Latest news with #RSPO
Malay Mail
11 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Agridence Transitions to Founder-Led Governance, Secures Global Investment to Accelerate Multi-Commodity Compliance Platform
Additional funding allows Agridence to better deliver its traceability modules and ESG solutions across agri-commodity sectors globally. Natural Rubber : The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), whose members represent about 50% of the global market, uses Agridence's reporting platform for annual sustainability data submissions. : The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), whose members represent about 50% of the global market, uses Agridence's reporting platform for annual sustainability data submissions. Palm Oil: Agridence powers the RSPO Certification, Trade and Traceability System (prisma), supporting RSPO Certified Palm Oil trades and Sustainable Palm Oil Credits. This initiative went live in February 2025, with nearly 20,000 users expected on the system. Agridence powers the RSPO Certification, Trade and Traceability System (prisma), supporting RSPO Certified Palm Oil trades and Sustainable Palm Oil Credits. This initiative went live in February 2025, with nearly 20,000 users expected on the system. Coconut: As the technology partner for the Sustainable Coconut Partnership's SCP Links platform, Agridence is simplifying sustainability reporting, digitizing audits, and increasing transparency. As the technology partner for the Sustainable Coconut Partnership's SCP Links platform, Agridence is simplifying sustainability reporting, digitizing audits, and increasing transparency. Cocoa: The company is driving smallholder inclusion through mapping programs across Africa. SINGAPORE Media OutReach Newswire - 13 August 2025 - Agridence Pte. Ltd. ("Agridence"), a Singapore-based technology leader in digital agri-commodity supply chains, today announced a funding round led by Cercano Management and supported by returning strategic investors EXEO Innovation Fund and Provident. This will empower Agridence to rapidly scale its multi-commodity compliance platform to help its customers by tackling industry-wide challenges such as supply chain opacity, sustainability risks, and fragmented smallholder Gerald Tan, who led Agridence's development since its inception in 2018, has invested additional capital to solidify his position as founder and the single largest individual shareholder of the company. This transition from a corporate venture-built startup to a founder owned and led enterprise underscores Tan's commitment to delivering value to Agridence's Gerald Tan, CEO and Founder of shift to an independent, founder-led model provides better alignment and allows Agridence to address a critical industry need for a truly neutral technology platform that serves all stakeholders without corporate bias." said Yu Minjie, Managing Director at Cercano has evolved from its roots in digitizing physical natural rubber trades to delivering a comprehensive, multi-commodity platform for global MNCs and industry associations. Recent milestones include:Interest is also growing in coffee, cashew, sugarcane, and other sectors. The new funding will accelerate Agridence's go-to-market strategy, supporting entry into new commodity verticals and geographic markets through strategic partnerships and Tan Lim Swee Yong, CEO of EXEO Innovation Fund #investment #impact #globalagrisupplychains #multicommoditysolution #traceability #governance The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Agridence Agridence is a Singapore headquartered agri-tech platform that digitises global agri-commodity supply chains to deliver end-to-end traceability, ESG compliance, and sustainability reporting. Our cloud-native, API-ready software combines AI analytics, geospatial mapping and mobile application data capture to monitor natural rubber, palm oil, cocoa, coconut and other crops end-to-end. Multinational companies, traders, processors and smallholders rely on Agridence to be compliant with the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), RSPO, GPSNR and other certification and assurance models. By embedding technology, trust and transparency at scale, we help the agri-commodity sector reduce deforestation risk and build resilient, low-carbon, socially responsible supply chains. The Agridence ecosystem unlocks: Real time supply chain transparency and chain-of-custody tracking Automated environmental, social and governance (ESG) risk analysis Smallholder onboarding and digital payment workflows API integrations with ERP, trading and certification systems By turning complex compliance into competitive advantage, Agridence helps enterprises de-risk sourcing, protect forests, and build a more resilient, sustainable agriculture our agri-commodity compliance platform at , email [email protected] , or follow us on LinkedIn at About Cercano Management Cercano Management is a multi-family office that provides investment advisory and other services to select business owners and their families, foundations, charitable organizations, and related entities. Headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, Cercano manages over US$10BN in global assets as of December 2024 across venture capital, private equity, private credit and public equity strategies. Cercano's Asia headquarters in Singapore focuses on early-stage and private investments and has invested in 30 companies in the region since its inception in July 2019.
The Star
05-08-2025
- Business
- The Star
Johor Plantations in palm oil pact with state firms
PETALING JAYA: Johor Plantations Group Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with YPJ Plantations Sdn Bhd (YPJP) and PIJ Holdings Sdn Bhd (PIJH) to enhance cooperation and drive transformation in Johor's palm oil sector. Both YPJP and PIJH are Johor state government-linked companies. In a statement, Johor Plantations said the collaboration covers about 13,202 ha under YPJP and PIJH. The partnership will focus on improving plantation productivity through fresh fruit bunch (FFB) procurement and processing, sustainability advisory services with an emphasis on Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification, and the adoption of digital technologies, agronomic practices and mechanisation. Additionally, the partners will explore centralised procurement of key inputs such as fertilisers, and implement training and upskilling programmes for plantation workers to support long-term growth. According to Johor Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip, the signing of the MoU reflects a shared commitment to building an inclusive and resilient agribusiness ecosystem, particularly in the palm oil sector. Representing Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi at the signing, Zahari said the collaboration not only strengthens corporate growth but also supports the state's priorities in sustainability, digitalisation, and human capital development. He added that the partnership's strong focus on technical and vocational education and training, as well as workforce upskilling, would create quality job opportunities for Johor's youth while advancing the state's Green Deal agenda and positioning Johor as a leader in sustainable agribusiness. Meanwhile, Johor Plantations managing director Mohd Faris Adli Shukery said: 'Johor Plantations is committed to working closely with Johor state entities in building a more efficient and sustainable agribusiness ecosystem. 'By leveraging shared resources and expertise, we aim to enhance productivity, promote sustainable practices and uplift the capabilities of our plantation workforce. 'This partnership is a step forward in fostering collaboration that benefits the broader Johor agricultural sector.' Johor Plantations posted a higher net profit of RM75.93mil in the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 (1Q25), compared to RM49.97mil in the previous corresponding period. In a filing with the local bourse on its 1Q25 financial performance in May, the company said the surge in net profit was due to higher crude palm oil and palm kernel prices. Revenue in 1Q25 rose to RM340.43mil from RM294.91mil in the same period last year.
The Star
04-08-2025
- Business
- The Star
Johor Plantations partners with state-linked firms to transform palm oil sector
From left: Johor Plantations Group Bhd (JPG) chairman Tan Sri Dr. Ismail Bakar, JPG managing director Mohd Faris Adli Shukery, Johor Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip, Johor Corp president & CEO Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim, PIJ Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Abdul Malik Ismail, YPJ Holdings Sdn Bhd CEO Farizal Ismail, YPJ Plantations Sdn Bhd CEO Mohd Aznawi Mohd Samin and PIJ Plantations Sdn Bhd executive director Md Rozamusliadi Roslan. KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Plantations Group Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding with YPJ Plantations Sdn Bhd (YPJP) and PIJ Holdings Sdn Bhd (PIJH) to enhance cooperation and drive transformation in Johor's palm oil sector. Both YPJP and PIJH are Johor State Government-linked companies. In a statement, JPG said the collaboration covers about 13,202 hectares under YPJP and PIJH. The partnership will focus on improving plantation productivity through fresh fruit bunch (FFB) procurement and processing, sustainability advisory services with an emphasis on Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification, and the adoption of digital technologies, agronomic practices, and mechanisation. Additionally, the partners will also explore centralised procurement of key inputs such as fertilisers, and implement training and upskilling programmes for plantation workers to support long-term growth. According to Johor Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip, the signing of the MoU reflects a shared commitment to building an inclusive and resilient agribusiness ecosystem, particularly in the palm oil sector. Representing Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi at the signing, Zahari said the collaboration not only strengthens corporate growth but also supports the state's priorities in sustainability, digitalisation, and human capital development. He added that the partnership's strong focus on TVET and workforce upskilling would create quality job opportunities for Johor's youth while advancing the state's Green Deal agenda and positioning Johor as a leader in sustainable agribusiness. Meanwhile, JPG managing director Mohd Faris Adli Shukery said: 'JPG is committed to working closely with Johor state entities in building a more efficient and sustainable agribusiness ecosystem. By leveraging shared resources and expertise, we aim to enhance productivity, promote sustainable practices and uplift the capabilities of our plantation workforce. This partnership is a step forward in fostering collaboration that benefits the broader Johor agricultural sector.'
Malaysian Reserve
04-08-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Johor Plantations inks MoU with state-linked firms to transform palm oil sector
JOHOR Plantations Group Bhd (JPG) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with YPJ Plantations Sdn Bhd (YPJP) and PIJ Holdings Sdn Bhd (PIJH) — two Johor State Government-linked companies — to enhance cooperation and drive transformation in Johor's palm oil industry. The collaboration involves a combined landbank of approximately 13,202ha under YPJP and PIJH. It will focus on improving plantation productivity through initiatives such as fresh fruit bunch (FFB) procurement and processing, sustainability advisory services with an emphasis on RSPO certification, and the integration of digital technologies, improved agronomic practices, and mechanisation. The parties will also explore centralised procurement of key inputs like fertilisers and introduce training and upskilling programmes for plantation workers to build capacity and support long-term growth. 'These MoUs reflect our shared responsibility to build an inclusive and resilient agribusiness ecosystem, particularly in the palm oil industry,' chairman of the Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee Datuk Zahari Sarip, who represented Menteri Besar of Johor Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi at the signing said. The collaboration between JPG, YPJP and PIJH not only strengthens corporate growth but also supports Johor's priorities in sustainability, digitalisation and human capital development. Meanwhile, JPG MD Mohd Faris Adli Shukery said JPG is committed to working closely with Johor state entities in building a more efficient and sustainable agribusiness ecosystem. 'By leveraging shared resources and expertise, we aim to enhance productivity, promote sustainable practices and uplift the capabilities of our plantation workforce. This partnership is a step forward in fostering collaboration that benefits the broader Johor agricultural sector,' he said. The collaboration is expected to unlock long-term value, raise plantation management standards, and support Johor's ambition to become a national model for sustainable agribusiness leadership. YPJ Plantations is a Johor State Government-linked company under Yayasan Pelajaran Johor, active in palm oil trading. PIJ Holdings, held by Perbadanan Islam Johor, operates across sectors including property development, plantations, manufacturing, infrastructure, and halal industry development. — TMR
Borneo Post
25-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah's sustainable palm oil vision: Leading way for people and planet
This regular op-ed column features WWF-Malaysia's perspectives on pressing environmental issues and events unfolding in Sabah. As an environmental conservation NGO, we also use this space to share our views on potential policy shifts that Sabah's leaders can implement to foster a greener and more sustainable future for the state. Oil palm was first introduced to Malaya as an ornamental plant before 1875. Commercial planting began in 1917 in Selangor, and large-scale expansion of palm oil in Sabah took off in the 1970s. Throughout the country, the expansion was part of the government's diversification strategy to reduce its reliance on rubber and timber. The Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) and plantation companies were tasked to drive this expansion. Rows upon rows of oil palm trees in a Sabah plantation estate. In Sabah, companies such as Sabah Softwoods Berhad started their first oil palm planting in the early 1980s. By 1998, the development of oil palm had reached more than 800,000 hectares. The industry has since grown to be a major economic force in the state. In 2023, Sabah became the largest crude palm oil (CPO) producing state in Malaysia, producing 4.5 million tonnes of crude palm oil (CPO) out of 1.5 million hectares of plantation area. While generating economic revenue, the development of the palm oil industry has impacted Sabah's rich biodiversity. In just over 15 years, between 2002 and 2017, land clearing and conversion of forest for palm oil production have reduced the population of orangutans by 30%. Recognising this, Sabah has shifted towards sustainability by emphasising the need for development to be amply balanced by biodiversity conservation. Sustainability-certified palm oil production can be a game changer for Sabah's economy, biodiversity and people. Rather than seeing the need for development and biodiversity conservation as conflicting priorities, Sabah has charted a bold path that unites them, showing that it is possible to protect forests and wildlife while cultivating prosperity. By embracing sustainability at scale, the state is emerging as a global leader in producing palm oil that works for both people and the planet. Sabah has proven that palm oil production does not have to come at the expense of the environment. In fact, it can be a solution. The future lies not in choosing between forests or farms, but in making them work together. A statewide commitment to sustainability In 2015, the state committed to achieving 100% compliance of sustainability standards for all oil palm in Sabah. This set the pathway to transform Sabah's palm oil production and supply chain by halting deforestation, restoring ecosystems and securing livelihoods. Sabah has made a bold move by becoming the first Malaysian state to achieve full RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certification across all oil palm operations by 2030. This commitment goes beyond compliance. It signals a long-term vision where sustainable production is the foundation for global competitiveness, environmental protection, and community resilience. To fulfil this, the Sabah Jurisdictional Approach for Sustainable Palm Oil (JASPO) initiative was set up with the support of the government and stakeholders to transform the palm oil sector. Conservation through cultivation – Applying WWF's Living Landscape Approach Inspired by these progressive policies of the state of Sabah, WWF-Malaysia supports the sustainable palm oil production through an innovative Living Landscape Approach (LLA). The LLA integrates conservation, sustainable development, and responsible land use in places with high distribution of wildlife such as the iconic orangutan and Bornean elephant. This approach focuses on three pillars: 'Protect, Produce, and Restore' – advocating for the preservation of forests, wildlife, and rivers, while also supporting the sustainable production of palm oil and the restoration of degraded lands. The Living Landscape Approach aims to balance biodiversity conservation with sustainable development, providing a platform for stakeholders to build partnership towards achieving this common goal. These are not mere theories. This approach is already taking place on the ground. Plantation companies like Sawit Kinabalu, KLK, and Sabah Softwoods have voluntarily set aside areas within their estates to reforest and establish wildlife corridors. These corridors are crucial in reconnecting fragmented forests, allowing endangered species such as orangutans, Bornean elephants, and Bornean sun bears to move safely between habitats. Supporting oil palm growers through strategic partnerships and cooperatives The transition to sustainable oil cultivation in Sabah has its own challenges. Companies embarking on certification often require initial investment in training their employees, adopt new technologies, and becoming familiar with third party auditing processes. For most independent smallholders and mid-sized palm oil growers, high certification cost hinders them from pursuing stringent RSPO certification. WWF-Malaysia works with smallholders and mid-sized growers to help them pursue RSPO certification. To address this, WWF-Malaysia has supported the formation of grower cooperatives to make RSPO certification more accessible and affordable. An alphabet soup of cooperatives has been established including Koperasi Landskap Kelapa Sawit Sabah Bhd (LKSS); Koperasi Lestari Penanam Sawit Sabah Berhad (KLASS); and Koperasi Pekebun Kecil dan Sederhana Sawit Lestari Sabah Berhad (KOSALESA). Through these cooperatives, growers share the cost of audits and training, while also benefiting from technical guidance and group support. All financial benefits from the certification will go back to the growers as an incentive for their sustainability efforts. When WWF first engaged growers in priority landscapes like the Tawau-Kunak Districts and Tabin in Lahad Datu, only 25 smallholders were willing to pursue certification. When the pioneer cooperative began earning premiums and selling RSPO Credits, interest grew among the growers. Today, three times that number are in the process of getting certified. This growing momentum, coupled with supportive policies from the state government and progressive actions by large plantation groups, is putting Sabah at the forefront of sustainable palm oil globally. How sustainable palm oil benefits Sabah The palm oil industry remains a major contributor of GDP in Sabah as well as an economic engine that creates employment opportunities for the people. Sustainability isn't just good for the environment — it's smart for business. RSPO certified producers enjoy a range of benefits such as premium market access in Europe and North America. Certified growers obtain higher prices for certified Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) and are able to trade RSPO Credits as an extra income stream. They too benefit from increased returns as a sustainable approach to palm oil cultivation results in improved productivity from better soil, water and pest management. Through responsible practices, growers also become stewards of the land, protecting high conservation value (HCV) areas, preserving ecosystem services, and strengthening their relationships with local communities and workers. Beyond its direct benefits to oil palm growers, support for sustainable palm oil is crucial for addressing environmental, social, and economic concerns associated with palm oil production. Sustainable palm oil embraces the People, Planet, Profit framework, also known as Triple Bottom Line (TBL) sustainability framework that expands the traditional focus of business beyond financial profits to include social and environmental performance. Under the TBL framework, sustainable palm oil incorporates social equity aspects throughout its supply chain. These are fair labour practices, wages and working conditions, employee well-being, community engagement, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion. TBL environmental sustainability commits to the goal of minimising negative environmental impacts and contributing positively to environmental health by reducing carbon footprint, employing responsible waste management, conserving water and energy, sustainable sourcing of materials, and protecting biodiversity. Lastly, the TBL framework's economic viability aspect aims at not only maximising financial performance based on revenue, expenses and profitability. It also takes into account its overall economic impact on a society as represented by job creation and economic stability, responsible tax payments, as well as ethical and fair financial practices. Consumers are the answer In environmentally conscious markets, consumers drive the demand for sustainable palm oil. Over the last 30 years, arising from consumer pressure, supermarkets and retail companies in consumption countries have required their suppliers to supply sustainability-certified palm oil products. Slowly but surely, growing consumer awareness from Asia Pacific countries including the affluent and middle class from China and India will drive producers to adopt more responsible practices, protecting the environment and supporting livelihoods. Sabah being a global leader on environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable palm oil production will stand to gain by becoming an even more globally competitive state.
