IKP UPM Field Visit To Pulau Carey Raises Awareness On RSPO Certification

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IKP UPM Field Visit to Pulau Carey Raises Awareness on RSPO Certification

PULAU CAREY, 22 January 2026 – A total of 16 staff and postgraduate students from the Institute of Plantation Studies (IKP), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) participated in a field visit to Carey Island. The program was organized by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in collaboration with the Wild Asia Group Scheme (WAGS). It aimed to raise awareness and deepen participants’ understanding of RSPO certification and sustainable oil palm practices that support industry sustainability.

The day began with introductory sessions by RSPO and WAGS representatives, who explained their roles in supporting smallholders through training, technical assistance, and compliance with certification standards. Participants then visited two smallholder oil palm farms in the Orang Asli village of Sungai Judah.

The first farm, owned by Mr. Anjang anak Ukly, introduced participants to the RSPO certification process and the challenges faced by smallholders. A dialogue session with Mr. Anjang and his family provided insights into real-world farm management. The second farm, owned by Mr. Bidin bin Loya, showcased fully regenerative agriculture practices without the use of chemical or inorganic fertilizers. The farm utilizes bio-enzymes and organic fertilizers such as fish and fruit-based compost developed by WAGS. Participants engaged in frond pruning activities and assessed soil fertility and the positive ecological impact of environmentally friendly farming methods.

After lunch at Sungai Judah, the group gathered at the Mah Meri Cultural Village for a cultural immersion session. They were introduced to the history and traditions of the Mah Meri community, including the Jo’oh traditional dance, wood carving demonstrations, and palm leaf weaving. The session was led by Mr. Samri Abdul Rahman, a renowned Mah Meri woodcarver recognized as an Adiguru (Master Craftsman) in Mah Meri figurative carving. With 29 years of experience, he preserves cultural identity through traditional mask and figurine carvings using nyireh batu wood. His works have been exhibited internationally, including in London, making the session especially meaningful and inspiring for participants.

Overall, the visit provided a holistic learning experience that integrated international certification, sustainable plantation practices, environmental stewardship, and cultural appreciation. This initiative aligns with IKP UPM’s aspiration to nurture knowledgeable, ethical, and sustainability-conscious graduates for the plantation industry.

Date of Input: 29/01/2026 | Updated: 29/01/2026 | ainzubaidah

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PULAU CAREY, 22 January 2026 – A total of 16 staff and postgraduate students from the Institute of Plantation Studies (IKP), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) participated in a field visit to Carey Island. The program was organized by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in collaboration with the Wild Asia Group Scheme (WAGS). It aimed to raise awareness and deepen participants’ understanding of RSPO certification and sustainable oil palm practices that support industry sustainability. The day began with introductory sessions by RSPO and WAGS representatives, who explained their roles in supporting smallholders through training, technical assistance, and compliance with certification standards. Participants then visited two smallholder oil palm farms in the Orang Asli village of Sungai Judah.





The first farm, owned by Mr. Anjang anak Ukly, introduced participants to the RSPO certification process and the challenges faced by smallholders. A dialogue session with Mr. Anjang and his family provided insights into real-world farm management. The second farm, owned by Mr. Bidin bin Loya, showcased fully regenerative agriculture practices without the use of chemical or inorganic fertilizers. The farm utilizes bio-enzymes and organic fertilizers such as fish and fruit-based compost developed by WAGS. Participants engaged in frond pruning activities and assessed soil fertility and the positive ecological impact of environmentally friendly farming methods. After lunch at Sungai Judah, the group gathered at the Mah Meri Cultural Village for a cultural immersion session. They were introduced to the history and traditions of the Mah Meri community, including the Jo’oh traditional dance, wood carving demonstrations, and palm leaf weaving. The session was led by Mr. Samri Abdul Rahman, a renowned Mah Meri woodcarver recognized as an Adiguru (Master Craftsman) in Mah Meri figurative carving. With 29 years of experience, he preserves cultural identity through traditional mask and figurine carvings using nyireh batu wood. His works have been exhibited internationally, including in London, making the session especially meaningful and inspiring for participants.







Overall, the visit provided a holistic learning experience that integrated international certification, sustainable plantation practices, environmental stewardship, and cultural appreciation. This initiative aligns with IKP UPM’s aspiration to nurture knowledgeable, ethical, and sustainability-conscious graduates for the plantation industry.