The 9th COOP Colloquium was jointly organized on 27 February 2024 by the ICA-AP Committee on Cooperative Research (CCR) and Cooperative Institute of Malaysia (CIM) to facilitate an academic discussion on cooperative education and research. The theme was "The Art and Science of Managing a Cooperative: Unveiling the Secrets of Successful Co-ops" which explored good practices in cooperative management. Over 120 representatives from cooperatives, research organizations, and educational institutions across 9 countries attended the colloquium.
Dr. Sidsel Grimstad, Vice-Chairperson, CCR said that the colloquium continues to initiate an academic discourse surrounding topics pertinent to cooperative education and research. The landscape of cooperative scholarship throughout the Asia and Pacific region is characterized by its richness and diversity. To consolidate these varied perspectives, the committee endeavours to convene them within the COOP Colloquium platform to foster sharing, enlightenment, and mutual learning.
YBhg. Tuan Haji Mohd Yahya bin Haji Mat Sahri, Chairperson, CIM welcomed all the participants and expressed his excitement about collaborating with ICA-AP CCR for this timely event focusing on the art and science behind managing successful cooperatives. He said that this theme is pivotal as effective cooperative management and leadership can bolster resilience, spur innovation, and drive community impact. He thanked the distinguished speakers from Malaysia, India, and Korea for sharing their insights from the ground. He said, “Through collective experience and knowledge exchange, may we illuminate best governance practices to nurture our cooperative ecosystem toward inclusive socioeconomic development regionally and globally” and wished everyone a productive and engaging session.
Mr. Abd. Sanih Nasri, Chairman, Batu Putih Kinabatangan Bhd Sub-District Tourism Cooperative Bhd (KOPEL) in Malaysia, spoke on enhancing operational effectiveness and overall development of cooperatives. As the Chairman of KOPEL, a community-based tourism cooperative in Sabah, Malaysia, he has witnessed first-hand how critical good governance and strategic vision are to steer a cooperative sustainably. Mr. Nasri shared that KOPEL overcomes limitations like capital and human resources through integrating technology, collaborating with external stakeholders, and diversifying income streams beyond conventional routes. He highlighted that KOPEL actively invests in training programs to nurture its members' entrepreneurial and management capacities. By consulting members frequently through surveys and dialogues, the cooperative aligns its directives closely with ground needs and aspirations. Mr. Nasri noted that as the business landscape continues to evolve, cooperatives must remain nimble and resilient without compromising cooperative values and social objectives. He expressed hope that sharing KOPEL's journey imparts practical insights toward strengthening operational excellence amid constraints. In closing, he reiterated that the true measure of a co-op is members' socioeconomic empowerment.
Ms. Sreeja Murali, Director, Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society Limited (ULCCS Ltd.) shared how the cooperative has successfully diversified into new business verticals while upholding cooperative values. Established in 1925 as a construction labour contract society, ULCCS has organically grown into a multi-business cooperative with subsidiaries in technology, cybersecurity, events, travel, and more. She elaborated on the detailed strategic planning undertaken by ULCCS leadership before venturing into new markets. Comprehensive feasibility analyses evaluate financial, technical, HR, and risk parameters to align diversification with their vision and mission. By leveraging the cooperative's assets and capabilities while addressing market gaps, they have pioneered innovative enterprises as a coop model. Technology integration has been crucial to enhancing governance, enabling new business lines, and maintaining market relevance. From SMS updates for 7000 members to full-fledged interactive member apps, they continue harnessing technology for efficiency and transparency. In closing, Ms. Murali emphasized that ULCCS's diversification exemplifies cooperatives' potential for business excellence without compromising on core principles of self-help, democracy, equality, and social responsibility. Their journey stands as testimony to managing change for community growth.
Dr. Ahyoung Kim, Director, iCOOP Cooperative Institute in South Korea, delivered an insightful presentation on learning and development for cooperative members and employees. She shared case studies from their customized educational programs that aim to foster a sense of ownership, enhance job competencies, and nurture next-generation leaders. For instance, the cooperative's immersive workshops teach financial planning skills while cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets aligned with cooperative principles. Simulated board director experience through 'Shadowing Leaders' enables young talents to steer decisions for organizational growth. Such targeted capacity building equips members to contribute meaningfully by unlocking their potential. Dr. Kim emphasized that cooperatives must invest continually in human capital development via formal and informal learning channels to sustain a pipeline of motivated talent. This will maximize participatory member engagement while fuelling operational excellence.
Ms. Sharina Abdullah, Senior Director, CIM's Policy and Strategy Division, summarized the key insights from the thought-provoking sessions. She noted how Mr. Nasri offered practical strategies for operational agility and community centricity in tourism cooperatives via governance, capability building, and purpose-driven value creation. Ms. Murali showcased how technology integration and business diversification can power cooperative innovation while embedding member interests. Finally, Dr. Kim’s emphasis on bespoke human capital development programs resonated with iCOOP Korea’s success in sustaining an engaged community equipped to steer its cooperative ethos onto new horizons. Ms. Abdullah reiterated that beyond profits, the impact on members and the community remains the cooperative lodestar. By synergizing business excellence with social good, coops can build vibrant ecosystems of shared prosperity rooted in their distinctive principles and values.
Mr. Mohit Dave, Secretary, ICA-AP Research Committee gave a vote of thanks and mentioned that the colloquium facilitated valuable sharing of best practices in cooperative management. It highlighted the importance of strong governance, member engagement, leadership development, and leveraging technology among other strategies. Support provided by ICA-AP and CIM staff was critical for the success of the colloquium, and they were duly acknowledged.
ICA-AP Research Committee was established in the year 2000 to promote and support the initiation and furtherance of research activities within cooperatives and research organizations at regional, national, and local levels, to enhance their social and economic effectiveness.
