ACCU 39th DE Course

The Australian Mutuals Foundation (AMF) is proud to continue its partnership with the Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU) as a key supporter of cooperative education across the Asia-Pacific region. Since its establishment in 1971, ACCU has worked closely with national credit union federations to strengthen credit unions, foster inclusive financial services, and improve financial literacy throughout Southeast Asia.

Recently, the ACCU conducted its 39th Development Education (DE) Course in Bangkok, Thailand. This impactful program brought together participants from a wide range of backgrounds, offering them a unique opportunity to enhance their leadership capabilities and deepen their understanding of the credit union movement on a global scale. The Australian Mutuals Foundation proudly sponsored participants from Horizon Bank, Unity Bank, Teachers Mutual Bank, and the PNG Power Staff Savings & Loan Society, giving them the chance to engage directly with professionals from across the region.

About the DE Course

The Development Education course is designed as a transformative experience that combines personal development with community-oriented learning. Participants are guided through intensive workshops focused on leadership, communication, and advocacy competencies essential for today’s cooperative leaders.

Rooted in the values of the credit union movement, the course empowers attendees to be proactive change-makers within their own organisations and communities.

The curriculum encourages participants to address key issues such as financial inclusion and literacy through practical, values-driven approaches. Collaboration and the exchange of ideas are central to the course, ensuring that every attendee gains not only new skills, but also fresh perspectives inspired by their peers from across the Asia-Pacific region.

International networking is another cornerstone of the DE course. Participants build strong connections with fellow credit union professionals, exchanging success stories, strategies, and challenges. These relationships often extend beyond the duration of the course, supporting a spirit of international cooperation and mutual support across the cooperative finance sector.

The continued partnership between ACCU and the Australian Mutuals Foundation reflects a shared commitment to nurturing leadership and fostering resilience within the credit union community. Programs like the Development Education course are vital in equipping professionals with the tools to lead ethically, innovate responsibly, and serve their members more effectively.

Participants reflect on their journey

As we celebrate the achievements of the 39th DE Course, we’re reminded that the future of cooperative finance is driven by passionate, skilled individuals prepared to lead with purpose. Below, read the reflections from this year’s AMF participants as they share how the course shaped their outlook and professional growth.

Ashleigh Bacich - Unity Bank

"Reflecting on my experience at the 39th Development Education Course in Bangkok, I can honestly say it was a transformative journey. The program pushed me out of my comfort zone and expanded my understanding of how credit unions operate beyond Australia. I’ve returned feeling more confident, better informed, and inspired to grow as a leader within my organisation."

Tina Deacon - Horizon Bank

"First and foremost, I’d like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to attend and be part of this incredible workshop. It was truly a life-changing experience.

Not only did I gain valuable workplace skills, but I was also immersed in a cultural experience that opened my eyes to a different way of life. We often hear the phrase 'Australia is the lucky country'—and after learning about the daily challenges faced by Asian credit unions, that phrase now carries a much deeper meaning for me.

Unlike Australia, where credit unions and banks are regulated financial institutions, many credit unions across Asia operate without that framework, which brings a host of complex challenges. Despite this, their dedication to improving financial inclusion and wellness within their communities is truly inspiring. It reinforced just how important it is that Australia continues to support the work of ACCU.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants—from Member Service Officers and Branch Managers to Directors and even two priests who run their own community cooperatives. This variety led to some powerful and thought-provoking conversations.

With only three Australians in a group of 54 participants, the language barrier was real at times. But through shared stories, mutual respect, and a willingness to learn from one another, we built strong connections. I can genuinely say I’ve made friends for life.

The daily schedule was intense—though I quickly learned that when the agenda says 8:00am, it really means 7:45am! But I looked forward to each day, knowing I was walking into a room filled with positivity and energy.

I hope to remain actively involved in this network, as I truly believe in the work ACCU is doing across the region."

Eliakim Tobolton - PNG Power Staff Savings & Loan Society

"The 39th ACCU Development Education (ACDE) Program was an enriching, once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget. It was informative, enlightening, and made a profound impact on my personal and professional development.

The course pushed me to reflect on who I am, where I want to be, and what I need to do to grow into a strong Development Educator within my credit union. It allowed me to step back and examine how I can more meaningfully contribute to my credit union, my industry, and my community. I hope to inspire and support both current and future credit union members and officials.

This workshop has truly been one of the most valuable learning experiences of my career, offering:

• Essential knowledge and tools to become a Development Educator capable of inspiring action and delivering meaningful change.

  
  

• A rare opportunity to connect with credit union professionals from across the region, exchanging knowledge, ideas, and experiences that will be invaluable to my work moving forward.

  
  

• Exposure to regional and global credit union trends and delivery models that can be adapted within my own organisation or the broader cooperative sector.

  
  

• A renewed focus on credit union values and cooperative identity, with reflection on where we are now and where we can improve.

  
  

• A deeper understanding of the seven cooperative principles of the International Cooperative Alliance.

With the knowledge and insights I gained, my key takeaway is a clearer understanding of how I can be a better version of myself and how I can contribute more meaningfully to my credit union and community. I also proudly attained a Development Educator (DE) Certificate and Silver Badge under the Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU). This qualification empowers me to promote financial education, inclusion, and cooperative values by delivering training and support to credit union members, officials, and the wider community.

The 39th ACCU Development Education Program has been the most impactful personal development experience of my life. Its format was dynamic, engaging, and unlike any traditional training I’ve undertaken. I was excited to attend every session and embraced every challenge.

I am deeply grateful to Fesalos for nominating me, to AMF for sponsoring me, and to PPSSLS for supporting me throughout this journey. As a newly qualified Development Educator, I understand that it’s now my responsibility to apply what I’ve learned within my credit union, my industry, and my community and to continue carrying the cooperative message forward."