

POLWEL AAOAppointed as an independent assessment body by the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) under the Security Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) framework in 2006, the POLWEL AAO conducts more than 20,000 Security WSQ assessments each year. These assessments certify the competency of candidates trained by the various Approved Training Organisations (ATOs).

Candidates who are assessed to be competent in the relevant skills will be issued with a Statement of Attainment (SOA) by WDS and permitted to be deployed as a licensed security guard or supervisor. Here POLWEL co-op has a hand in ensuring that the quality and consistency of assessment conducted meets the service standards defined by the authorities. Assessments are conducted by POLWEL AAO for a wide range of skill standards and at different qualitification levels ranging from certificate to diploma level.

POLWEL BESDPolice officers retire at a fairly young age and some of them take on second career upon their retirement. The POLWEL Business and Employment Services Division (BESD) provides job placements and opportunities for retiring and retired officers from SPF and Home Team departments. To date, BESD has helped these officers secure employment and also extended its range of strategic support services to payroll administration, staffing, and non-financial compliance audits. In 2012, POLWEL was appointed by the Ministry of Manpower to manage inspections on employment rights of low wage workers From their comprehensive range of services, POLWEL Co-op’s slogan, ‘You Serve The Community, We Serve You’, aptly underscores the heart of the co-operative.

Attention all photography enthusiasts! It is time to show off your skills, spread awareness about the Co-operative Movement and stand to win great prizes!

The co-operative themed competition aims to get photography hobbyists, young or old, to participate in capturing the principles of the Co-operative movement through photos. From 17 June to 30 August, participants can submit images that portray co-operation, self-reliance, mutual help, equality, and care for the community.

Participants can choose to participate in the print or online categories, where they will be judged based on its relevancy, composition, focus, lighting, and creativity. Submissions to the online category are judged by the number of "Likes" each photo will get on the SNCF's Facebook page.

SNCF Celebrates32Rocking Good Years

Hot Shots

Upcoming SNCF Activities

Visit SNCF Singapore on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/sncf.singapore

SNCF will hold its 32nd Anniversary Dinner Celebration (ADC) in Re! Hotel to commemorate its exciting years of service to the Singapore Co-operative Movement. Some 350 guests including affiliates, VIPs, and the SNCF team will dress up to the theme of “Rocking 60s” to celebrate the SNCF legacy.

To be held on 6 July 2013, this event's key highlight will no doubt be the 3rd installment of "Coop Got Talent". Participants who have been waiting for this with bated breath can now sign up with the respective Relationship Managers. For more info, logon www.sncf.org.sg/coopgottalent

Table sales have been robust and no wonder too, considering that it is only $380 per table. So call your RM now or logon to www.sncf.org.sg/anniversarydinner

8_CO-OPERATOR

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:jASNI JAMIL | Ramesh OFFICE: 6602 0747 EMAIL: JASNIJAMIL@SNCF.ORG.SG | rAMESH@SNCF.ORG.SG

Quarterfinals:25 maySATURDAY

cLOSING DaTE:30 APRILTUESDAY

semi-finals:8 juneSATURDAY

finalsEvent:6 julySATURDAY

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:JASNI JAMIL | RAMESHOFFICE: 6602 0747 EMAIL: JASNIJAMIL@SNCF.ORG.SG |

RAMESH@SNCF.ORG.SG

Quarterfinals:25 maySATURDAY

cLOSING DaTE:30 APRILTUESDAY

semi-finals:8 juneSATURDAY

finalsEvent:6 julySATURDAY

Apply Now!Win $1,800cash prizes!

Application Closes30 Apr 2013

Theme:

Take Part!& Win $1,800cash prizes!

Application Closes

30 Apr 2013

2013

http://www.sncf.org.sg/hot-shots

Co-op Hot Shots 2013, a photography competition with the 5 competition themes:

Co-operation, Self-help, Equality, Mutual Help, Care for Others; in celebrations of the

Co-operative Movement in Singapore. Snap photographs in relations to any of the 5

themes to participate in either of the 2 categories; Online or Print. Competition submission

starts on 17 Jun 2013 - 30 Aug 2013. Rules and regulations apply. Refer to website:

http://www.sncf.org.sg/hot-shots for more information.

Singapore Award (For Singapore Citizen & PR Only)

Online Fun Category1st $388, 2nd $288 and 3rd $188 cash prizes

+ 3 Judges’ Choice $68 cash prizes

Open Print Category1st $1000, 2nd $500 and 3rd $300

+ 10 merit $100 cash prizesInternational Award (For Non-Residents of Singapore Only)

Online Fun Category1st $388, 2nd $288 and 3rd $188 cash prizes

+ 3 Judges’ Choice $68 cash prizes

Open Print Category1st $1000, 2nd $500 and 3rd $300

Submit Now!More than$5,000cash prizes!Application Closes30 Aug 2013

WA N T E D

Youth Debate Explores Co-operative Values2013 Youth Debate Open

Young Entrepreneurs Sell and Learn

CO-OPERATOR_9

Aspiring entrepreneurs from primary up to tertiary levels can sharpen their skill sets in a nationwide entrepreneur-education competition that promises to be fun, entertaining and exciting.

This year’s Young Entrepreneurs’ Skill Competition (Yescom), an event jointly organised by the Association of Malay Entrepreneurs (Kesuma) and ITE College East, has ‘Social Enterprise’ as its theme. Students will

get to attend a seminar, workshop, participate in a business assignment and a bazaar to sell and promote their products to the public.

SNCF is proud to be invited to be one of the guest speakers of the event. Yescom 2013 Grand Finale will be held at HDB Hub Mall on the 7 July 2013 and will be officiated by Ms Tin Pei Ling, Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC.

Come down between noon and 5pm to support them.

For two days, youths will fight it out - in words, ideas and persuasion at the Youth Debate.

Aimed at increasing the awareness of the Co-operative Movement among our youth, the debate provides a platform for Secondary School students to explore the co-operatives values and spirit of social entrepreneurship. The competiton is organised by the Debate Association of Singapore in collaboration with the Singapore National Co-operative Federation and the Jelutung Youth Executive Committee of the People’s Association.

The tournament is open to all youths who are currently studying at the Secondary School level or the equivalent standard in international schools. All teams will debate in three Preliminary Rounds on Saturday, 22 June 2013. Qualifying teams will go on to the Semi-Finals and Grand Finals on Sunday, 23 June 2013.

Registration URL: www.tinyurl.com/YDO2013 Closing Date: 20 May 2013

Campus & Youth Activities

SNCF will be launching a campus animation video series to further raise awareness of the Co-operative Movement among the youth population. The first video focuses on the concept of Self-Help and Mutual Help through a Co-operative Bakery; subsequent videos will be based on other key Co-operatives Principles.

Campus Animation

Video Launch

10_CO-OPERATOR

MARK Your Calendar!Be informed of IYC programme updatesand more at www.sncf.coop

September 2013

Come Together As One(mini Co-opalicious)

ACCU in Nepal(For Credit Co-operatives)

09-15

01

June 2013

Co-op Hot Shots17 Jun-30 Aug

May 2013

Annual Co-operatives Leader’s Conference in Bangkok (ACLC)

30 May-01 Jun

July 2013

SNCF 32nd Anniversary DinnerCo-op Got Talent Finals

06

14-17 WOCCU in Ottawa(For Credit Co-operatives)

October 2013COOPOW! - Awareness of Co-ops through Comics Design Competition

November 2013

ICA General Assembly (South Africa)

01-05

01 Oct-31 Jan 2014

December 2013

Bowling15

January 2014

06 Jan New Year Reception

SNCF At Your ServiceSTAFF DIRECTORY

Sheela “Right-hand lady”

DID: 6602 0741

Dolly “Chief Inspiration officer”

haRRy “Knowledge Champion”

DID: 6602 0755

haWa “Digital

Samurai” DID: 6602 0749

mIKe “Growth

Champion” DID: 6602 0752

maRIa “Infocomm Champion”

DID: 6602 0753

Soo lenG “Credit Guru”

DID: 6602 0745

JaCKe“Brand Guru”

DID: 6602 0754

Bee Bee “Wonder lady”

DID: 6602 0742

mooI ChenG “accounts & hR

Samurai”DID: 6602 0756

helen “numbers Guru” DID: 6602 0743

RameSh “events

Champion”DID: 6602 0746

JaSnI “Service

Champion”DID: 6602 0757

emIly “Campus Samurai”

DID: 6602 0759

may lInG“Relationship & IT Guru”

DID: 6602 0744

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must be one of the following:

‣ Member of any locally registered co-operative

‣ Staff of Co-operatives

‣ Immediate family members of the staff of Co-operatives

• First priority will be given to staff and immediate family members of the staff of the co-operative;

• Gross monthly household per capita income does not exceed S$2,500/-;

• Is not in receipt of any scholarship/ bursary/ financial assistance except subsidies from the Government;

• Is not a sponsored student;

• Applicable for full-time & part-time courses which are relevant to the business of co-operatives;

• Recipient of award may apply in subsequent years, subject to good academic performance.

For further clarifications, please contact the Relationship Managers of your respective sector.

Calling all staff and members of SNCF affiliates.The Co-op Bursary is available for those seeking higher education or those wishing to upgrade their skills at the Polytechnics.

The bursary, valued at 50% of the nett course fee (after government subsidies) subject to a maximum cap of $1,000, will be

awarded to the successful applicant.

Co-operative Bursary for Polytechnic Studies

Approach your Student Affairs Division in ITE for the bursary application form today!

This scheme is intended to provide financial assistance to the deserving ITE students who are Members of ITE Co-op, or who are staff of a locally registered co-op or the immediate family members of the staff of a locally registered co-op.

WHO CAN APPLY?

For further clarifications and/or enquiries, please approach your respective Student Affairs Division:

SNCF BURSARYFOR ITE STUDENTS

AWARD: $500 per award per annum.

*Registration is open throughout the year.

*APPLY NOW !

a) Member of the ITE Co-operative; orb) Staff of any locally registered co-operatives and their immediate family members. (Immediate family refers to children, spouse and parents and if single, siblings)b) Gross monthly household per capita income do not exceed $1,500/-d) Is not in receipt of any scholarship / bursary except MOE Bursarye) Is not a sponsored studentf) Has at least 3 months’ study to undergo till the end of the academic year

ITE College CentralMr Mohd Amanullah Peer MohdStudent Services OfficerMohd_Amanullah_Peer_Mohd@ite.edu.sg6580 5128

ITE College EastMs Shirley Lim Head/Student AdministrationShirley_Lim@ite.edu.sg6544 9657

ITE College WestStudent Services Departmentcollege_west@ite.edu.sg6411 1080

Furthering Co-operative Developmen

t

CENTRAL CO-OPERATIVE FUND

CCFSINGAPORE

Images are copyrights of Inst i tute of Technical Education C

CO-OPERATOR_11

ACLC’s Sustainable Strategy on Doing Well

The Annual Co-operatives Leaders’ Conference (ACLC) 2013 is all set

to inspire growth, partnership and sustainability.

Between 30 May to 1 June, co-operative leaders will travel to Bangkok

to hear from industry leaders on how to attain sustainability through

collaboration and raising awareness.

The ACLC Key speakers:

They will be inspired by how our speakers overcome all odds to

achieve the level of success; and understand how collaboration is an

integral part of a business.

On top of that, they will learn how to capitalise on the internet age as

well as appreciate the need to make a strategic move into partnership

for the future of the organisations’ sustainability.

For more information, logon to www.sncf.org.sg/aclc

Creating a Stir - The Toast That Binds: Kinship, Friendship and Partnership

Mr Adrin Loi

Executive Chairman Ya Kun International

Groupon: Creating a New Wave of Consumerism Online

Mr Karl Chong

CEO, Groupon SG Co-founder, Beeconomic

Succession Planning is Not an Overnight Job

Mr Chua Poon Guan

Honorary TreasurerSingapore Teachers' Co-operative Society Ltd

Winning Through Collaboration

Mr CV Nathan

Chairman Singapore Amalgamated Services Co-operative Organisation Ltd (SASCO)

Collaboration with Work Place Bosses

Colonel Yazid bin Abdullah

Chief Executive OfficerCooperative of Singapore Civil Defence Force Employees (COSEM)

Success Story

Mr Benny Se Teo

FounderEighteen Chefs

12_CO-OPERATOR

Annual Co-operativeLeaders’ Conference 2013

Montien Hotel, Bangkok Thailand30th May - 1st June 2013