Roles and Missions of Co-operatives to Meet Evolving Needs of Singapore’s Society and Economy

29 Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) what are the roles of co-operatives (co-ops) in Singapore's society and economy; (b) whether Singapore needs new co-ops to meet the evolving social-economic landscape; and (c) whether the roles and social missions of co-ops can be strengthened as a stronger social compact is built under the Forward Singapore vision.

Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: We thank Mr Liang for his queries on the roles of co-operative societies in Singapore and how they can play a part to strengthen Singapore’s social compact. Mr Liang’s queries are addressed by Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, in his second reading and closing speeches for the Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill on 2 April and 3 April 2024 respectively. [Please refer to "Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill", Official Report, 2 April 2024, Vol 95, Issue 133, Second Reading Bills section; and "Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill", Official Report, 3 April 2024, Vol 95, Issue 134, Second Reading Bills section.]