A sense of belonging

SINGAPORE GOVERNMENT STAFF CREDIT JUL/AUG 2017 MCI (P) 048/11/2016 CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LIMITED

WHAT’S ON WHAT'S ON WHAT'S ON 4 Charmed by Phnom Penh 6 Shaping the Future 8 Samba Masquerade - Gala Dinner 2017 FROM THE CHAIRMAN

CHAIRMAN John Raghavan, PBS, PB

VICE CHAIRMAN WHAT WILL THE FUTURE HOLD? Lim Huan Chiang, JP, BBM (L)

HON SECRETARY Tan Hung Cheng, PBS

ASST HON SECRETARY Recently, my Committee of Lim Hee Joo, PBS

HON TREASURER Management colleagues and I met S. Sundram, PBS

ASST HON TREASURER with three research consultants Abdul Alim Karim, PBS

COMMITTEE MEMBERS from the World Council of Credit Yusuf Bachik Noorul Hassan Tan Pin Cheow Unions. They were appointed by the S Mohan John Michael, PBS Ab Majid Sahid, PBS National Co-operative

GENERAL MANAGER Martin Nathan, PB, PBS, Pingat Kepujian Federation (SNCF) to conduct a study

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Lim Huan Chiang, JP, BBM (L) (Chairman) on credit co-operatives in Singapore Tan Pin Cheow S Mohan Ab Majid Sahid, PBS and provide ideas to help credit Martin Nathan, PB, PBS, Pingat Kepujian

SECRETARIAT co-operatives like us strengthen Prabha Chandran Seth, PBM

EDITORIAL & DESIGN competitiveness. The session was INKGOT! Pte Ltd also an opportunity for us, at SGS, to Sense is the bi-monthly publication of The Singapore Government Staff Credit Co- operative Society Limited. It is not for sale. reflect on our current situation and The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Society. No part of this publication is to be prepare for the future. reproduced, stored, transmitted, digitally or otherwise, without the prior consent of the publisher. The information contained herein is accurate at time of printing.

1 Sophia Road #05-21 Peace Centre AT PRESENT Singapore 228149 Tel: 69336775/69336776 (Loans), 69336779 (Membership), t heartens me to say that SGS today is in a good place. We are 69336778 (Savings), living up to our reputation as Singapore’s first credit co-operative 69336775 (Accounts), I 69336779 (Activities) by maintaining our leadership position. We are a Tier ‘A’ co-operative Fax: 63396772 IVRS 24/7 Hotline Tel No: 69336777 with a 7,000-strong membership base and a Sense of Belonging that Email: [email protected] Feedback: [email protected] holds us together. Financially, our fundamentals are strong as well. Website: www.sgs.coop We have both the means and the heart to help our members build a Operating Hours: 9.00am to 7.00pm (Mon-Fri), 9.00am to 1.30pm (Sat) financially sound future for themselves with flexible saving plans and prudent loan facilities. Our next move is to go from good to great.

MEMBERSHIP GROWTH IS A PRIORITY

We have spoken at length about growing our membership to future-

Printed by Xpress Print Pte Ltd proof our co-op. Most of you would be aware of our target — to grow our membership to 10,000. We introduced this target in 2015 WHAT WILL THE FUTURE HOLD?

GOOD GOVERNANCE IS are passionate, committed and A NECESSITY qualifi ed to represent you in our Committee of Management. While we are actively pursuing Our challenge is to attract membership growth, we must younger members to step up also strengthen ourselves and volunteer their time, so that, internally to ensure that we as veterans, we can help groom are well equipped to serve a them to take over the reins when larger membership base. As you the time comes. This is also part know, we underwent a special of the reason why growing our audit conducted by KPMG and membership to include young commissioned by SNCF last public service offi cers is so year. We passed with fl ying important for our co-op’s future. colours, which speaks volumes of our internal processes and By working together, I’m governance practices. Along confi dent that we can overcome and since then, membership the way, KPMG identifi ed some the challenges in our way, achieve has been growing steadily at process missteps, which we our aspirations and help our co-op about 700 new members a year. have since rectifi ed and emerged grow from strength to strength. However, with an annual attrition stronger than ever before. rate of 500 members (due to retirement or other reasons for Moving forward, we will exiting the public service sector), endeavour to maintain the we have yet to achieve our goal. highest levels of integrity in all that we do. We also have plans On our part, we are working to deploy more technology, hard to reach out and engage where appropriate, to improve the public service sector through convenience to our members John Raghavan PB, PBS roadshows and other initiatives. while balancing risk management Chairman Building a larger family of and good governance practices. members will benefi t not just the However, we aim to do so co-op as an organisation, but all without losing the personal touch our members collectively too. It that is at the heart of the sense The management would give us the economies of of belonging that you feel for your and members of SGS scale to develop better activities co-op. wish Singapore and facilities for you to enjoy. a happy So, please do your part too! In SUCCESSION addition to receiving a $20 reward 52nd birthday! for each new member you refer, PLANNING IS KEY you can also help by volunteering It is also important that there as a Recruitment Champion or is continuity in our co-op’s facilitating roadshows at your leadership. Succession planning offi ce. If you are interested in is critical in ensuring that there Photo: 123RF making a difference, do contact is a pipeline of members who the co-op offi ce.

JULY / AUGUST 2017 3 WHAT’S ON

CHARMED BY hnom P enh group of 32 SGS members Phnom Penh, the capital of Aarrived in the bustling city Cambodia,P sits on the banks of Phnom Penh on 21 July 2017 of the mighty Mekong River, for a four-day tour organised by which also fl ows through the Co-op. It turned out to be a many neighbouring countries. delightful experience fi lled with Members enjoyed dinner at a rich history and culture, delicious riverside restaurant, complete local food and plenty of shopping with local cuisine and traditional opportunities! dance performances, as well as a leisurely cruise down the scenic river.

4 Sense “This was my fi rst trip with the Co-op. It was very enjoyable and a great opportunity to befriend fellow members. My husband and I are already looking forward to the next tour!” - Ms J Jayanthi

Shopping was also on the itinerary, as Phnom Penh is known for its local markets and modern shopping malls. Aside from discovering interesting local “Seeing the Killing Fields of products, members like Ms Lily Choeung Ek, where thousands Yeo also appreciated how it gave of innocent men, women and them the opportunity to interact children were massacred, was with the locals. an eye-opener. Learning about the horrors of the Pol Pot “I found the people of Phnom regime made me realise how Penh to be very warm, friendly fortunate we are in Singapore,” and hospitable,” she said. “My said Mr Nasir bin K Maideen, husband and I had a great holiday the youngest male member of in Phnom Penh, thanks to the the group. Co-op.” His sentiments were echoed But for many members, the by many other members, real highlight of the tour was who agreed that the tour was visiting historical sights like the not only enjoyable but deeply Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and memorable. Pol Pot’s Tuol Sieng Genocide Museum. A qualifi ed guide was If you’re keen on joining the next members’ tour, stay tuned to Sense on-hand to share snippets of magazine or check www.sgs.coop the country’s history to help the for updates! members better appreciate the sights.

JULY / AUGUST 2017 5 WHAT’S ON

SHAPING THE FUTURE

ith an eye on the future, the Singapore National Co-operative Federation (SNCF) Wis facilitating a research study on credit co-operatives in Singapore. SGS, being the country’s fi rst credit co-operative, was invited to participate.

On 7 July 2017, SGS Chairman Mr John Raghavan, Honorary Secretary Mr Tan Hung Cheng and Honorary Treasurer Mr S Sundram met with three appointed consultants from the World Council of Credit Unions. The dialogue was facilitated by SNCF Chief Executive Offi cer Ms Dolly Goh and Senior “In the past, there was a stigma Manager (Relationship & Special Projects, Credit & around borrowing money from Training) Mr Foo Chuan Yang. credit co-operatives. I think we have managed to overcome that by The session was an open and honest dialogue about nurturing a ‘Sense of Belonging’ in the realities of credit co-operatives in Singapore, our members. This is the direction we will continue to take — to with SGS sharing its experience, aspirations and position the SGS membership challenges with the consultants. Key issues like as a preferred lifestyle choice succession planning, membership growth, fi nancial among public service offi cers in stability, compliance and governance were discussed Singapore.” in the context of Singapore’s regulatory environment. In turn, the consultants, who hail from North America, - Mr John Raghavan SGS Chairman shared case studies from credit co-operatives around the world.

The insights that SGS shared will contribute to SNCF’s ongoing efforts to enhance governance, mitigate risks, strengthen the safety and soundness and improve competitiveness of credit co-operatives in Singapore.

6 Sense 6 Strengthening Management To Better Serve Members

LEARNING OBJECTIVES • Strengthen bonds and teamwork • Improve workplace communication he Co-op’s staff and The team also benefi ted greatly • Adopt established strategy frameworks Committee of Management from Mr Muthusamy’s best • Learn from best practices Tgathered for a one-day practice sharing, gleaned from his leadership workshop in July 2017. extensive experience working with The session was led by an expert renowned companies like OCBC Invigorated by a full day of learning speaker, Mr Ramesh Muthusamy, and Toyota. In addition, the session and inspired by new insights, Organisational Development helped the staff and Committee of both staff and the Committee of Expert & Chief Facilitator of Alvigor, Management build stronger bonds, Management are ready to apply this who shared useful frameworks which is expected to facilitate better knowledge to better serve members. such as Strategy Planning and communication at work. Alignment with the team. This sparked a brainstorming session on the current state of the Co- op’s strategy, management and operations, and how it could be improved to better serve members. The tips shared also allowed the team to bring the concepts back to work and apply them in a simple and systematic manner.

JULY / AUGUST 2017 7 LET’S SAMBA! 92nd ANNIVERSARY GALA DINNER 2017

Saturday, 25 November 2017 6.30pm – 11.30pm The Grand Ballroom, Mandarin Orchard Singapore

Come masked and dressed in theme to win a prize! Masks will also be provided. Selling $50 per ticket Open for Booking from 1 June 2017! Fast ! Tickets are only confirmed upon receipt of payment Act fast to avoid disappointment! Call Dennis at 6933 6779 or email [email protected]

TRY YOUR HAND AT RECRUITING! Introduce your colleagues to an SGS membership by sharing these benefi ts with them! Every member you refer earns you $20, credited to your Specifi c Deposit Account. ENJOY RETURNS ON SAVINGS Fixed Deposit Account Subscription Account Specifi c Deposit Account ENJOY LOAN FACILITIES Unsecured Loan Surety Loan Subscription Loan ENJOY OTHER PRIVILEGES Hospitalisation Benefi t Loyalty Benefi t Extended Membership $30 a day, capped at 15 calendar Members with at least 15 years of membership Members who resign or retire from days a year. with the Co-op receive $200 upon cessation of their current employer can continue membership. their membership if they have been a Insurance Coverage member of the Co-op for at least 10 Free insurance coverage for Bursary Awards for Members’ Children years prior. members on accidental death or Bursaries of $100 to $1,000 are awarded to permanent disability. members’ school-going children. Subject to Family Membership application and assessment. Members may enrol their family as Death Benefi t Co-op members to enjoy privileges. $300 upon death of member after at least 15 years of membership. $200 upon death of spouse. Highly subsidised overseas tours and annual Gala Dinner with lucky draw prizes. Information is correct at time of print and may be subject to changes. For details and updated information, please visit www.sgs.coop. SPOTLIGHT

from NEWSNEWS Around

Saturday, 25 November 2017 Singapore 6.30pm – 11.30pm Singapore The Grand Ballroom, Mandarin Orchard Singapore GET YOUR GST households deal with rising TRANSFER expenses. who CASH VOUCHER! qualify will receive an amount MONEY TO A he annual GST Cash of $150 to $300, depending on MOBILE NUMBER! Voucher could be coming the annual value of their home rom 10 July 2017, you can your way this August. Like T as at 31 December 2016. All make bank transfers to in previous years, the payout is recipients can also look forward Fsomeone else without designed to help lower-income to an additional one-off special having to memorise their long payment of $200 in November bank account this year. numbers! PayNow is a To check your eligibility, log in to new digital fund My 2017 GST Voucher portal via transfer system www.GSTVoucher.gov.sg. that seven banks — Citibank

Source: Ministry of Finance Singapore, DBS Bank/POSB, HSBC, Maybank, OCBC Bank, Standard Chartered HAVE A Admission to the Esplanade’s Bank and United Overseas Bank Beautiful Sunday concert series — are participating in. BEAUTIFUL is free and on a fi rst-come, fi rst- All it takes is a one-time SUNDAY WITH served basis, please come early registration of your mobile phone MUSIC! to avoid disappointment. number or NRIC/FIN to your bank nce a month, on a account and you’re set to transfer Sunday, the Esplanade Visit www.esplanade.com. and receive funds with ease. hosts a free concert by O The service is instant, available homegrown music groups, held 24/7 and works with the seven in its majestic Concert Hall! The banks' Internet banking platform upcoming 10 September edition as well as mobile banking app. by SparksWinds and conductor For more information, contact any Chan Peck Suan will feature well- participating bank. loved Japanese compositions. Source: Association of Banks Singapore

JULY / AUGUST 2017 9 SPOTLIGHT

CHEER FOR TEAM SINGAPORE! STAY ALERT

he 2017 SEA Games takes AGAINST place from 19 to 31 August THREATS! in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. T ore than half a Team Singapore will be fielding million people have her largest away contingent with already downloaded 569 athletes competing in 35 M the SGSecure mobile app sports. in their smartphones. Have you? The mobile app is part of If you’re keen on watching our the government’s SGSecure athletes live in action, ActiveSG initiative to rally Singaporeans has put together Experience to ‘Stay Alert. Stay United. Stay Tours to take Visit http://www.myactivesg. Strong.’ in the face of mounting you to the com/exptour for tour threats. It is free to download competition information. and will benefit you in many venues! ways:

Source: Singapore National Olympic Council • Receive important alerts if a major emergency arises • Be able to report terror CALCULATE YOUR attacks HEALTHCARE • Make 999 calls or alert the COSTS! police via SMS • Learn how to respond in an here are many government emergency and private schemes to Thelp you offset the rising • View key information about Visit the iTunes or Google admission Play store to download the cost of healthcare in Singapore. app today! To learn more, visit If ever you or your loved ones • See the estimated bill and the breakdown of MediShield www.sgsecure.sg. require a hospital stay, treatment Life, Integrated Shield Plan or procedures, there’s a helpful and Medisave Source: Channel NewsAsia portal to help you calculate • Compare costs for different how much it’ll cost, how much ward types financial assistance you can get • Pay your initial deposit online and how much you need to fork out. Log on to the Admissions Check it out at https:// Buddy portal by SingHealth to: admissionsbuddy.. com.sg!

Source: SingHealth

10 Sense TAKE A PUBLIC entry charges apply. Before this, Sentosa was only accessible via BUS INTO the Sentosa Express monorail, SENTOSA! cable car, taxis, cars, coaches or or the fi rst time, a public by foot. bus service will serve FREE PAP SMEARS FSentosa, connecting the The new route for bus service FOR WOMEN! island to central Singapore. From 123 means that it will no rom now until 31 August, 30 July 2017, SBS Transit’s bus longer go to HarbourFront Bus women aged 25 to 69 service 123 has been rerouted Interchange and three other bus Fcan get a free pap smear to enter Sentosa with three bus stops along Telok Blangah Road to protect themselves against stops at Resorts World Sentosa, — Vivocity, opposite Vivocity cervical cancer. This is part of and HarbourFront Station Exit A. the Women’s Gynaecological Plaza This change does not affect bus Cancers Campaign 2017, where and service 123M. the Singapore Cancer Society opposite has partnered over 160 General Merlion For detailed route information, Practitioners across the island to Plaza. visit www.sbstransit.com.sg. provide the service at no cost. For details and the full list of Passengers entering Sentosa via Source: Land Transport Authority Singapore, participating clinics, please visit this bus service will pay only a SBS Transit, Sentosa www.singaporecancersociety. bus fare — no additional island org.sg.

If you want to eat healthily but fi nd those organic superfoods and salad lunches too expensive for your taste, here are three ways to eat right on a budget!

1 Limit the number of times you lunch out. Even if you choose a Be Money healthy meal, the convenience of eating out will cost you. Instead… Smart! 2 Cook healthy meals in bulk over the weekend. Split them into single portions and freeze! Then pop it into the microwave at work and enjoy! 3 Read labels when you go grocery shopping. Choose products that sport the Healthier Choice Symbol as these are better for your diet. Tips from SGSCC To understand how SGSCC can support your fi nancial stability and security, please contact us at 69336778 (Savings) or 69336775/69336776 (Loans) or email [email protected].

Photo: 123RF

JULY / AUGUST 2017 11 Time! A foldable table-and-chair set worth $50 awaits 10 lucky winners!

1. Name any two attractions that members visited as part of the SGS members’ tour to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

2. On which date was SGS invited to share its insights as part of a research study on credit co-operatives facilitated by the Singapore National Co-operative Federation?

3. State one key issue that SGS discussed with the research consultants.

4. Name the venue of the SGS 92nd Anniversary Gala Dinner – Samba Masquerade.

5. When you refer a new member to join SGS, what benefi t will you receive?

Name: NRIC: Congratulations Contact No.: (M) May/June Quiz Winners!

(H) Azmee Murat Bin Ahmad Zahit SXXXX949Z Benjamin Chin Seo Kiat SXXXX097E (O) Chin Seo Wei Christopher SXXXX398C Gan Mei Fan SXXXX029D Address: Manjit Singh Bobby SXXXX634I Nur Hafi zah Binte Abdul Razak SXXXX319A Ong Mei San Regina SXXXX581G Tan Sze Wei SXXXX651F Thiruchelvi d/o Palaniappan Kaliappan SXXXX996G Email Address: Zaiton Binte Basar SXXXX196D

Please collect your prize Submit your answers by by 15 September 2017 . 8 September 2017: · Fax to 6339 6772 · Email to [email protected] or · Post to 1 Sophia Road #05-21, Singapore 228149 Multiple entries will not be accepted. Winners will be announced in the next issue.

1 Sophia Road #05-21 Peace Centre Singapore 228149 Tel: 6933 6779 (Membership) Fax: 6339 6772 Email: [email protected] Web: www.sgs.coop