From 3 to 7 November, two representatives from Singapore National Co-operative Federation's Emerging Leaders Programme (ELP)—Ms Grace Tan from EsteeMedia Co-operative and Ms Bashirah Mohammed Salleh from Singapore Government Staff Credit Co-operative—joined the CULROC Exposure Programme in Taichung, Taiwan. Organised and hosted by the Credit Union League of the Republic of China (CULROC), the programme brought together delegates from across Asia, including Indonesia, Mongolia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The exchange fostered learning, collaboration, and strengthened regional co-operative friendships.



Delegates from Indonesia, Mongolia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, with leaders from CULROC and Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior, during the opening ceremony of the CULROC Exposure Program 2025

As part of the programme, delegates visited two community credit unions—Wei-Dao Credit Union in Taichung and Zhu-Ai Credit Union in Nantou—where they learned about the credit unions’ member-focused services, community programmes, and the operational challenges they navigate. These visits offered a close-up look at how Taiwanese credit unions work closely with their members, maintain trust, and balance financial sustainability with strong social purpose.

Delegates also spent time at Feng Chia University, where they were introduced to the university’s work in co-operative education, social innovation, and sustainability. At the College of Business and the Office of Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility, faculty members shared examples of their community projects, overseas partnerships, and the university’s “4S” framework — Social Engagement, Social Innovation, Social Design, and Social Impact. The session showcased how academic institutions can play a meaningful role in nurturing future leaders who are equipped with co-operative values and a strong commitment to social responsibility.

Delegates at Feng Chia University

One particularly memorable moment was witnessing the emerging collaboration between Feng Chia University and the Philippine delegates, who explored potential avenues for continued support and exchange. This reflected the programme’s wider spirit of regional partnership and shared learning.

In the second half of the programme, CULROC also arranged several cultural visits, including stops at the National Taichung Theatre, the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, and Sun Moon Lake. These experiences offered delegates a deeper appreciation of Taiwan’s cultural heritage and provided opportunities for informal conversations and friendship-building across delegations.



A visit to the Sun Moon Lake located in Nantou County, after visiting Zhu-Ai Credit Union. Delegates enjoyed a hop-on-hop-off ferry ride around the lake, bringing them around the Shuishe pier, Xuanguang Temple pier, Ita Thao pier, and back

The experience underscored the co-operative movement’s enduring belief that communities thrive when people learn, collaborate, and grow together. The insights and connections formed during this programme will continue to shape and strengthen regional ties in the years ahead.


By Grace Tan and Bashirah Mohammed Salleh