Sabah’s Approach to Palm Oil: Sustainability, Controversy & Business Opportunity
MALAYSIA STUDIES PROGRAMME
About the Webinar
With a recent shortage in myriad types of cooking oil across the world, the demand for palm oil is said to be on the rise, as well as its price. While palm oil is a key Malaysian export that supports the livelihoods of many smallholders and rural communities, there are still widespread concerns about its impact on the environment, especially that of large plantations. This seminar will showcase Sabah’s efforts to ensure the environmental sustainability of its palm oil production, as well as the importance the product has for its state economy. Sabah’s implementation of the RSPO jurisdictional approach to palm oil certification and proactive engagement with businesses, local communities through myriad NGOs is one that can be emulated in other Malaysian states.
About the Speakers
Datuk Frederick Kugan is a forester by profession and is currently the Chief Conservator of Forests in Sabah. Among his many other achievements, Datuk Frederick is also the co-chair of the Jurisdictional Certification Steering Committee (JCSC), spearheading the implementation of the Sabah Jurisdictional Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (JCSPO) Initiative that will bring all oil palm plantations, including smallholders in Sabah, towards RSPO Certification by 2025.
Dr. Glyn Davies has a well-established career in global conservation and international development, focusing on wildlife, forestry and biodiversity. Dr Davies has worked with businesses, governments, aid agencies, research institutions and NGOs, and has lead field programmes and policy work in Malaysia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Cameroon, the UK and the European Union. He is currently a member of the multi-stakeholder Sabah Oil Palm JCSC.
Mr Joshua Lim is Wilmar’s Global Coordinator for Sustainability & Supply Chain and directly oversees the delivery of sustainable supply and sourcing. His experience includes sustainable smallholder development, Clean Development Mechanism project development, climate change, corporate social responsibility, and commodity trading. Joshua is a long-time participant in the RSPO, previously as a member of the Trade & Traceability Taskforce and currently in the Oleochemicals Task Force and Shared Responsibility Working Group.
Registration
This webinar will be delivered online entirely. You can join the webinar at the specified date and time using devices (computer, phone, or tablet) with internet connection.
Please register here to receive your unique link for joining the webinar.
If you have questions for the speakers, please key in your questions via the Q&A, stating your name and affiliation. The moderator will field them to the speakers during the Q&A session.