The Asian Credit Union Forum 2025 took place in Manila, the Philippines from 11 to 13 September 2025. Organised by the Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU) and hosted by the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) and the Philippine Federation of Credit Cooperatives (PFCCO), the forum brought together over 500 representatives from credit unions and co-operatives across 22 countries.  

The Singapore National Co-operative Federation (SNCF) sent a 23-strong delegation, led by SNCF Executive Council member Dr Leong Choon Kit. The delegates represented a diverse range of Singapore co-operatives, including AUPE Credit Co-operative, Citiport Credit Co-operative, Singapore Government Staff Credit Co-operative Society, Singapore Mercantile Co-operative Society, The Singapore Teachers’ Co-operative Society, and TCC Credit Co-operative.  

Co-operatives Build a Better World 

This year’s theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World” highlighted the transformative potential of co-operatives to uplift communities, promote social equity and strengthen resilient, people-centred economies. The theme emphasised unity, empowerment and shared responsibility, calling on participants to innovate, collaborate and amplify the voices of those unheard. The Asian Credit Union Forum 2025 served as a space for not only connection but inspiration and solidarity across the Asian credit union movement.  

International speakers shared on several key areas such as financial inclusion, member-centric leadership, digital transformation, education and capacity building, risk management, and sustainability, highlighting strategies to strengthen credit unions and empower communities across the region 

Attendees were also given opportunities to visit several credit unions in Manila to observe their operations, engage with staff and members, and understand how these institutions implement best practices in governance, member services, and community development. 

Lesson for Singapore: Regulation That Enables, Not Restricts 

Mr Mark Worthington, chief executive of Australian Mutual Bank, shared practical insights on how regulation can support rather than constrain credit unions. Recognising that while the regulations may be shackling, they are salient efforts that help credit unions in Australia prevent institutional failures with proper control measures, put credit unions and other financial institutions on a level playing field, and most importantly, instill trust among members.  

Mr Alexander Roquepo, Chairperson of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) of the Philippines, shared how regulatory support provided by CDA helped co-operatives improve compliance. It also signalled intention to engage youth leaders, and implement sustainable practices.  

Insights from Mr Shivajee Sapkota, chief executive of the Nepal Federation of Savings and Credit Cooperative Unions (NEFSCUN), highlighted how robust regulatory frameworks and well-structured stabilization funds can strengthen co-operative governance, ensure financial discipline, and enhance transparency, ultimately safeguarding member interests and promoting sector resilience. 

Digital Transformation: Indonesia’s Super App 

Ms Evangeline Lopez shared NATCCO’s digital journey, including the launch of KAYA, a shared platform operated and integrated by NATCCO for participating credit cooperatives. Currently, 165 cooperatives participate in KAYA, serving 120,000 members. NATCCO plans to further expand KAYA by integrating green solutions, such as solar-powered systems, and exploring AI-enabled features to enhance operational efficiency and member services. 

ACCU CEO Ms Elenita V. San Roque closed the forum with a call for continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Participants left inspired to turn these insights into concrete strategies for building stronger, more inclusive, and resilient credit unions across Asia. 

By Koh Jian Rong