ICA-AP Training Program for Managers in Asia Pacific

The first batch of the 2015 training program for managers of consumer co-operatives organized by ICA-AP in collaboration with Japanese Consumer Co-operative Union (JCCU) was held from July 27 to August 9, with Miyagi Co-op and Co-op Net Business Association providing the training grounds, the facilities and resource persons.

The training program which lasted for 14 days was attended by 5 co-operative manager members from Shree Warana Vibhag Sahakari Grahak Mandal Ltd., India (Mr Patil Raviraj Vilasrao), Pohang iCOOP cooperative, Korea (Ms. Kim Hyun Jin), the Abra Diocesan Teachers and Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Philippines (Mr. Jerick Valeros Marean), and Saigon Co-op, Viet Nam (Ms Nguyen Bich Ly and Ms Bui Thi Giang Thu) in the areas of store operation and management.

Participants were selected after having met the requirements of the interview conducted by the ICA-AP secretary to the consumer committee in Malaysia Business Office.

A comprehensive program, consisting of different training modules that covered the training proposals requested by the trainees to address their difficult challenges in their work place, was designed by the host organizations. Some of the challenges were, to how to gain the competitiveness of the store, and how to retain staff and to raise members’ loyalty.

Upon arrival, the trainees received a 1-day orientation course at JCCU headquarters, where they received lectures on the Japanese consumer co-operative business and the Merchandising Policy of Consumer Co-op to gain insight to the retail business environment in Japan.

Trainees visited Co-op Net to receive lectures on structure and mechanism of business solidarity and social and environmental initiatives and then moved to Miyagi Co-op in

Sendai for another 10 days training that allowed them to have a practical work experience at the store and to attend conventional meeting between the store manager and the chiefs of various sections.

At the end of the training, an action plan was drawn by each trainee to address what they intend implementing upon returning to their home

Countries.

The trainees returned home on August 9th. The second batch of the 2015 ICA-AP training will be held from November 23 to December 6.