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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Asia School of Business (ASB) through its Center for Sustainable Small-owners (CSS), and National Association of Smallholders (NASH), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the resilience of smallholders in Malaysia through training, digital readiness, and sustainable financing.
Malaysia's smallholder sector stands at a decisive moment. With over half of smallholder-owned oil palms now past 25 years old and a rapidly ageing farmer population, productivity and incomes face mounting strain. At the same time, global frameworks such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) are reshaping trade expectations and raising the sustainability bar for all producers.
Despite significant progress in certification, many smallholders remain caught between compliance and competitiveness. This important collaboration builds practical pathways for smallholders to address the challenges and to achieve both RSPO and national certification readiness — two complementary systems that underpin Malaysia's global credibility in sustainable palm oil production.
During today's signing of the MoU, Adzmi bin Hassan, President of NASH, described the initiative as a return to the founding spirit of empowerment that shaped Malaysia's rural development story, "This collaboration is not about one standard replacing another," he said. "It is about equipping smallholders so that when they are ready for RSPO, they are also naturally prepared for MSPO. The focus is on capability, confidence, and continuity."
"This MoU shows that Malaysia's smallholders are not the problem, they are the solution," continued Adzmi Hassan. "By aligning national and international standards, we are turning compliance into opportunity, restoring pride to our smallholders, and securing Malaysia's sustainable future." The collaboration supports the national agenda to elevate smallholder competitiveness, strengthen supply-chain traceability, and advance sustainable growth within Malaysia's palm-oil sector.
Enhancing productivity, improving data reliability, and deepening collaboration across the value chain will ensure every smallholder benefits from Malaysia's sustainability journey. RSPO's Head of Smallholder Unit, Guntur Cahyo Prabowo, added "Sustainability must never become a barrier. Through partnerships like this, Malaysia is demonstrating how to translate inclusive policy into on-the-ground implementation where smallholders are the main beneficiaries." He commended the government's focus on placing smallholders at the centre of sustainability policy, a move, he noted, that many of Malaysia's neighbours are still watching closely and could learn from. Addressing these priorities now offers the country an opportunity to lead by example, proving that inclusion and innovation can advance together. To achieve this, stronger alignment among institutions, producers, and market partners is essential. Smallholders must be supported not only to meet standards but to thrive through better organisation, traceability tools, and opportunities for continuous learning.
The NASH–RSPO–ASB collaboration unites grassroots networks, academic research, and global sustainability expertise. As mutually agreed, implementation of capacity building for NASH members will be through a phased approach delivering targeted training in good agricultural practices, record-keeping, and leadership development; strengthening data collection to enhance traceability; and promoting sustainability-linked incentives that make responsible production both profitable and lasting.
Dr Asad Ata, Faculty Director of ASB's Center for Sustainable Small-Owners (CSS), highlighted that the partnership reflects ASB's long-standing commitment to translating research into real impact. "This is research in action," Dr. Ata said. "By aligning data, training, and incentive systems, we're helping smallholders turn certification into a pathway for resilience and growth. When sustainability is backed by credible research and fair opportunity, it becomes both practical and empowering."
The three-year collaboration begins immediately, with socialisation activities now being scoped with local authorities and community leaders. As Malaysia redefines its smallholder legacy for a new era, the NASH–RSPO–ASB partnership stands as proof that development and sustainability are most powerful when they are inclusive, evidence-based, and rooted in shared purpose.
About RSPO:
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is a global partnership to make palm oil sustainable. Formed in 2004, the RSPO is a multi-stakeholder non-profit organisation that unites members from across the palm oil value chain, including oil palm producers, palm oil processors and traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, banks and investors, environmental or nature conservation non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and social or developmental NGOs.
As a partnership for progress and positive impact, the RSPO facilitates global change to make the production and consumption of palm oil sustainable. To inspire change, we communicate the environmental and social benefits. To make progress, we catalyse collaboration. To provide assurance, we set the standards of certification.
The RSPO is registered as an international association in Zurich, Switzerland, with main offices in Malaysia and Indonesia, and offices in China, Colombia, Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States.
About NASH:
The National Association of Smallholders Malaysia (NASH) represents and advocates for the interests of smallholder farmers nationwide, focusing on capacity building, policy advocacy, and improving welfare and productivity across the sector.
About ASB:
Asia School of Business (ASB) is a graduate business school established in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management, Cambridge, United States. ASB offers degree and non-degree programmes, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship initiatives — including leadership and management courses — to serve regional and global needs for business talent and leadership across emerging markets.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Asia School of Business (ASB) through its Center for Sustainable Small-owners (CSS), and National Association of Smallholders (NASH), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the resilience of smallholders in Malaysia through training, digital readiness, and sustainable financing.
Malaysia's smallholder sector stands at a decisive moment. With over half of smallholder-owned oil palms now past 25 years old and a rapidly ageing farmer population, productivity and incomes face mounting strain. At the same time, global frameworks such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) are reshaping trade expectations and raising the sustainability bar for all producers.
Despite significant progress in certification, many smallholders remain caught between compliance and competitiveness. This important collaboration builds practical pathways for smallholders to address the challenges and to achieve both RSPO and national certification readiness — two complementary systems that underpin Malaysia's global credibility in sustainable palm oil production.
During today's signing of the MoU, Adzmi bin Hassan, President of NASH, described the initiative as a return to the founding spirit of empowerment that shaped Malaysia's rural development story, "This collaboration is not about one standard replacing another," he said. "It is about equipping smallholders so that when they are ready for RSPO, they are also naturally prepared for MSPO. The focus is on capability, confidence, and continuity."
"This MoU shows that Malaysia's smallholders are not the problem, they are the solution," continued Adzmi Hassan. "By aligning national and international standards, we are turning compliance into opportunity, restoring pride to our smallholders, and securing Malaysia's sustainable future." The collaboration supports the national agenda to elevate smallholder competitiveness, strengthen supply-chain traceability, and advance sustainable growth within Malaysia's palm-oil sector.
Enhancing productivity, improving data reliability, and deepening collaboration across the value chain will ensure every smallholder benefits from Malaysia's sustainability journey. RSPO's Head of Smallholder Unit, Guntur Cahyo Prabowo, added "Sustainability must never become a barrier. Through partnerships like this, Malaysia is demonstrating how to translate inclusive policy into on-the-ground implementation where smallholders are the main beneficiaries." He commended the government's focus on placing smallholders at the centre of sustainability policy, a move, he noted, that many of Malaysia's neighbours are still watching closely and could learn from. Addressing these priorities now offers the country an opportunity to lead by example, proving that inclusion and innovation can advance together. To achieve this, stronger alignment among institutions, producers, and market partners is essential. Smallholders must be supported not only to meet standards but to thrive through better organisation, traceability tools, and opportunities for continuous learning.
The NASH–RSPO–ASB collaboration unites grassroots networks, academic research, and global sustainability expertise. As mutually agreed, implementation of capacity building for NASH members will be through a phased approach delivering targeted training in good agricultural practices, record-keeping, and leadership development; strengthening data collection to enhance traceability; and promoting sustainability-linked incentives that make responsible production both profitable and lasting.
Dr Asad Ata, Faculty Director of ASB's Center for Sustainable Small-Owners (CSS), highlighted that the partnership reflects ASB's long-standing commitment to translating research into real impact. "This is research in action," Dr. Ata said. "By aligning data, training, and incentive systems, we're helping smallholders turn certification into a pathway for resilience and growth. When sustainability is backed by credible research and fair opportunity, it becomes both practical and empowering."
The three-year collaboration begins immediately, with socialisation activities now being scoped with local authorities and community leaders. As Malaysia redefines its smallholder legacy for a new era, the NASH–RSPO–ASB partnership stands as proof that development and sustainability are most powerful when they are inclusive, evidence-based, and rooted in shared purpose.
About RSPO:
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is a global partnership to make palm oil sustainable. Formed in 2004, the RSPO is a multi-stakeholder non-profit organisation that unites members from across the palm oil value chain, including oil palm producers, palm oil processors and traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, banks and investors, environmental or nature conservation non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and social or developmental NGOs.
As a partnership for progress and positive impact, the RSPO facilitates global change to make the production and consumption of palm oil sustainable. To inspire change, we communicate the environmental and social benefits. To make progress, we catalyse collaboration. To provide assurance, we set the standards of certification.
The RSPO is registered as an international association in Zurich, Switzerland, with main offices in Malaysia and Indonesia, and offices in China, Colombia, Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States.
About NASH:
The National Association of Smallholders Malaysia (NASH) represents and advocates for the interests of smallholder farmers nationwide, focusing on capacity building, policy advocacy, and improving welfare and productivity across the sector.
About ASB:
Asia School of Business (ASB) is a graduate business school established in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management, Cambridge, United States. ASB offers degree and non-degree programmes, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship initiatives — including leadership and management courses — to serve regional and global needs for business talent and leadership across emerging markets.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
RSPO, NASH and ASB United Join Forces to Empower Malaysia's Smallholders and Advance Sustainable Palm Oil
RSPO, NASH and ASB United Join Forces to Empower Malaysia's Smallholders and Advance Sustainable Palm Oil
In the news release, "International Healthcare Week Returns to Thailand in 2026 with Expanded Industry Reach", issued on 15 January 2026 by Informa Markets. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the testimonial featured on behalf of i-SENS, South Korea., the name mentioned should read "Na Jiwoong, POC Division Head, i-SENS, South Korea." rather than "Haeun Jung, Global Marketing Manager, i-SENS, Korea" as originally issued inadvertently.
BANGKOK, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- International Healthcare Week is set to return to Thailand (8-10 July 2026, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok), bringing together the region's most influential health and wellness stakeholders. Organised by Informa Markets, this flagship event will co-locate three major exhibitions: CPHI South East Asia, WHX Bangkok (formerly Medlab Asia and Asia Health), and Medtec Southeast Asia. These events will unite cutting-edge pharmaceutical, medical device, medical laboratory and design and manufacturers of medical devices under one roof, attracting an expected 26,000+ visitors.
Demonstrating Informa's strong commitment to expanding and deepening industry networks, International Healthcare Week 2026 will feature over 1,000 leading local, regional and international exhibitors. This expansion underscores the event's vital role as a strategic platform to advance the health and wellness industry throughout Southeast Asia.
By uniting pharmaceutical, medical device, medical laboratory, and medical technology manufacturing, International Healthcare Week 2026 plays a critical role in accelerating regional healthcare integration and improving health outcomes for diverse communities. The event supports Southeast Asia's healthcare priorities, promoting sustainable development and advanced medical technologies that benefit the entire region.
The events' collaborative approach empowers stakeholders to share knowledge, build partnerships, and create scalable solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by Southeast Asia countries. This cultivates a robust healthcare ecosystem that enhances access, quality, and affordability of care.
International Healthcare Week 2026 promises to be an unparalleled convergence of industry expertise and business opportunities, strengthening Southeast Asia's collective capacity in health innovation and delivering lasting impact across the region.
"Thailand is at the heart of Southeast Asia's rapidly growing healthcare market, making it the perfect location to showcase our biosensor technology. WHX Bangkok offered an excellent opportunity to connect with prospective buyers and strengthen relationships with existing partners. This platform aligned seamlessly with our goals of expanding our presence in Asia, reaffirming our leadership in the diagnostic market, and driving sustainable growth in the region." Na Jiwoong, POC Division Head, i-SENS, South Korea.
"Participating in CPHI South East Asia has been an incredible experience for us! This event serves as a dynamic platform to connect with our valued customers, explore emerging market trends, and gain valuable industry insights. Our goal in being part of CPHI South East Asia is to strengthen our presence in the region, build meaningful relationships with customers, and proudly showcase our innovative drug delivery systems, active material science solutions, and services that advance patient care and improve treatment outcomes." Anand Hiremath, Vice President, Aptar Pharma, India.
With the theme "Local & Regional to Global Networking," the event aims to empower companies to scale their businesses from local markets to the wider global stage.
With a focus on addressing the needs of around 700 million Southeast Asia citizens, the event fosters innovation, delivers cutting-edge healthcare solutions, and encourages knowledge transfer and cross-border collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers, and investors.
Thailand - Southeast Asia's Hub for Healthcare Innovation
Thailand's robust infrastructure, supportive regulatory environment, and flourishing innovation ecosystem make it an ideal gateway for Southeast Asia-wide healthcare development. Positioned as a major regional hub, International Healthcare Week 2026 reinforces Thailand's growing role as a centre for healthcare, medical technology, and pharmaceutical development. This premier event offers unparalleled opportunities for forging new partnerships, attracting investments, and driving market expansion throughout the health ecosystem in ASEAN and beyond.
Be Part of International Healthcare Week 2026
The event offers unmatched opportunities to build meaningful partnerships and contribute to shaping the future of healthcare in Southeast Asia and extend global impact. Don't miss the chance to advance your career and position yourself at the forefront of healthcare evolution.
For more information and registration details, please visit https://inthealthcareweek.com/
About Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.
For Media enquiries, please contact:
Gautam Jatwani
Senior Marketing Manager
Informa Markets
Gautam.jatwani@informa.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
International Healthcare Week Returns to Thailand in 2026 with Expanded Industry Reach
