Latest news with #BelvinderSron
Malaysiakini
a day ago
- Business
- Malaysiakini
#MYPalmPride 2025: Youth power ignites global movement for sustainable palm oil
KUALA LUMPUR - It's back and this time, it's bigger, bolder, and global. The highly anticipated youth-led campaign, #MYPalmPride, officially launched on 1st June 2025, kicking off a 6-month journey of creativity, pride, and sustainability that stretches far beyond Malaysian borders. Spearheaded by REGENERASI, a dynamic youth-powered NGO, this campaign is not only for youth but fully led by youth, guided by the visionary leadership of its President, Datin Emilia Uzir. The goal? To raise awareness about Malaysian sustainable palm oil in a way that truly connects with today's generation through real stories, bold ideas, and creative content that speaks their language. This year's campaign would never have taken off without the continuous support from Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), the campaign's powerful partner and biggest believer in youth potential. 'We are proud to continue supporting #MYPalmPride. This youth-led initiative is pushing boundaries and telling the real story about sustainable palm oil in fresh, relatable ways. Their drive, authenticity, and creativity are the real game changers,' said Ms. Belvinder Sron, Chief Executive Officer of MPOC. Following a landmark debut in 2024 which reached over 1.4 million Malaysians, this year's edition turns its compass to Southeast Asia and beyond, with an emphasis on regional collaboration and global youth engagement. And the momentum doesn't stop there. REGENERASI has teamed up with UCSI University, FELCRA College, Al-Bukhary International University (AIU), and International Islamic College (IIC) ; a powerful lineup of educational institutions ready to fuel this mission with real reach and influence on campus grounds. By tapping into these academic ecosystems, #MYPalmPride will not only amplify its reach but also empower thousands of young voices to take charge of the narrative around sustainability, and champion Malaysian palm oil with pride. This year, joining us all the way from Australia is REGENERASI AUSTRALIA, a youth-led association based in Western Australia dedicated to empowering young leaders in environmental regeneration and sustainable governance. As part of the #MYPalmPride campaign, they bring fresh perspectives on climate action, food security, and ethical leadership, aiming to amplify youth voices and drive lasting impact. '#MYPalmPride has grown into a movement. This isn't just about palm oil anymore it's about identity, truth, and the power of youth to rewrite the narrative. We're proud to be taking Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil stories to the global stage,' said Datin Emilia Uzir, President of REGENERASI. In addition, the Consulate General of Malaysia in Perth has extended its full support to REGENERASI Australia in driving the #MYPalmPride campaign recognising the initiative's role in complementing the Government of Malaysia's broader and ongoing efforts on inclusivity and sustainability. Joseph Tek Choon Yee, a veteran leader in Malaysia's palm oil industry, has accepted the role of #MYPalmPride Mentor Professor for REGENERASI. With over 30 years of experience, he brings deep insight, a passion for sustainability, and a commitment to youth development. A regular columnist, Joseph hopes to share lessons, spark ideas, and inspire future leaders. Adding further strength to the movement are returning supporters and industry champions such asMalaysian Palm Oil Certification Council (MSPO), Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA), Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) and endorsed by the Ministry of Plantation & Commodities. Together with MPOC, these allies form the backbone of Malaysia's palm oil ecosystem and recognize the youth as the pulse of a more sustainable and progressive future. This year's campaign is set to be more dynamic than ever, with targeted outreach into Southeast Asia (SEA) and engagement through social media, digital talk shows and academic partnerships, all designed to raise awareness, pride, and informed dialogue about Malaysia's leadership in sustainable palm oil production. From TikTok videos and culinary challenges to international students involvement and eco-dialogues, #MYPalmPride will continue to inspire, educate, and unite youth voices in building a more sustainable and proud Malaysian identity this time on the world stage. For more updates, follow the hashtag #MYPalmPride on all major platforms. Website : FB : IG: LinkedIn: Tik Tok: You Tube: This content is provided by Social Beans Ventures The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini. Interested in having your press releases, exclusive interviews, or branded content articles on Malaysiakini? For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected]
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
MPOC: RM122mil in trade deals unlocked in Philippines forum
KUALA LUMPUR: Business engagements at the Malaysian Palm Oil Forum (MPOF) Philippines 2025 have unlocked an estimated RM122 million in potential trade, reinforcing Malaysia's role as a major palm oil supplier in the Asean region. The two-day event, held in Manila from June 3 to 4 and hosted by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), brought together over 400 participants and featured targeted BizMatch sessions. In a statement, MPOC said that this year marked the first time the council co-organised the forum with the Malaysian Oleochemicals Manufacturers Group and the United Coconut Association of the Philippines, further strengthening regional ties in the oils and fats sector. These one-on-one meetings between 16 Malaysian palm oil suppliers and buyers from the Philippines resulted in 121 business discussions aimed at securing commercial deals. MPOC chief executive officer Belvinder Sron said the Philippines remains one of Malaysia's most important trade partners in the Asean region. "In 2024, the Philippines imported around 1.1 million tonnes of palm oil, with Malaysia supplying 61 per cent of its palm oil, solidifying its role as the top supplier," she said. She said that the strategy is focused on Asean, Africa, and the Middle East and has already yielded results, with exports to these regions growing by 24 per cent, from 6.0 million tonnes in 2020 to 7.5 million tonnes in 2024, marking a shift in Malaysia's export landscape. Belvinder expressed encouragement over the strong level of interest shown by Filipino buyers in the BizMatch outcomes. "BizMatch platform continues to be a powerful tool in creating real commercial opportunities for Malaysian exporters and helping buyers find reliable, high-quality suppliers committed to sustainability and value," Belvinder added. Malaysia's ambassador to the Philippines, Datuk Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, emphasised the importance of deepening bilateral trade. The forum included eight expert presentations on themes such as sustainability, downstream applications, nutrition, and global market outlooks. A key discussion panel, "Lauric Oils & Oleochemicals: Market Growth and Innovations", explored emerging trends in the Philippines, a growing market for lauric oils like palm kernel and coconut oil.
The Star
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
EU: All countries subject to deforestation risk ratings
PETALING JAYA: The 'standard risk' status given to Malaysia under a deforestation law came about following an assessment all countries had gone through under a new benchmarking system, says the European Union to Malaysia. Responding to an outcry from Malaysia over the classification, the EU explained that its benchmarking system would rate countries either as low, standard or high risk, based on their risk of deforestation when producing seven commodities – namely cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya and wood. The assessment of the countries was based on a methodology of combining two quantitative thresholds to distinguish low-risk countries from standard risk ones. These include an absolute threshold (below 70,000ha of annual forest loss) and a relative one (below 0.2% of annual forest loss of their total forest area). The EU said in statement that Malaysia, which exceeded one or both of these thresholds, had been classified as standard risk by looking at its overall deforestation and not deforestation linked to any of the seven commodities in particular. It has been reported that the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) wanted the European Commission to explain its benchmarking methodology used that led to the 'standard risk' label given to Malaysia under the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). 'The 'standard risk' status for Malaysia does not recognise at all the progress and achievements made by the Malaysian palm oil industry in reducing deforestation and producing sustainable palm oil for European consumers,' MPOC chief executive officer Belvinder Sron said in a statement on Friday. He cited latest independent satellite data which showed that Malaysia's oil palm sector had transformed its environmental footprint for the better. On Saturday, MPOC chairman Datuk Carl Bek-Nielsen criticised the 'standard risk' classification, saying that it was unjust as it could lead to palm oil being excluded from the EU market despite the country's progress in curbing deforestation and raising sustainability standards in the oil palm sector. In its response yesterday, the European Union said that all countries went through the same process under the EUDR after a new benchmarking system (country classification) was adopted on May 22. It said that the system was landmark legislation that promotes the consumption of 'deforestation-free' products in the EU with the aim of reducing the impact on global deforestation and forest degradation.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
MPOC to seek European Commission's clarification on ‘standard risk' status for Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) will request clarification from the European Commission (EC) on its full benchmarking methodology used in its assessment on the 'standard risk' status given to Malaysia under the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). An announcement made by the EC on Thursday has confirmed reports that Malaysia was given a 'standard risk' status under the EUDR country benchmarking system, while other countries with meagre records on forest loss and degradation, including EU member states, were given 'low risk' status. MPOC CEO Belvinder Sron said the EC's decision discredits the whole country's benchmarking system as the EUDR should encourage genuine progress, especially from countries such as Malaysia that have already shown leadership in sustainable forest management 'We will request clarification from EC on its full benchmarking methodology used in its assessment. This will be our top priority. 'The 'standard risk' status for Malaysia does not recognise at all the progress and achievements made by the Malaysian palm oil industry in reducing deforestation and producing sustainable palm oil for European consumers,' she said in a statement today. Belvinder noted that Malaysia has consistently demonstrated a strong and measurable commitment to forest conservation, achieving a significant reduction in deforestation over the past ten years. She said the latest independent satellite data from Satelligence showed Malaysia's palm oil sector has transformed its environmental footprint for the better, and confirms its leadership in tackling deforestation, while even the older UN data used by the EU highlighted the country's strong performance 'Furthermore, Global Forest Watch provided transparent, accessible, and consistent data, showing that Malaysia retains far more primary forest than many historically industrialised nations, and we are doing better at preserving it. 'Between 2014 and 2023, Malaysia reduced primary forest loss by 65%, outpacing global peers. In 2024 alone, we achieved a further 13% reduction, marking the first time Malaysia has dropped out of the global Top 10 for tropical primary forest loss,' she said. – Bernama
The Star
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
MPOC seeks clarification on Malaysia's standard risk status
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) will request clarification from the European Commission (EC) on its full benchmarking methodology used in its assessment on the 'standard risk' status given to Malaysia under the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The announcement made by the EC yesterday has confirmed reports that Malaysia was given a 'standard risk' status under the EUDR country benchmarking system, while other countries with meagre records on forest loss and degradation, including EU member states, were given 'low risk' status. MPOC chief executive officer Belvinder Sron said the EC's decision discredits the whole country benchmarking system as the EUDR should encourage genuine progress, especially from countries like Malaysia that have already shown leadership in sustainable forest management "We will request clarification from EC on its full benchmarking methodology used in its assessment. This will be our top priority. "The 'standard risk' status for Malaysia does not recognise at all the progress and achievements made by the Malaysian palm oil industry in reducing deforestation and producing sustainable palm oil for European consumers,' she said in a statement. Belvinder noted that Malaysia has consistently demonstrated a strong and measurable commitment to forest conservation, achieving a significant reduction in deforestation over the past ten years. She said the latest independent satellite data from Satelligence showed Malaysia's palm oil sector has transformed its environmental footprint for the better, and confirms its leadership in tackling deforestation, while even the older UN data used by the EU highlighted the country's strong performance "Furthermore, Global Forest Watch provided transparent, accessible, and consistent data, showing that Malaysia retains far more primary forest than many historically industrialised nations, and we are doing better at preserving it. "Between 2014 and 2023, Malaysia reduced primary forest loss by 65 per cent, outpacing global peers. In 2024 alone, we achieved a further 13 per cent reduction, marking the first time Malaysia has dropped out of the global Top 10 for tropical primary forest loss,' she said. Meanwhile, MPOC chairman Datuk Carl Bek-Nielsen said the Malaysian palm oil companies and smallholders have made significant strides to reduce primary forest loss and forest degradation. This is further exemplified through the mandatory implementation of the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification scheme since 2020, which has led to a substantial reduction of forest loss in Malaysia. "The EC knows that we have a far better record on this than some European states. And yet they have rewarded its own members with 'low risk' status. This apparent favouritism will inevitably cause resentment instead of building bridges for closer cooperation,' he added. - Bernama
