From September 10 to 13, 2026, a delegation from the Co-operative Bank of Vietnam (Co-opBank) attended the Asian Credit Union Forum 2026, the 45th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU), and held working sessions with the Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (ANGKASA) and Co-opBank Pertama Malaysia (CBP) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The delegation was led by Ms. Vu Thanh Hang, Member of the Board of Directors, and included Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Cuc, Deputy Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Do Gia Nhat, Member of the Supervisory Board; managers of several Head Office departments units; and 10 Co-opBank branches.
The Asian Credit Union Forum 2026 was jointly organized by ACCU and National Cooperative Union of Malaysia (ANGKASA), bringing together 571 delegates from 23 countries and territories. Under the theme “Overcoming Unspoken Realities: The Transformation and Resilience Era 2026”, the Forum provided an opportunity for co-operative financial institutions, credit unions, and international partners to exchange views on emerging trends, practical experiences, and adaptive solutions during the rapid transformation in the financial sector.
At this year’s Forum, official members of ACCU, including Co-opBank, jointly signed and adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, demonstrating the commitment of ACCU member organizations to promoting transformation, strengthening adaptability, and realizing the development orientations of the cooperative finance movement in the new period.
One of the highlights of the Forum was the launch of the ACCU Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, which aims to build a connected, sustainable, innovative, and member-centered credit union network. Delegates focused on discussing the urgent transformation requirements of the system, ranging from cultural and governance innovation, reconnecting with members, promoting technological innovation, strengthening network integration, and policy advocacy to developing financial inclusion and enhancing adaptability to environmental and social challenges.
At the thematic and plenary sessions, many important trends were discussed, including the application of artificial intelligence in governance and financial service delivery, empowering the younger generation, promoting green finance, and strengthening resilience to climate change. The discussions highlighted that the need for innovation goes beyond technology and is also closely linked to strengthening the cooperative identity, improving service quality, and creating practical value for members.
At this Forum, ACCU also honored and expressed its appreciation to member organizations and partners for their contributions to supporting recovery efforts following the natural disaster in Nepal in August 2026. Co-opBank was among the organizations that made a contribution, joining hands with the cooperative financial community in the region to support the people of Nepal in overcoming difficulties, restoring their livelihoods, and resuming production and business activities as soon as possible. This initiative reflects the spirit of mutual support, solidarity, and community responsibility among ACCU member organizations, while contributing to promoting the positive values of the cooperative finance movement across Asia.
As part of the Forum activities, the Co-opBank delegation held a working session and exchanged experiences with the National Cooperative Union of Malaysia (ANGKASA) to learn about its organizational model, role in connecting and supporting cooperatives, as well as its experience in promoting linkages, enhancing capacity, and developing the cooperative ecosystem in Malaysia. The delegation also visited and had a working session with Co-opbank Pertama Malaysia (CBP). At CBP, the delegation learned about its development process and history dating back to 1950, from its initial focus on meeting community credit needs to expanding its operations and diversifying financial products and services for individuals, cooperatives, and businesses, while exchanging and learning from experience in community cooperative lending.
Co-opBank delegation visits and works with the National Cooperative Union of Malaysia (ANGKASA) and Co-opbank Pertama Malaysia
On September 13, 2026, as an official member of ACCU, representatives of Co-opBank’s leadership attended the 45th ACCU Annual General Meeting. The Meeting adopted the reports of the Chief Executive Officer, as well as the ACCU Work Plan and Budget for 2026–2027.
The Meeting also conducted an election for the ACCU Board of Directors for the 2026 -2028 term, comprising five full members and two alternate members. As a result, Mr. Young-Chul Koh, Chairman of the National Credit Union Federation of Korea (NACUFOK), was elected President of ACCU for the 2026 – 2028 term; the First Vice President is Mr. Danukrit Kalampakorn, representing the Federation of Savings and Credit Cooperatives of Thailand (FSCT); the Second Vice President is Mr. Chandra Prasad Dhakal, representing the Nepal Federation of Savings and Credit Cooperative Unions Ltd. (NEFSCUN) ; Board Member responsible for Board Secretariat is Mr. Rey D. Labasano, representing the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO), Philippines; and Board Member responsible for Finance is Ms. Lee Chun Fong, representing the Credit Union League of the Republic of China (CULROC), Taiwan. The strengthening of the leadership structure is expected to provide a continued foundation for ACCU to implement its operational directions, strengthen connectivity, and promote cooperation among cooperative financial organizations in the region in the upcoming.
Co-opBank leaders attend the 45th ACCU’s AGM and congratulate Mr. Young-Chul Koh, President of ACCU for the 2026–2028 term
As part of the working program, on September 14, 2026, the delegation visited and held a working session with the Singapore National Co-operative Federation (SNCF). The program provided Co-opBank with an opportunity to expand its international network, strengthen the exchange of practical experiences, and gain additional perspectives to support the process of strengthening and developing the People’s Credit Funds (PCFs) network toward greater safety, modernization, and sustainability.
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