From 8 to 15 November 2025, the 40th Development Education (DE) Ruby Batch took place in Bangkok, Thailand, marking a significant milestone in ACCU’s long-standing commitment to developing cooperative leadership across Asia and Oceania.
The programme brought together 39 delegates from Australia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Singapore. With this cohort, the DE community now includes 1,380 certified Development Educators from across the region, reflecting the programme’s growing reach and impact.
Over five intensive days, participants engaged in experiential learning, guided dialogue, and personal reflection, addressing key challenges and opportunities facing credit unions today. Core themes included Raiffeisen principles and values, resilient and sustainable leadership, inclusive financial services, high-road leadership, purpose-driven action, the Sustainable Development Goals, and climate action.
Launched in 1999, the Asian Development Education Program has evolved into one of ACCU’s most impactful leadership initiatives, fostering a strong, values-based network of cooperative professionals. The DE Program empowers leaders to live the credit union difference and awards graduates the internationally recognised Development Educator Silver Badge, as part of a global programme active across multiple regions.
Participants highlighted the transformative nature of the experience, describing it as both a professional and personal journey that deepened their commitment to cooperative values and community impact.
Below are some of our participants’ reflections:
“The 40th DE Workshop was not just a training program—it was a life‑shaping journey that reawakened my purpose as a cooperative person. The immersive sessions, powerful reflections, and shared stories inspired me to think bigger, serve deeper, and act with greater responsibility toward my member credit unions and community.”
Dip Julian Biswas, Assistant Manager, CCULB, Bangladesh
“The DE Program is not only a program to educate but a way for us to internalize our values. Much of the topic reminded us to always develop the Credit Union in its true pathway—‘just tell what you do, and do what you talk.’”
Fransiskus Juniarto Nahak, General Manager, Puskopdit Bekatigade Timor, Indonesia
“The ACCU Development Educators program has been a heartfelt and transformative journey. It deepened my purpose, renewed my commitment to cooperative values, and connected me with inspiring individuals across the region. It reminded me that leadership is service, and that our mission must be lived, not only taught.”
Clint Russel Tangeres, Board Member, BJMP Multipurpose Cooperative, Philippines
