Kathmandu, September 9. Nepal Federation of Savings and Credit Cooperative Unions Ltd (NEFSCUN), the singular peak body of financial cooperatives of Nepal, has congratulated the newly elected Board of the Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU).

The Chairperson of the apex federation Chandra Prasad Dhakal said, 'I, on behalf of the entire SACCOS community of Nepal, take this opportunity to congratulate the new ACCU Board under the leadership of Younsik Kim. I am more than confident that under his visionary leadership, the ACCU will thrive further and reach a new height.'

Dhakal further said that the vast experience that Kim  brings to the ACCU will come handy in fulfilling its broader goals of network integration, financial inclusion, digitalization, gender proportionality, easing out statutory and regulatory impediments in uplifiting the socio-economic conditions of the needy people of the Asia Pacific region through playing its visible role in meeting the global goals (SDG).

He also expressed strong belief that during his tenure as the President of the ACCU Board, NEFSCUN will get continuous guidance and stronger support in every possible way to take the SACCOS movement of Nepal and believes it also heralds a new era of much more cemented companionship and collaboration.

Citing instances of ACCU's persistent support and techincal backstoppings that has played crucial part in shaping up the Nepali SACCOS movement via qualtity assurance program like ACCESS, introducing PEARLS as a tool of financial and regulatory prudence and risk management through ration analysis, Business Development Services and professionalization of the SACCOS leadership and management through regular montoring, guidance and advices, NEFSCUN's chair from Bali told that ACCU has been a support system for NEFSCUN and the entire fraternity here.

Chair Dhakal also said that NEFSCUN is grateful to the ACCU member for chosing it as an alternate board member and hopes to work in good faith with all the members of the association with the help from ACCU in the days to come.

Chair Dhakal said that Nepal is also seeking continued but stronger support in its lobbying and advocacy endeavors for a Financial Coopeartive Act,  strengthening Stabilization Fund,  easing out the statutory hurdles of digitization drive, etc. He said, 'NEFSCUN is rest assured that a strong push from the ACCU will help achieve what the Nepali credit union community is longing for.

Likewise, on behalf of the management, NEFSCUN's Chief Executive Officer Dr. Shivajee Sapokta also took time to congratulate Kim and his team expressing his desire to work with him in the areas of mutual benefits. He commented that NEFSCUN takes extreme pride in its direct membership with the ACCU and remarked that it has opened multiple windows of partnership, collaboration, and mutual affinity. He said, 'Under Kim's leadership the ACCU will height in serving the underserved communities of the Asia Pacific region in a collaborative fashion.

The 43rd Annual General Meeting of the ACCU held in the Bali province of Indonesia on September 8, reelected Kim as its new Chair for the term 2024-2026. Likewise, it also elected 1st Vice President- Pol.Maj.Gen. Danukrit Kalampakorn, FSCT, Thailand, 2nd Vice President- Lee, Chun-Fen, CULROC, Taiwan, Treasurer- Dr. Wara Sabon Dominikus, M. Sc, CUCO, Indonesia and  Secretary- Atty. Soledad V. Cabangis, NATCCO, Philippines.

Kim, the Chair of the National Credit Union Federation of Korea (NACUFOK) and the Board member of the World Council of Credit Unions and International Raiffeisen Union (IRU), brings a vast experience of credit union leadership. He has led the NACUFOK in an examplary fashion that has undoubtedly become a mecca for credit union leaders, practitioners, learners and enthusiasts.Other elected leaders have also proven their craftmanship in their respective federations.