logo
Uniting Asean cooperatives

Uniting Asean cooperatives

KUALA LUMPUR: THE Asean Cooperative Dialogue 2025 (ACD2025) kicks off today, aimed at unifying cooperative policies and strategies across Southeast Asia to boost the collective well-being of the region's cooperatives.
Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Bhd (Angkasa) president Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah said the two-day dialogue presented a key opportunity for stakeholders to chart a unified direction for cooperatives in Asean, enhancing their role in national and regional development.
"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," he said in a recent interview.
Fattah, who is Asean Co-operative Organisation (ACO) president, said ACD2025 aimed to tap into the economic potential of more than 300,000 cooperatives representing more than 65.7 million members across the region.
He stressed ACO's unifying role in driving cooperative development and improving the socio-economic well-being of communities across Southeast Asia.
"The sector's total estimated revenue stands at US$78.3 billion, demonstrating its significant contribution to regional growth.
"With Asean's population exceeding 600 million, the market for cooperative products and services is vast. We need to approach it strategically," he said, adding that the dialogue marked a significant recognition of Malaysia's leadership as Asean chair this year.
Additionally, he said the ACD2025 would become a strategic platform to strengthen regional collaboration and advance shared goals, including those outlined in the Asean Community Vision 2025 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
"There is a real need to review national policies and frameworks to ensure we are moving in a common direction."
He added that Malaysia had made significant strides in cooperative development, supported by its Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry, the Cooperative Commission of Malaysia, the Co-operative Institute of Malaysia, as well as national policies and strong government backing.
In July last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during the National Cooperative Congress, announced an additional RM6 million to boost the development of cooperatives in recognition of their contribution to the economy.
Anwar said the funds would be channelled through Angkasa for various initiatives.
Of the total, RM2 million would be allocated to Angkasa by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and another RM2 million from the Implementation Coordination Unit.
Fattah said: "In contrast, some Asean countries place cooperatives under broader ministries, such as those overseeing culture, youth or agriculture, with varying levels of support.
"Also, some countries invest significantly in the sector, while others allocate little to none. We need greater harmonisation and recognition so that cooperatives can thrive across the region."
Fattah said different Asean countries have strengths in specific sectors.
"Vietnam in industrial cooperatives, Singapore in retail, Thailand in agriculture and Malaysia in halal products, Islamic finance and community-based cooperatives."
He emphasised the need for sustained support from Asean governments to ensure the successful implementation of the ACD2025 Resolution, which would be presented at the end of the two-day event.
"Cooperatives must be recognised as important economic entities. This recognition should be reflected in national policies that prioritise their involvement in strategic sectors.
"We also need cooperative-friendly policies and legal frameworks that support cross-border operations, such as tax incentives, access to development projects, financing and digitalisation support."
Fattah said the region's cooperative sector would benefit from a dedicated Asean fund to support small- and medium-sized cooperatives in boosting productivity, overcoming challenges and expanding market access.
"We hope Asean governments will fully commit to implementing the ACD2025 Resolution as a regional agenda."With the right policies and implementation, cooperatives can play a much larger role in grassroots development and inclusive socio-economic growth."
Fattah added that the Asean Cooperative Product Showcase, which featured innovative products and services from cooperatives across the region, was held alongside the dialogue.
"A total of 24 delegates from five countries, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Thailand and Vietnam are participating in the exhibition, showcasing their cooperative offerings to potential regional markets."
On the domestic front, Angkasa just celebrated its 54th anniversary yesterday.
Established on May 12, 1971, Angkasa now represents over 16,280 cooperatives nationwide, with 7.2 million members. Up to 2024, the cooperative movement's contributions are substantial, with RM173.3 billion in assets, RM18.3 billion in share capital and fees, and RM68.2 billion in annual turnover.
"Angkasa has grown steadily over the decades. We play a central role in driving cooperative policy and expanding business networks locally and internationally," Fattah said.
Guided by its Strategic Plan 2017–2050, Angkasa focuses on four key areas: economic development, ecosystem, governance and innovation.
Fattah said: "These efforts align with national priorities, including the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030 and the Malaysian Cooperative Policy 2030, to position cooperatives as key drivers of high-impact entrepreneurship.
"The goal is to boost cooperatives' role in driving economic resilience and broad-based prosperity, and positioning them as the leading model for sustainable and inclusive socio-economic growth."
He said among the initiatives were business incubation programmes and support for cooperatives entering strategic sectors such as halal products, tourism, digitalisation, agriculture and plantations.
"Angkasa is also dedicated to strengthening its presence at both regional and international levels through active participation in ACO and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA).
"Angkasa has gained global recognition through events like the ICA General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur (2017), the Global Youth Forum in Sarawak (2020) and the Asia-Pacific Cooperative Youth Summit in Sabah (2023).
"These events reflect Malaysia's strong cooperative movement and have drawn international interest in our model."
However, he admitted that challenges remain.
"Many cooperatives struggle with business sustainability, limited human resources, lack of digital readiness and capital constraints. Public perception also continues to narrowly associate cooperatives with loan activities."
He said to address financing issues, Angkasa, via its Koperasi Pembiayaan Syariah Angkasa, offered business loans to cooperatives.
"To address digitalisation challenges, a Cooperative Digitalisation Plan has been developed, along with the introduction of the BA100 online retail management system.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UK condemns Hong Kong's reward offers for suspects living in Britain
UK condemns Hong Kong's reward offers for suspects living in Britain

New Straits Times

time3 minutes ago

  • New Straits Times

UK condemns Hong Kong's reward offers for suspects living in Britain

LONDON: The UK on Friday condemned Hong Kong authorities for offering payment in exchange for assisting in the arrest of pro-democracy activists living in Britain. "The Hong Kong Police Force's issuing of further arrest warrants and bounties on individuals living in the UK is another example of transnational repression," Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said in a joint statement. Hong Kong authorities announced Friday that they are offering cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of 19 pro-democracy activists based abroad, accused of violating the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. The bounties range from about US$25,000 (HK$200,000) to US$125,000, depending on the individual Hong Kong seeks. This is the fourth time Hong Kong authorities have made this type of appeal, which has already drawn strong criticism from Western countries — criticism China has in turn denounced as "interference." In their statement, Lammy and Cooper called on China to stop targeting opposition voices in Britain. Around 150,000 Hong Kong nationals migrated to the UK under a special visa scheme introduced in 2021. But a recent proposal by the British government to reform extradition rules has sparked serious concerns, with some fearing it could pave the way for a resumption of extraditions to Hong Kong, which have been suspended since the 2020 national security law was enacted. In their statement, the two British ministers said, "This Government will continue to stand with the people of Hong Kong, including those who have made the UK their home. We take the protection of their rights, freedoms, and safety very seriously."

Qinghai-Tibet Plateau a timeless magnet for travelers
Qinghai-Tibet Plateau a timeless magnet for travelers

Borneo Post

time33 minutes ago

  • Borneo Post

Qinghai-Tibet Plateau a timeless magnet for travelers

An aerial photo taken on July 16, 2025 shows the scenery of Zhaxi island scenic area of Namtso Lake, the world's highest saltwater lake in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. – Xinhua photo LHASA (July 26): Dressed in vibrant outfits, Li Xiaochao and her daughter beamed at the camera, joyfully exclaiming: 'We're at Namtso, and we're so excited!' The dazzling blue lake shimmered behind them, framed by the snow-capped Mount Nyainqentanglha. Located in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Namtso Lake is regarded by Tibetans as the 'heavenly lake'. Standing at an elevation of 4,718 meters, it is the highest saltwater lake in the world. Traveling all the way from Cangzhou in north China's Hebei Province, Li and her group spent the past week exploring some of Xizang's most famous landmarks, including the Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, the Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon, and the Mount Qomolangma scenic area. 'This is actually my second time in Xizang, and my first visit was back in 2008,' Li said. 'The changes over the past 17 years have been incredible. The development here has been rapid, the locals are as warm and welcoming as ever, and the infrastructure has improved tremendously. 'Even after all these years, my experience this time has been just as wonderful,' she added. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, Namtso Lake attracted 5.11 million domestic and international tourists between 2014 and 2024. 'As of mid-July this year, we have welcomed about 150,000 tourists,' said Zhang Longquan, chairman of the Namtso Lake scenic area protection and development company, noting that the company's revenue has boosted local livelihoods by creating jobs, such as hiring herdsmen to provide horses and yaks for tourists, and by distributing dividends to them. 'I earn about 9,000 yuan (about US$1,259) per month without having to work far from home,' said Sigya, 26, a resident of a nearby village. To better protect the lake's ecosystem, the company has upgraded the surrounding infrastructure, including introducing eco-friendly public toilets and electric sightseeing buses. 'Wildlife diversity in the area has significantly increased in recent years,' Zhang said. An aerial drone photo taken on July 19, 2025 shows a view of the Sapukonglagabo Mountain in Biru County, Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. – Xinhua photo About 500 km away, the Sapukonglagabo Mountain scenic area in Biru County, Nagqu City, is famous for its magnificent snow-capped mountains, spectacular glaciers, and abundant wildlife. Its main peak soars to nearly 7,000 meters above sea level. Wang Liming and her family, who have been on a road trip through several provinces, arrived at the scenic area on Saturday. 'Despite the challenges of altitude sickness, the stunning landscapes of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau always leave us in awe. 'The climate here is wonderful and the intangible cultural heritage performances by Tibetan artists are truly unique,' said Wang, who comes from northeast China's Liaoning Province. 'The exhaustion of the long drive was absolutely worth it.' Drolma, a local resident of Biru County, spent her weekend picnicking with family in the scenic area. 'We are so happy to see more tourists from home and abroad visiting Xizang. Many locals have jumped on the tourism bandwagon, increasing their incomes as the industry grows,' she added. 'The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as 'world's third pole,' spans vast regions including Xizang and Qinghai Province, boasting unique natural resources and magnificent landscapes that have long captivated global travelers,' said Luo Hui, an associate researcher of the China Tibetology Research Center. 'In recent years, the central government and local authorities in Xizang have vigorously promoted the high-quality development of the tourism industry. 'Through measures such as introducing supportive policies, creating distinctive tourism brands, and optimising diverse travel routes, they are striving to make the region a world-class tourist destination,' Luo added. In the first half of this year, Xizang saw 31.28 million tourist visits, up 11.67 per cent year on year, according to the regional culture and tourism department. Of the total, inbound tourist arrivals surged 31.2 per cent to 196,400. Tourism revenue in the region totaled 31.55 billion yuan in the same period, marking a 10.18 per cent year-on-year increase. – Xinhua China Mount Nyainqentanglha Namtso Lake tourism Xinhua

Long-stay tourism boom ignites ‘cool economy' in China highlands
Long-stay tourism boom ignites ‘cool economy' in China highlands

Borneo Post

time33 minutes ago

  • Borneo Post

Long-stay tourism boom ignites ‘cool economy' in China highlands

An aerial photo taken on July 18, 2025 shows a local Yizu Dage team performing during a parade show on the ancient street of Nanzhao in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. – Xinhua photo KUNMING (July 26): At his guesthouse in southwest China's Kunming, Zhang Cheng wiped down the counter in preparation for the next wave of arrivals, as the country's highland summer migration unfolded, a seasonal drift measured not in days but in months. 'Since summer began, we've had almost no vacancies,' he said. A steady stream of guests from the sweltering nearby regions of Sichuan and Chongqing is replacing the usual ebb and flow of tourists in this capital city of Yunnan Province. As scorching heat blankets much of China, Yunnan and Guizhou provinces, with average summer temperatures of 15 to 21 degrees Celsius, are experiencing the explosive growth of 'cool summer residencies'. Yunnan alone hosted 2.8 million long-stay visitors in the first half of 2025, a surge of 45.4 per cent year on year. These visitors stayed an average of 91 days, 11 days longer than the previous year. In the province's Qujing City, famed for its cooler summers, companies like Licheng Residential Leasing are transforming idle homes into managed residences. This summer, Licheng has provided over 100 beds and three meals daily through contracted residential homes in the city's Niujie community, hosting over 200 guests so far. Industry experts believe that traditional tourism often funnels spending into transportation and tickets, limiting local economic benefits, whereas tourism engaging local residents retains more spending within the community. In Qujing, for example, dining accounts for 40 per cent of long-stay visitors' spending, vastly exceeding the 10 per cent typical of short-stay tourists. The city welcomed 2 million long-stay visitors last summer, peaking at 270,000 daily, generating 23.6 billion yuan (around US$3.3 billion) in revenue. Leveraging its national forest park, Xishui County in Guizhou has developed 28 summer residence projects across six townships, now housing 36,000 households, mostly from other provinces. Since June, hotels and homestays have reported peak seasons. Dai Bin, head of the China Tourism Academy, highlighted the shift of the tourism model 'from simply leveraging cool climates to integrating culture, wellness and learning'. He cited the example of children joining forest rangers for plant identification in a nature science camp while parents learn local crafts, as well as one in Yunnan's Dali that combines cool air with holistic healing through yoga in the forest. Recognising the potential, China's National Development and Reform Commission issued guidelines in 2023 to boost summer tourism, urging better products and infrastructure. According to Rao Xiangbi, deputy director of Yunnan's culture and tourism department, long-stay visitors now flock not just from nearby Sichuan and Chongqing, but increasingly from Guangdong, Zhejiang, and even the northernmost Heilongjiang Province, with over 80 per cent being young and middle-aged people. Experts from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation have noted that such climate-adaptive tourism is a growing necessity globally and is poised to become a defining future trend as climate change intensifies. – Xinhua China highland Kunming Summer tourism Xinhua

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store