New ICA-AP Regional Board Convenes First Meeting in Bangkok

The newly elected International Cooperative Alliance – Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP) Regional Board convened its first official meeting on 11 March 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, in a hybrid format. Board members and representatives from India, China, Malaysia, South Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand participated in person, while members from Japan, Jordan, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam joined virtually.

Dr. Chandrapal Singh Yadav, President of ICA-AP, opened the proceedings by welcoming members and thanking the Cooperative League of Thailand (CLT) for their warm hospitality. In his address, Dr. Yadav emphasized the need to sustain the momentum of the International Year of Cooperatives beyond 2025, specifically through enhanced visibility, policy recognition, and strategic partnerships. Adding to this, CLT President Mr. Poramate Intarachumnum noted that the gathering served as a vital platform for exchanging ideas and strengthening regional cooperative development.

The Board paid tribute to Mr. Phanuwat Wanraway, former Head of International Affairs and Trade Promotion at CLT, who recently passed away, noting his significant contributions in strengthening Thailand’s engagement with the regional and global cooperative community.

The meeting proceeded with the adoption of the agenda and confirmation of previous minutes. As this marked the first meeting of the new Board, the ICA-AP Regional Office presented the Board Induction Manual, outlining governance roles, organizational structure, and key functions. Updates were also shared by the Women, Youth, and Trade & Business Committees, alongside a report on ICA-AP and ICA–EU partnership activities, including membership and subscription status.

Board members engaged in substantive discussions on strengthening their role beyond formal meetings, emphasizing more structured and proactive engagement through committees, professional expertise, networks, and strategic advocacy. The discussions reflected a shared commitment to enhancing the Board’s collective contribution to advancing the cooperative movement in the region.

An induction session led by Prof. Ang Hak Seng from the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) further reinforced this direction. The session focused on governance responsibilities, strategic alignment, and accountability, helping to build a common understanding of effective regional leadership within a diverse cooperative landscape.

The following day, Board members visited Nong Pho Dairy Cooperative (Ratchaburi) Limited under Royal Patronage. The cooperative shared its evolution from a government-supported dairy initiative to a farmer-led enterprise strengthened through royal support, eventually becoming a fully cooperative-owned and managed institution. Today, the cooperative is recognized for its focus on sustainable dairy farming, improved production standards, product diversification, and market expansion.

The visit offered valuable insights into cooperative-led value chain development and served as a platform for knowledge exchange among Board members, further reinforcing regional cooperation and learning.