The Central Co-operative Fund Committee (CCFC) welcomed member Dr Wilson Chew on 1 December 2025.
The Central Co-operative Fund, or CCF, is a fund set up under the Co-operative Societies Act 1979, and is under the purview of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY).
CCFC’s core aim is to serve, strengthen and develop the Singapore Co-operative Movement by providing financial grants for education, training, research, audit and various development initiatives, helping co-operatives enhance capabilities, improve governance, innovate, and serve the community better, ultimately fostering a more resilient social sector. The Minister for MCCY appoints the Committee for the purpose of the fund.
Building on insights shared at the Annual Co-operative Leaders Conference 2024 (ACLC 2024) and his recent appointment to the CCFC, Dr Wilson seeks to work closely with fellow members to meet core objectives through outcome-based funding. He aims to extend impact across the co-operative sector, supporting more co-operatives in institutionalising their operations by strengthening capabilities in strategic planning, governance practices, leadership renewal, management development, and digitalisation.
Dr Wilson Chew at ACLC 2024 speaking on institutionalisation
With the recent launch of the Singapore Co-operative Movement 10-year Transformation Roadmap by SNCF in consultation with MCCY, Dr Wilson adds that the roadmap will help co-operatives gain more visibility in the light of the work they do.
SNCF also launched the Co-operative Leaders Programme—a roadmap initiative under Talent and Leadership pillar. Sharing his views, Dr Wilson said “it is axiomatic that strong leadership at the top strengthens the organisation as a whole. This, in turn, enables the development of a robust economic model that sustains the co-op’s social mission, ensures leadership continuity, fosters innovative partnerships...”
The recent collaboration between GP+ Co-operative and Allkin Singapore—where doctors and social workers work together to deliver more seamless, community-based care—stands out to him as a compelling example of how strong leadership can catalyse innovative partnerships, in turn enabling co-operatives to strengthen their resilience, relevance, and long-term sustainability.
His first exposure to the co-operative movement was through his campus co-operative which operated the bookstore and related retail outlets but he shared that extensive research and preparation for his session at ACLC 2024 and conversations with co-operative leaders deepened his understanding and appreciation of the meaningful impact of co-operatives.
Dr Wilson currently also serves as non-executive Chairman of J.P. Wilson where he advises boards, business owners and senior management in formulating strategy and execution plans.
By Mary Njo
