Ahead of ACLC 2026, we speak with Darryl David, founder of CICA Associates and a Member of Parliament of Singapore.
What does it take to build stronger co-operatives for the future? At the Annual Co-operative Leaders’ Conference (ACLC) 2026, co-operative leaders and practitioners will come together to exchange ideas on growing their people, strengthening their organisations and creating greater impact.
Taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, ACLC 2026 brings together perspectives from Singapore and the region, with speakers sharing practical insights, experiences and lessons that co-operative leaders can bring back to their own organisations.
Ahead of the conference, we caught up with Darryl David, founder of CICA Associates and a Member of Parliament of Singapore, to find out more about his perspective, what co-operative leaders can learn from the session, and what he hopes participants will take away from ACLC 2026.
From your experience, why is mentorship particularly important for co-operative leaders today?
While mentorship is important for leadership continuity in any organisation, it is especially relevant for the co-operative movement due to the unique ethos and values of the co-operative model. As the leadership baton passes from experienced leaders to the next generation, mentorship is crucial for ensuring that co-operatives remain true to their founding principles while navigating evolving challenges.
What have you learnt from your own experience of putting mentorship into practice?
Mentorship benefits the mentor as much as it benefits those being mentored.
What is one idea or perspective about mentorship that you hope co-operative leaders will challenge or rethink?
While not everyone might become a mentor, everyone can develop a mentoring spirit.
At ACLC 2026, what is one idea or action that you hope participants will take away from your session, and apply when they return to their own co-operatives?
Mentorship begins with small steps, and these steps can lead to culture-building and transformative change.
Catch Darryl David in his guest sharing at ACLC 2026.
By Sng Ler Jun
