IKMa Trains Almost 1 Million Cooperative Leaders, Members Over 70 Years

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- The Cooperative Institute of Malaysia (IKMa) has trained 944,505 cooperative leaders, managers and members through 15,674 training and coaching programmes over the 70 years since its establishment in 1956.

IKMa director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Ali Mansor said the achievement reflects the institute's role in strengthening human capital development and professionalism within the national cooperative movement through knowledge-based training and research.

He said its recent recognition as a Cooperative Cultural Heritage (CCH) by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) has also strengthened IKMa's standing as an international cooperative reference institution.

"This recognition places IKMa on the world map and opens up greater avenues for strategic cooperation with foreign countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and Asia-Pacific island nations in cooperative education and training.

"At the same time, the board of directors and management are carrying out a restructuring exercise to ensure the institute stays on the right track while working towards becoming a self-reliant, leading higher education institution in the country," he said when speaking at IKMa's Platinum Jubilee celebration here tonight.

At the event, five cooperative awards were presented, with each recipient receiving RM5,000 in cash.

Koperasi Komuniti Kampung Kilim Langkawi Berhad received the Cooperative Inspiration Award, while Koperasi Anugerah Haji Badji Semporna Berhad won the Cooperative Digital Transformation Award.

The Cooperative Pulse Award went to Koperasi Komuniti Kepulauan Tuba dan Selat Berhad, the Icon Cooperative Award to Koperasi Pelaburan Pekerja-pekerja Kejora Kota Tinggi Berhad, and the Sustainability (ESG) Special Award to Koperasi Pelancongan Mukim Batu Puteh Kinabatangan Berhad.

Meanwhile, Mohamad said IKMa plays an important role in ensuring the country's cooperative ecosystem grows professionally and competitively as the third pillar of the national socio-economy.

He said the participation of delegates from nine countries in the International Cooperative Roundtable (ICR 2026) programme proves IKMa's capability as a regional reference in developing the cooperative movement.

"Ongoing cooperation with Indonesia to develop Koperasi Merah Putih, as well as with Mauritius, also reflects foreign interest in seeking Malaysia's guidance and expertise in cooperative development," he said.

According to IKMa, the institute trains nearly 25,000 participants annually through an average of 700 programmes, directly and indirectly benefiting 55,000 local communities a year.

-- BERNAMA