Launch of Hari Koperasi Negara 2015, Kuching Waterfront, Sarawak

For the first time in its history, this year’s Hari Koperasi Negara (National Co-operative Day) was launched outside of Peninsular Malaysia. Instead, the selected venue was Kuching Waterfront in Sarawak.

With the theme “Satu Untuk Semua, Semua Untuk Satu” (One For All, All For One), the launching and celebration attracted hundreds of locals to come out to check out the products and services offered by co-operatives throughout the country. The theme is in line with this year’s National Day theme of “Sehati Sejiwa” (One Heart One Soul) which emphasises on national unity.

Co-operative Day is celebrated to recognise the co-operative movement as an important economic contributor to the country. It is also a major platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to the public, as well as to educate potential entrepreneurs on the concept of co-operative.

The three-day co-operative fair at Kuching Waterfront from 14th – 16th August, 2015, which saw an estimated two hundred booths by co-operative operators from throughout the country converge, also allowed entrepreneurs the chance to network, exchange ideas and perhaps, even explore joint venture opportunities.

Co-operatives from neighbouring countries of Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia and Brunei also participated in the exposition.

Among the items on display and for sale were food & beverage products, arts & craft, health supplements, handicraft, and more. To attract the attention of an even larger group of visitors, a host of activities were lined up, including singing contests and lucky draws with a top prize of a brand new black Myvi car sponsored by the Co-operative of Bank Persekutuan Kuching branch.

Did you know that the first registered co-operative in Malaysia was in 1922? This co-operative is now known as Koperasi Telekom Malaysia Berhad. As a matter of fact, one of the earliest co-operatives established in Sarawak was Koperasi Koperkasa Sarawak Berhad in 1949.

Today, it boasts 23,000 employees under its payroll and an asset of RM238 million. Up until 31st May, 2015, 12,404 co-operatives have been registered in the country. In Sarawak, there are 917 co-operatives registered as on 31st December, 2014.

Check out my photos to see what transpired at the launch of the National Co-operative Day 2015.

Event: Launch of Hari Koperasi Negara 2015
Venue: Tebingan Sungai, Kuching, Sarawak
Date: 15th August, 2015
Time: 11am

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