Take advantage of digital revolution, co-op members urged
BAU: Cooperatives in Malaysia must take note of the recommendations from the International Summit of Cooperatives 2016, especially those on developing an innovative culture and taking advantage of the digital revolution.
Local cooperatives also need to make good use of the consumer data available, provide access to capital and give back to the community to ensure that they could maximise their contributions and be the best model for the socio- economic development of the community.
In this regard, Deputy Agriculture and Agro- based Industries Minister Datuk Anthony Nogeh encouraged members of cooperatives to gain knowledge in all fields and take part in programmes run by the Cooperative Commission of Malaysia ( SKM), Cooperative College of Malaysia ( MKM), Malaysian National Cooperative Movement (Angkasa) or other government agencies to empower their own management skills.
“I also urge you to create a network of cooperation with other cooperatives operating within and outside of the country to learn new skills or technology from them,” he said in his opening remarks at the ‘ MKM Training Promotion Programme’ in the civic centre here recently where MKM Sarawak Zone director Siti Maimunah Jerni was also present.
Nogeh also expressed his hope that the medium to large- sized cooperatives would lend assistance to their members in terms of fi nancial, technical, marketing, technological or other aspects.
“It is my hope for cooperatives in our country to be bold and ready to take risks towards involving themselves in high-impact fields and diversify what they do.”
Meanwhile Siti Maimunah, in her speech, said MKM selected this district as one of the hosting venues for this programme, targeting those interested in the cooperative movement but had yet to become members of any.
“We see the potential here. We also received information from the commission that Bau is poised to register a few more co- operatives soon.”
Siti Maimunah said in the past, the MKM would only organise programmes for existing members.
“We want the people here to develop themselves via involvement in cooperatives.”
MKM Sarawak aims to run 60 programmes this year, including various compulsory courses for board members and internal auditors. There would also be management and technical courses.
I also urge you to create a network of cooperation with other cooperatives operating within and outside of the country to learn new skills or technology from them. Datuk Anthony Nogeh, Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister