ACCU's Transformative Development Education Course
- Editor
- 20 hours ago
- 6 min read
The Australian Mutuals Foundation is proud to be the Australian credit union development partner of the Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU). Founded in 1971, the ACCU works hand-in-hand with national credit union associations to stimulate growth and offer opportunities for development in the sector, ultimately fostering stronger communities and improving financial literacy across Southeast Asia.
Recently, the ACCU hosted its 38th Development Education (DE) course in Bangkok, Thailand. This educational workshop attracted participants from diverse backgrounds, giving them the opportunity to boost their leadership skills and gain insights into the global impact of the credit union movement. The Australian Mutuals Foundation sponsored three participants from Australian Mutual Bank, Unity Bank, and the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA). For these individuals, it was an invaluable chance to broaden their understanding of global credit union systems and connect with peers from countries all over Australasia.
About the DE course
The DE course provides participants with an immersive experience centred on personal growth and community engagement. The primary goal is to equip individuals with practical skills in leadership, communication, and presentation. Stressing the core values of credit unions, the course empowers participants to drive positive change. Through hands-on workshops and collaborative activities, participants learn strategies to effectively address issues like increasing financial literacy. Every attendee at the course experiences something unique and participants often leave with insights that inspire them to take action in their own communities. The exchange of diverse perspectives generates meaningful dialogues, enriching their overall experience.
Networking with peers from different countries helps foster a sense of community and solidarity among credit union professionals. These new relationships allow for the sharing of resources, successful strategies, and solutions to common challenges faced by different credit unions. This exchange of ideas enriches the credit union movement and emphasises the importance of teamwork in achieving collective goals.
ACCU and the Australian Mutuals Foundation remain committed to ongoing education and collaboration within the credit union sector. Programs like the DE course are just one part of a broader mission to empower organisations and individuals to better serve their communities, with participants leaving the course inspired and equipped with skills that they can implement within their own communities.
The attendees share their experiences
As we celebrate the successes of the 38th DE course, the future of cooperative finance appears bright, with dedicated individuals ready to tackle tomorrow's challenges. Read the summaries of their own experiences below:
Peter Nguyen - Australian Mutual Bank
Attending the ACCU Development Education (DE) Course was eye-opening and nothing short of transformative. Over six immersive days, I had the opportunity to dive deep into the core philosophy of credit unions, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and connect with passionate professionals from diverse regions. It was an experience that not only broadened my understanding but also reaffirmed my commitment to the Mutual Sector.
The course was well structured—each session built upon the last, ensuring that we weren’t just absorbing knowledge but actively applying it in real time. The incredible mentors—Ranjith Hettiarachchi, Dindo Meroy, Elenita San Roque, Gaylene Quitadamo, Kamon Kiattisirikumpon, and Paul Dawson—played a pivotal role in this journey. They weren’t just instructors; they were catalysts for growth. They challenged us to think critically, step out of our comfort zones, and put our learning to the test through presentations, discussions, and real-world case studies and statistics. This continuous cycle of learning and application kept me engaged and motivated throughout the experience.
But this course wasn’t just about professional development—it was deeply personal. It encouraged self-reflection, a renewed sense of purpose, and the ability to place trust in others. It reinforced the profound impact that the credit union movement has on individuals and communities, reminding me that true leadership isn’t just about skills or expertise—it’s about knowing who you are, what you stand for, and how you choose to make a difference.
One of my biggest takeaways was a renewed appreciation for why I love working in the Mutual Sector. Creating meaningful change isn’t always easy, but this course reinforced that with perseverance and collaboration, we can overcome challenges as long as we stay committed. It also taught me the importance of staying true to myself, trusting the process, and believing in the people around me.
For anyone considering the DE Course, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s an opportunity to grow both professionally and personally while contributing to something much larger than yourself. If you’re ready to be challenged, inspired, and empowered, this course is for you.
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