In conjunction with the International Conference on Plantation Technology 2025 (ICPTech2025), a high-level forum titled “Achieving the Ideal Balance Between Growth and Sustainability in the Plantation Industry” convened leading voices from government, industry, and sustainability organizations to chart a more resilient and inclusive future for Malaysia’s plantation sector.

Held at Dusit Princess, Melaka, the forum was expertly moderated by Prof. Ts. Dr. Siti Khairunniza Bejo, Director of the Institute of Plantation Studies. The panel featured three distinguished experts whose insights spanned across rubber, cocoa, and palm oil industries:

• Dato’ Seri Dr. Abdul Aziz Sheikh Ab. Kadir, Secretary-General, International Rubber Research Development Board (IRRDB)
• Datuk Dr. Ramle Kasin, Director General, Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB)
• Cheryl Ong, Senior Manager, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)

Defining the “Ideal Balance”

The session opened with a reflective dialogue on what constitutes an ideal equilibrium between economic growth and environmental stewardship. Dato’ Seri Dr. Abdul Aziz emphasized the critical need to empower smallholders to meet international sustainability standards, noting that inclusive development is key to long-term sectoral resilience.

Dr. Cheryl Ong highlighted Malaysia’s advancements in sustainable palm oil practices, particularly among small-scale producers who are increasingly adopting RSPO certification and sustainable land management techniques. Meanwhile, Datuk Dr. Ramle Kasin addressed policy-level strategies to enhance cocoa sustainability, advocating for integrated land-use planning and stronger inter-agency collaboration.

Sector-Specific Challenges and Innovations

In the second round of discussion, panelists delved deeper into the unique challenges facing each commodity sector. Dr. Ong elaborated on RSPO’s evolving role in supporting smallholders through tailored programs and capacity-building initiatives. Dato’ Seri Dr. Abdul Aziz proposed mechanisms to mitigate price volatility in global rubber markets, stressing the importance of economic stability for smallholder livelihoods.

Datuk Dr. Ramle Kasin raised a poignant issue: the generational gap in cocoa farming, which threatens the continuity of knowledge and labor in the industry. He called for targeted youth engagement strategies and incentives to rejuvenate interest in cocoa cultivation.

A Vision for the Future

The forum concluded with a forward-looking dialogue on international market dynamics, technology adoption, and the need for inclusive support systems. Panelists unanimously agreed that achieving sustainability in the plantation industry requires more than technical solutions—it demands cultural transformation, policy coherence, and shared responsibility across the entire value chain.

The session drew strong engagement from researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, reinforcing ICPTech2025’s mission to bridge science and practice in plantation development. The diverse perspectives shared during the forum sparked meaningful dialogue and inspired actionable solutions for a more sustainable future.

Date of Input: 29/08/2025 | Updated: 29/08/2025 | ainzubaidah