International Activities
ICEI Webinar on Digital Co-operative Platforms by and for Youth in Asia and Pacific
On June 25, 2024, the ICA-AP Committee on Co-operatives in Educational Institutions (ICEI) held a webinar titled “Digital Co-operatives Platforms by and for Youth in Asia and Pacific.” The webinar aimed at discussing the role of digital co-operative platforms in promoting sustainable economic growth and social inclusion among campus co-operatives and youth in Asia and the Pacific, showcasing successful examples of youth-led digital co-operatives in the region, and identifying areas and strategies for establishing and fostering these co-operatives within college and university campuses. Approximately 90 participants, mostly youth, attended the webinar.
Dr. Mohd. Azlan Yahya, Chairperson of ICEI and Vice President of ANGKASA, Malaysia, opened the webinar. He highlighted the significance of co-operatives in educational institutions and the role of digital platforms in addressing modern challenges faced by youth. The opening remarks from Dr. Mohd. Azlan Yahya was followed by an introduction of key speakers from Japan, Malaysia, and India by Mr. Ganesh Gopal, Secretary of ICEI and Lead for Entrepreneurship Development at ICA-AP, who also emphasized the importance of youth-driven digital co-operative platforms.
The first presenter was Mr. Ichiro Nakamori, Managing Director & CEO of the National Federation of University Co-operative Associations (NFUCA), Japan. Mr. Nakamori provided an in-depth look at the University Co-op App, a smartphone application designed to benefit both members and their parents. This app includes a range of features such as eMember Card, eMoney, meal plan management, purchase history tracking, eMoney transfers from parents, and tools for seamless communication between the Co-op and its members.
Mr. Zaiwin Kassim, Chairman of Koperasi Pro Belia Inovatif Sarawak (KOBIS) in Malaysia, presented the Co-operative Digitalization Action Plan (DigiKOP) 2030. This initiative, which commenced in 2023, seeks to advance youth enterprises through technology and aims to revolutionize the co-operative movement by enhancing the digitalization of products and services in Malaysia.
Following this, Mr. Moosa Mehar MP, CEO of India's Tinkerhub Foundation, shared the journey of Tinkerhub, which began with small learning groups assisting each other in mastering new technologies. This grassroots movement has evolved into TinkerSpace, established in 2014 as a hub for developing technology skills. Mr. Mehar also gave a virtual tour of his office, highlighting its vibrant and collaborative atmosphere.
The presentations were followed by an engaging Q&A session. Key discussions included leveraging the digital ecosystem to strengthen the co-operative ecosystem, particularly in delivering essential services like education, employment opportunities, and business development networks for youth. Another topic was the impact of the University Co-op App on student engagement, its scalability, and its potential implementation in other educational contexts across Asia and the Pacific. Participants and speakers also delved into future trends in the digital co-operative space and how young co-operative leaders should prepare for advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence.
In conclusion, the webinar explored how digital technologies can empower young people and enhance co-operative initiatives. It highlighted the importance of nurturing youth-driven innovation and collaboration across borders, which are essential for shaping the future of co-operatives across the region.
