The ASEAN Co-operative Dialogue 2025 (ACD 2025) brought together over 200 delegates from around the region to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration across the global co-operative movement.

This year’s theme was “Cooperatives Build a Better World” with three main forums (Stronger Together; Sustainable Growth of Cooperatives; and Way Forward for Cooperatives in ASEAN) anchoring the event. The sessions covered a broad mix of topics from food security to business growth, digitalisation, and regional policy development. Singapore's delegation comprises members from the Singapore National Co-operative Federation, its EXCO, a representative from the Registry of Co-operative Societies, and two participants from the Emerging Leaders Programme. 

"ACD2025 is a space for cooperative leaders, government departments, agencies and experts responsible for cooperatives in 10 Asean member states to discuss the sector's future direction. We want to elevate the sector by encouraging greater regional policy uniformity and standards," said Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Bhd (Angkasa) president Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah in a recent interview with New Straits Times.

One of the highlights of the event was the co-operatives product showcase, where co-operatives from different ASEAN countries featured their agricultural products. The Singapore delegation had the chance to visit these booths and appreciated the hospitality and warmth shown by the representatives, who took time to share about their stories.

Mr Balu Iyer, Regional Director of ICA-AP, also spoke about the economic value co-operatives bring to the region and mentioned NTUC FairPrice Co-operative as an example of a successful co-operative in the retail space. He also highlighted Runninghour Co-operative for their social impact work, especially in providing opportunities for individuals with special needs.

This was especially meaningful for the ELP participants, from NTUC FairPrice and Runninghour. They had the opportunity to meet Mr Balu after the session too.

Overall, ACD2025 was a good learning opportunity and a reminder that while each co-operative operates in a different context, many of us are working towards similar goals across the region.

By Jamie Low