Bridging Worlds: Certification, Collaboration, And Smallholder Impact In Malaysia’s Palm Oil Sector

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Bridging Worlds: Certification, Collaboration, and Smallholder Impact in Malaysia’s Palm Oil Sector

One of the key highlights of ICPTech2025 was the special session hosted by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), titled “Bridging Worlds: Certification, Collaboration, and Smallholder Impact in Malaysia’s Palm Oil Sector”. The session brought together experts, practitioners, and grassroots leaders to explore the evolving landscape of sustainability, certification, and innovation in the smallholder ecosystem.

Moderated by Ms. Kertijah Abdul Kadir, RSPO’s Smallholder Programme Manager, the session offered a dynamic platform for dialogue on how certification frameworks and collaborative models can drive meaningful change for smallholders across Malaysia.

🎓 Lead Presentation

Dr. Tey Yeong Sheng, Senior Researcher at the Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), delivered the lead talk titled “Shared Value in Seemingly Unrelated Interventions: Refocusing on Smallholder Yield”. His presentation emphasized how seemingly disconnected efforts such as digital tools, agronomic training, and community engagement can converge to improve smallholder productivity and sustainability outcomes.

🗣️ Oral Presentations

- Mr. Saiful Amrin Bin Sudin, Pertubuhan Tani Niaga Lestari Negeri Johor (PERTANIAGA)

presented on title “From Southern Malaysia to the Global Stage: PERTANIAGA’s Smallholders’ Journey Towards Sustainability” who shared the journey of smallholders from southern Malaysia who transitioned from conventional practices to sustainable farming, gaining global recognition through RSPO certification.

- Ms. Ooi Kiah Hui, Earthworm Foundation with her presentation titled “Tech on the Ground: Making Smallholder Sustainability Work Through Relevant, Adoptable Solutions” showcased practical, tech-enabled solutions tailored for smallholders. Her talk highlighted how relevant and adoptable innovations like mobile apps for farm management and localized training which can make sustainability achievable at the grassroots level.

💬A Platform for Progress

The session underscored the importance of inclusive approaches, where certification is not merely a compliance exercise but a catalyst for empowerment, equity, and long-term viability in Malaysia’s palm oil sector.