The Singapore National Co-operative Federation (SNCF) is inviting co-operators to participate in the Co-op Hotshot competition.
Now in its seventh year, the photography competition was created to highlight the contribution of co-operatives to building a better world. This year’s theme is “a better society”, to support he UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Photos need to show how they relate to a better society, make reference to at least one of the 17 SDGs and include a caption of no more than 30 words.
Those residing outside Singapore can enter the international category while Singapore residents can participate in the local open category.
Prizes range from S $1,000 for first prize in the local open category to $250 for third place. The top three in the international category receive prizes worth $500, $300 and $150.
The judging panel consists of SNCF CEO Dolly Goh, documentary photographer Edwin Koo, and InstaSG founder and creative director Santo Thie.
Entrants have until 31 March to send their photo.
Co-operatives have a long history in Singapore. The first co-operative societies were set up in the 1920s to provide affordable loans and savings to workers. Nowadays Singapore co-operatives operate across different sectors, from retail to childcare, education and training or financial services. Over 84 co-operatives serve 1.47 million members, a third of the country’s population. Around 80% of these are affiliated to SNCF.
The federation has also produced a report in which it explains how co-ops in Singapore are helping to meeting the SDGs. Their contribution ranges from employing more than 18,000 people in Singapore to intervening to moderate vegetable prices and ensure adequate supplies, or providing health services meet the growing needs of families and their dependents.
