From offering thrift and loan services to supporting retrenched workers and caring for the elderly, the milestones these co-operatives are celebrating in 2025 are more than just anniversaries. They are a testament to how the co-op model empowers communities.

Take a look at some of the local co-operatives celebrating major milestones. 

20 Years: Co-operative of SCDF Employees (COSEM)

Established: June 2005

The Co-operative of SCDF Employees, also known as COSEM, will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The co-operative was formed to create secondary career opportunities for retired and former personnel of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), a uniformed government organisation that provides fire safety, firefighting, rescue and emergency medical services to the population of Singapore. 

To date, these former personnel offer training services in the realms of emergency response and disaster management training, and consultancy services for corporate clients. 

25 Years: Singapore Professionals' & Executives' Co-operative (SPEC)

Established: 16 May 2000

The 1998 Asian Financial Crisis severely impacted workers in Singapore, leaving many working professionals unemployed and uncertain about their futures. In response, the Singapore Human Resources Institute (SHRI) founded the Singapore Professionals' & Executives' Co-operative (SPEC) in 2000 to support displaced workers. SPEC was created to provide vital services like re-employment assistance, talent matching, and career coaching, helping individuals rebuild their careers during this challenging time. 

Today, as economic shifts and workforce transformation shifts, SPEC remains a steadfast source of practical support for its members, focusing on providing practical and professional development for individuals. Through re-employment services like corporate placement, talent matching, career coaching, and networking opportunities, the co-operative is dedicated to helping individuals navigate and thrive through their career transitions. 

60 Years: AUPE Credit Co-operative

Established: 3 September 1965

Celebrating its Diamond Jubilee this year, AUPE Credit Co-operative was formed close to a month after Singapore’s independence. It provides financial services such as savings and loans to their members, which can run the gamut from employee of Ministry, Statutory Board, Organ of State to Working Person & member of a Trade Union/​Association affiliated to NTUC,  to support their financial well-being.

Today, AUPE Credit Co-operative continues to uphold its mission of supporting members’ financial well-being through savings and loan services, adapting to evolving financial needs while staying true to its co-op values.

92 Years: Singapore Amalgamated Services Co-Operative Organisation (SASCO)

Established: 16 November 1933

Founded in 1933 as a coordinating body for 12 credit co-operatives, SASCO played a key role in facilitating collaboration and information sharing among co-operative societies.

In 1982, SASCO shifted its focus to community-based programmes, particularly in eldercare and childcare. Today, it operates SASCO Senior Citizens’ Home, a residential facility, SASCO Senior Citizens' Centre, which offers day care and activities, and Haven Schoolhouse, a childcare centre that supports working parents

In 2022, SASCO also expanded its reach by acquiring CCCS International Learning Institute, which now serves as its training arm, helping individuals enhance their skills and career prospects within the security industry.

99 Years: Singapore Mercantile Co-operative Society (SMCS)

Established on 15 December 1926

Founded by a group of 50 commercial employees who came together to form a co-operative society aimed at supporting each other during times of financial need. The co-operative’s objectives include encouraging thrift by accepting deposits from members and preventing permanent indebtedness by offering loans at reasonable interest rates.

SMCS has continued to thrive with its core mission to promote co-operation and self-help among its members, helping them reduce their cost of living and improve their economic well-being. 

99 Years: The Singapore Police Co-Operative Society

Established: 18 August 1926

The Singapore Police Co-operative Society Limited was founded to serve members of the Singapore Police Force, with the mission of promoting financial stability among law enforcement officers. Through savings schemes, affordable loans, and welfare initiatives, the co-operative enables members to manage their finances to plan for their future

The co-operative continues to serve the evolving needs of its members, including full-time police officers, civilian staff from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Certis CISCO, and the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, as well as current and former NPCC members. It provides essential support to help members navigate both personal and professional challenges, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to fostering a strong, supportive community within the Singapore Police Force.

97 Years: TCC Credit Co-operative

Established: 28 September 1928

Originally formed to provide financial services to low-income workers, TCC Credit Co-operative has since expanded its reach, offering financial solutions to a broader community while promoting savings and responsible lending.

TCC Credit Co-operative continues to adapt to the evolving needs of its members by offering a wide range of financial services, including personal loans, savings accounts, and financial literacy programs. With a strong focus on community empowerment and responsible lending, they remain one of the credit co-operatives the public can turn to for loans. Nearly a century later, TCC Credit remains committed to helping members achieve financial well-being and improve their quality of life.

Learn more about TCC Credit Co-operative from one of our #COTD episodes here.

100 Years: Three co-ops are celebrating their centennial milestones in 2025

The first co-operatives in Singapore began in 1925 with credit co-operatives, also known as thrift and loan societies. Formed to support workers through tough times, these three co-ops continue to provide stability through monthly savings plan and a strong sense of community.

• 1. Singapore Government Staff Credit Co-operative, provides savings and loan services to government employees.
• 2. Singapore Statutory Board Employees’ Co-operative, offers financial and credit services to statutory board staff.
• 3. Citiport Credit Co-operative, serves port workers with accessible loan and savings options.

In one of our #COTD episodes, we bring the 3 centennial credit co-ops together. Watch it here!

From co-operatives as young as 20 years to those a century old, these organisations serve as a testament to the enduring strength of Singapore’s Co-operative Movement. Whether supporting professionals, public employees, merchants, law enforcement officers, or senior citizens, they continue to play a vital role in strengthening the social compact of our nation.

By Kesia Lam, with additional reporting by Sng Ler Jun