Asia Pacific Cooperative Development Platform: Member Stories
Asia Pacific Cooperative Development Platform (APCDP) is an initiative of ICA-AP under the ICA-EU Financial Framework Partnership Agreement 2. Its goal is to encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing among cooperative development organizations (CDOs) involved in international cooperation and development.
To showcase the development work carried out by APCDP members, we are featuring one member every month. This month, we feature the national apex organization in Malaysia, ANGKASA.
Empowering Communities Through Cooperatives: ANGKASA’s Regional Impact
It began as a national mission, one which is rooted in a belief that cooperatives could uplift communities, strengthen economies, and build a more inclusive society. For decades, the Malaysian National Cooperative Movement, known as ANGKASA, has championed this vision across Malaysia. But with time, its impact began to stretch far beyond national borders, sowing the seeds of cooperative growth across the region.
As the apex body for cooperatives in Malaysia, ANGKASA has always been committed to the social and economic well-being of communities. Its early work focused on transforming Malaysia’s cooperative landscape, including empowering schools, strengthening community-based models in mosques, and building a halal cooperative ecosystem. These were not just programs; they were pathways out of poverty, job creators, and drivers of inclusive growth. ANGKASA’s work has directly contributed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
But the story didn’t stop there. In recent years, ANGKASA has taken its expertise to neighboring countries, guided by the same values and a growing sense of regional solidarity. Cambodia, the Philippines, and Vietnam have become key chapters in this journey, each reflecting ANGKASA’s belief that the cooperative model is a powerful tool to change lives.
One such moment came in January 2025, when ANGKASA joined hands with Halal Cooperative Vietnam (COOPHVN) to launch a halal store and restaurant in Hanoi. More than just a business, this flagship project introduced halal entrepreneurship to a new market, creating jobs and offering a platform for community-driven enterprise. The model quickly gained attention, sparking interest among local groups to explore their own cooperative ventures rooted in both social impact and sustainability.
In 2023, ANGKASA extended support to mosque-based cooperatives in the Philippines. Through the Infaq ANGKASA Foundation, it contributed RM100,000 (USD 23,600) to three cooperatives in Bulacan, Quezon City, and Mindanao. The funds supported vital upgrades, from acquiring freezers to implementing urban farming solutions like aquaponics. These cooperatives have since grown into vibrant community hubs, creating jobs, driving local commerce, and even inspiring young entrepreneurs.
In Cambodia, the story unfolded through Zakat and Infaq funds, the Islamic philanthropic contributions, channeled with care and purpose. In partnership with the Malaysian Embassy in Phnom Penh, ANGKASA helped build cooperative models in schools and mosque communities. These efforts didn’t just improve access to goods and services; they created opportunities for women, youth, and entrepreneurs from all backgrounds to take the lead.
The impact is real. Leaders like Waida Umpar, Chairperson of UMLP Amanah Masjid Cooperative in Quezon City, describe, “Thanks to ANGKASA’s support, our cooperative has grown beyond its original purpose. It now serves as a platform for economic opportunity and community development.”
Today, ANGKASA’s regional work reflects its broader mission to advance the sustainability agenda through practical, people-centered solutions.
With growing partnerships across ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific, ANGKASA is not just expanding its reach, it is cultivating a regional movement where cooperatives are at the heart of development. One project, one partnership, and one empowered community at a time.
