Ever wondered what role NTUC co-operatives, also known as social enterprises, have played in meeting the social needs of Singaporeans over the last 50 years?

Come on down to the pop-art exhibition at Ang Mo Kio Hub to find out about their journey since the landmark NTUC Modernization Seminar in 1969.

Themed “Stretch Your Dollar” the exhibition is by Singapore National Co-operative Foundation (SNCF) and NTUC Enterprise. It is the third in a series of four art-themed pop-ups titled “Coming Together as One Through Art” by SNCF.

The exhibition was officially launched by NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng on 12 July 2019.

The four art-themed pop-ups aim to raise awareness about co-operatives and their contributions to Singapore’s nation-building efforts since 1925.

According to SNCF CEO Dolly Goh, co-operatives embody values of self-help, mutual help and co-operation.

“Through these special series, we hope to reach out to more Singapore residents, in particular youths, to raise awareness about an important piece of Singapore’s past that they may not be familiar with and inspire people to think creatively of new ways to solve pressing issues and to help themselves through ground-up solutions that can make a real impact on people’s lives,” she said.

NTUC Social Enterprises’ Role in Society

Mr Ng elaborated on the role of NTUC co-operatives in society, explaining that they were born out of a need to provide affordable essential goods and services to workers.

“The Labour Movement had recognised this need to plug gaps in the market to serve the masses, back in 1969 during the historic NTUC Modernization Seminar. Over the years, our NTUC co-operatives and social enterprises have evolved to meet changing needs but will always remain committed to alleviating the cost of living concerns by improving accessibility to affordable goods and services. Looking ahead, we will continue to improve and build on these fundamentals of helping workers and their families stretch their hard-earned dollar,” shared Mr Ng.

The “Stretch Your Dollar” pop-art event is open to members of the public from 13 July 2019 to 4 August 2019, from 3pm to 10pm.

The fourth and final art event will be held in September this year. To close the series, a three-day carnival will be held from 18 to 20 October 2019. The carnival will be graced by Singapore President Halimah Yacob.