Asia School of Business

Edit Content

The Center for Sustainable Small-owners (CSS)

The Center for Sustainable Small-owners (CSS) was launched by funding from Procter & Gamble (P&G) in 2019 to deliver on its Ambition 2030 goals through the P&G smallholders initiative.

About Us

Driven by Purpose

The Center for Sustainable Small-owners (CSS) was launched by funding from Procter & Gamble (P&G) in 2019 to deliver on its Ambition 2030 goals through the P&G smallholders initiative.

CSS aims to empower and improve the livelihoods of smallholders for oil palm through certification, compliance, training, and the implementation of sustainable and good agricultural practices.

P&G Smallholder Program

P&G Smallholder Program focuses on ethical and responsible sourcing of oil palm from independent small-holder farmers and growers, empowering them through certification and compliance, increasing their overall yield through training and implementation of best-in-class and sustainable agricultural practices.

Mission

To safeguard the interest of the smallholder farmers and growers and improve their livelihood while ensuring ethical and responsible production of oil palm with commitments to NO deforestation, NO new development on peatlands, and NO exploitation in the supply chain.

Our Goals

Empowering Communities, Ensuring Sustainability

CSS Empowers the Independent Smallholders through Certification and Compliance, establishing farmers association to safeguard their interess while ensuring ethical and sustainable palm oil production.

Sourcing Responsibly, Improving Livelihoods

CSS improves the livelihood for the ISH through Yield Intensification ensuring adherence to the NDPE Policy: NO Deforestation, NO new development on Peat, and NO Exploitation in the supply chain.

Research for Impact

CSS conducts research that contributes to meaningful action on the ground and creating a positive impact.

Diffusion and Dissemination

CSS is expanding the impact of the P&G Smallholder Program through diffusion and good agricultural practices (GAP) to a broader community of small farmers, small and medium enterprises and other stakeholders.

CSS Sustainability Principles

People (Social)

CSS Social Pillar incorporates stakeholders’ engagement. Awareness training through the RSPO Smallholders Trainer Academy.

Planet (Environment)

CSS Environment Pillar incorporates the P&G Forest Commodity Policy and RSPO Independent Smallholder Standard (RISS).

Prosperity (Economic)

CSS Economic Pillar incorporates livelihood improvement through yield intensification and providing smallholder credits through RISS.

Our Work

Another CSS Initiative

CSS established Pertubuhan Petani Niaga (PERTANIAGA), an independent smallholder farmer association to empower the smallholder community in August 2021. PERTANIAGA became the first independent smallholder association in Malaysia to achieve the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Independent Smallholder Standard 2019 (ISH Standard) certification.

PERTANIAGA’s mission is to support independent smallholder farmers in sustainable oil palm production by achieving certification and compliance through RSPO training, which help them to improve the quality and yield of their palm oil, thus connecting them better to local and international markets.

(Registered under the Registration of Societies Malaysia on 26 May 2020, PERTANIAGA is an association owned 100% by the Independent Smallholders under the supply chain of oil palm suppliers for Bingan Jaya Sdn. Bhd. PERTANIAGA is an RSPO Member under the Ordinary-Oil Palm Growers category (approved in December 2020).

CSS Highlights

19 June 2024

2024 CSS Impact Report.

READ MORE

4 – 5 May 2024

RSPO Independent Smallholder Standard (RISS) Training Sessions for Group 5 Under PERTANIAGA.

READ MORE

2 - 3 April 2024

CSS Strategic Working Wessions P&G for ESG and Sustainability 2024.

READ MORE

Events Calendar

TitleTypeDate
Diffusion Training Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan (PPK) Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor. Training05/07/2023
Diffusion Training at Koperasi Pekebun Kecil Batu Pahat (KOPDAB) in Sri Dayong, Sri Medan, Johor.Training06/07/2023
Advance classroom 1.0 (Primary Lefa Batch 7)Topic: 1. Harvesting, pruning and frond heap arrangement 2. Fertilizer selection and applicationTraining07/07/2023
Diffusion Training Vol 4 with Ambassador Program Training22/07/2023
Diffusion Training Vol 5 with Ambassador ProgramTraining23/07/2023
Temasek Foundation (TF) signs a 5-year partnership with ASB helping expand the impact of the P&G Smallholder Program in Johor, MalaysiaNews21/07/2023
The Diffusion for Impact initiative team – GAP TrainingTraining27/07/2023
Field Demo 1.0 (Primary Lefa Batch 7) 1. Harvesting, pruning and frond heap arrangement 2. Fertilizer selection and applicationTraining25/07/2023
Pertubuhan Petani Niaga Lestari or PERTANIAGA second Annual Surveillance Audit Training04/08/2023
4th Diffusion for Impact Training at Pusat Timbang Sawit III, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor.Training10/08/2023
Advance classroom 2.0 (Primary Lefa Batch 7) – Ms Team Topic: 1. Ganoderma disease and pest management 2. Weed, woodies and epiphyte managementTraining09/08/2023
Diffusion Training – KOPDAB Semerah Training24/08/2023
Field Demo 2.0 (Primary Lefa Batch 7) field demonstration on Pest and Ganoderma Disease Management at Haji Tukimin’s farm in Parit PanjangTraining24/08/2023
International Conference On Environmental, Social and Governance 2023 (i-ESG 2023)Conference21/08/2023
The RISS Training Group 4 volume 1 has been conducted at Pinetree Hotel, Batu Pahat. Training09/09/2023
WWF + RSPO + P&G “Field” Visit to CSS JOHOR Visit05/09/2023
Pre FGV and P&G visit to Batu Pahat LeFa RISS certified farmerVisit13/09/2023
Diffusion Training Vol 5 – Peladang Parit Raja- Event Title GAP Awareness TrainingTraining17/09/2023
Field Demo 3.0 (Primary Lefa Batch 7) Topic: 1. Weed, woodies and epiphyte managementTraining14/09/2023
Diffusion Training Vol 5 – Peladang Parit RajaTraining17/09/2023
Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) in Palm Oil, at Dewan Parit Haji Dahlan, Yong Peng, Batu Pahat.Training24/09/2023
Launching Day Primary Lefa Batch 8 Place: Ms TeamEvent22/09/2023
GAP Awareness Training PPK Sri Medan, Batu Pahat, Johor.Training27/09/2023
The Graduation Day for Primary LeFa Batch 7 and the Agronomy 4-Year Review for Core LeFa Batch 1.Event30/09/2023
RSPO-MONASH JOINT SYMPOSIUMSymposium25/09/2023
Advance Classroom 1.0 Topic: 1. Harvesting, pruning and frond heap arrangement 2. Fertilizer selection and applicationTraining06/10/2023
Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) at Balai Islam, Kampung Baru, Machap Simpang Renggam Johor – UTHM invitationTraining10/10/2023
Field Day 1.0 Topic: 1. Harvesting, pruning and frond heap arrangement 2. Fertilizer selection and applicationTraining12/10/2023
MPOB International Palm Oil Congress and Exhibition (PIPOC 2023)Congress and Exhibition07/11/2023
Advance Classroom 2.0 Topic: 1. Weed and woodies management 2. Epiphyte management 3. Ganoderma disease and pest management Training10/11/2023
Annual Roundtable Conference on Sustainable Palm Oil – JakartaConference20/11/2023
Field Demo 2.0 Topic: Ganoderma disease and pest management Training23/11/2023
Field Demo 3.0 Topic: 1. Weed and woodies management 2. Epiphyte management Training07/12/2023
Graduation Day Primary Lefa Batch 8 PlaceEvent23/12/2023
THE 3RD INTERNATIONAL PLANTATION CONFERENCE (IPC2023) Conference21/12/2023
TVTPP: Training on FFB Quality Improvement & Grading @ Sudiana Enterprise – 9.00 AMTraining08/01/2024
TVDF: Diffusion Training Series 2 with KEMAJU Senggarang Training29/01/2024
Visit to Fortasbi 2. TVDF: Invited to open booth for PPNJ Peladang Agro Outlet Opening CeremonyVisit23/01/2024
CI Non-Lefa Training (Rengit &Pontian area)Training30/01/2024
TVDF: Introduction Session with Pertubuhan Peladang Negeri Johor (PPNJ) – 8.00 AM (engagement session)Training04/01/2024
TVDF: Introduction to GAP and Sustainable Palm Oil with PPK Benut Management and Head Unit (Engagement Session)Training11/11/2024
TVDF: Diffusion Training Series 2 with PPK Senggarang. Topic: Fertilizer Selection and Sustainable Palm OilTraining18/01/2024
CI Non-Lefa Online ClassTraining19/01/2024
TVDF: Diffusion Training Series 1 with KEMAJU PT Tgh Sri Aman. Topic: Fertilizer Selection and Supply ChainTraining14/01/2024
TVDF: Study Visit to FGV Jengka, Pahang with PPK PT Raja DF ISHsVisit05/02/2024
TVDF: Study Visit to FGV Jengka, Pahang with PPK PT Raja DF ISHsTraining06/02/2024
PERTANIAGA’s AGMEvent17/02/2024
CI: Lefa Online ClassTraining20/02/2024
TVDF: Diffusion Training with KEMAJU Simpang Renggam Branch. Training22/02/2024
LI : Trainer Visit (Integration crop)Visit22/02/2024
TVTPP: Training on FFB Quality Improvement & Grading at Perniagaan Bingan JayaTraining27/02/2024
CI Lefa Training (Rengit area)Training28/02/2024
TVDF: Diffusion Training Series 1 with PPK Simpang 5.Training29/02/2024
CC Mega Training G5A (Vol 1)Training02/02/2024
TVDF: Diffusion Training Series 2 with PPK Simpang 5. Topic: Fertilizer Selection and Sustainable Palm OilTraining07/02/2024
CC: Mega Training G5a (Vol 2)Training27/04/2024
CC: Mega Training G5a (Vol 2)Training28/04/2024
CI: Lefa Training (Pontian area)Training 21/05/2024
CC: Mega Training G1+G2+G3A+G3B+G4 (Survelliance Training)Training25/05/2024
CC Mega Training G1+G2+G3A+G3B+G4 (Survelliance Training)Training26/05/2024
LI Trainer Visit (Fertilizer manufacturing sites)Visit06/06/2024
CI Lefa Training (Batu Pahat area)Training13/06/2024
CC RISS External Audit – Extension & SurveillanceAudit23/07/2024
CC RISS External Audit – Extension & SurveillanceAudit24/07/2024
CC RISS External Audit – Extension & SurveillanceAudit25/07/2024
CC: RISS External Audit – Extension & SurveillanceAudit26/07/2024
CC: RISS External Audit – Extension & SurveillanceAudit27/07/2024
CI: Lefa Online ClassTraining08/08/2024
CC: Mega Training G5B (Vol 1)Training10/08/2024
CI: Lefa Training (Rengit area)Training22/08/2024
CI: Lefa Training (Pontian area)Training12/09/2024
CC: Mega Training G5A (Vol 2)Training07/09/2024
CC: Mega Training G5A (Vol 2)Training08/09/2024
CC: Mega Training G5B (Vol 1Training21/09/2024
CI: Non-Lefa Training (Rengit &Pontian area)Training14/10/2024
CI: Non-Lefa Online ClassTraining02/10/2024
CI: Lefa Training (Batu Pahat area)Training24/10/2024
LI: Trainer Visit (Oil palm management)Visit12/11/2024
CI: Non-Lefa Training (Batu Pahat area)Training21/11/2024
CC: Mega Training G5A + G5B (Mock Audit)Training09/11/2024
CC: Mega Training G5A + G5B (Mock Audit)Training10/11/2024
PERTANIAGA’s 4th AGMEvent21/12/2024

Testimonials

The P&G Smallholder Program, implemented by CSS in the districts of Batu Pahat and Pontian, Johor, is committed to ensuring responsible and ethical palm oil supply chains. The program focuses on ethical and responsible sourcing of oil palm from independent smallholder farmers and growers, empowering them through certification and compliance, increasing their overall yield through training and implementation of best-in-class and sustainable agricultural practices. Together with the CSS Diffusion program, the LeFa farmers act as ambassadors to foster awareness on sustainable palm oil, knowledge on GAP and best management practices to bigger communities of smallholders and farmers, creating awareness yield intensification as well as on minimising environmental impact based on NDPE policy.

Ahmad Affandi bin Siraj

RISS Group 1, LeFa Primary Program Farmer

Salehah binti Md Som

RISS Group 2, LeFa Primary Program Farmer

Samian bin Sawiyo

RISS Group 3A, LeFa Primary Program Farmer

RISS Group 3A, LeFa Primary Program Farmer

Get Involved

Support sustainability and connect with us via hello.css@asb.edu.my

Collaborate with Us!

CSS is committed to work with: Government agencies, universities, NGOs and Multinational Corporation | Independent smallholder farmers and growers | Independent smallholder associations and cooperatives.

Training with Us!

Learn more about good agriculture and best management practices training through our program. This program is implemented by CSS in the districts of Batu Pahat and Pontian, Johor and fully funded by CSS under the P&G Smallholder Diffusion program.

Internship/ Career with Us!

Interested candidates should submit their application with a comprehensive resume detailing qualifications, experiences, current and expected salary together with a recent passport-sized photograph to hello.css@asb.edu.my. Only shortlisted candidates will be called for interview.

Knowledge Center

TitleYearType
Impact Report March 20242024Publication
Ensuring long-term sustainability of farms through certification2024Newspaper
Report: Over 400 smallholder palm oil farmers achieve RSPO certification (Borneo Post- Print)2024Newspaper
Lebih 400 pekebun kecil capai pensijilan RSPO (Berita Harian- Print)2024Newspaper
Lebih 400 pekebun kecil capai pensijilan RSPO (Utusan Sarawak- Print)2024Newspaper
Lebih 400 pekebun kecil capai pensijilan RSPO- Laporan impak CSS (The Sun)2024Newspaper
Lebih 400 pekebun kecil capai pensijilan RSPO – Laporan impak CSS (Bernama- online)2024Newspaper
ASB CSS March 2024 Impact Report Release2024Social Media Post
Over 400 smallholders achieve RSPO certification – CSS Impact Report2024Newspaper
Improving Livelihoods for Independent Smallholders by Yield Intensification through Good Agricultural Practices (IOPRI)2024Research
CSS Corporate Profile SV1 MARCH 20242024Collateral
RISS Execution by an Independent Smallholder Association (IOPRI)2024Research
Insights from RISS Execution for A Smallholder Association for Oil Palm2023Poster
Achieving Sustainable Development Goals – An NDPE and Certification Strategy for Independent Smallholder Farmers for Oil Palm 2023Poster
A Comparative Legal Analysis for Oil palm between Malaysia & Indonesia (KL)2023Poster
The Road to Certified Sustainable Palm Oil: A Sustainability Journey from the Fields of Johor, Malaysia. ASB, 2023 (Certification Guidance Document)2023Publication
Value Created Vs Value Received. The State of Independent Smallholder Farmers and Collection Center for Oil Palm2023Poster
RISS Execution by an Independent Smallholder Association2023Poster
Panduan Ringkas: Pensijilan Minyak Sawit Mampan RSPO: Perkongsian Berdasarkan Pengalaman Pensijilan Pekebun Kecil Persendirian Kumpulan PERTANIAGA di Johor, Malaysia.ASB, 2023 ( A Bahasa Melayu version of Chapter 5 guiding execution of RISS:2023Publication
Not forgetting the independent smallholders2023Newspaper
Membangun rantaian bekalan yang mampan untuk petani kecil (Dagang News)2023Newspaper
Membangun rantaian bekalan yang mampan untuk petani kecil2023Newspaper
Building Sustainable Supply Chains for Small Farmers (The Edge)2023Newspaper
Helping small-holders go green while raising incomes (The Star)2023Newspaper
Kurikukulm Program Pekebun Kecil P&G: Amalan Pertanian Baik (GAP). ASB, 2023 (GAP training modules)2023Publication
Independent Farmers On-board the Smallholders Program2021Article
CSS Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)2020Article

PUBLISHED: 26 APR 2024

Niaga SPOTLIGHT: Sustainability & Palm Supply Chains

PUBLISHED: MARCH 2024

Unveiling of CSS Impact Report

PUBLISHED: 7 MARCH 2024

P&G Leadership Visit

Guides to Good Agricultural Practice

These Good Agricultural Practice Field Guides focus specifically on Agronomic issues related to Independent Smallholder farmers. These include topics demonstrated through Field days such as Harvesting, Fertilizer Application, Pruning & Frond Placement, Weed Control, Woodies Eradication, Trunk Epiphytes Eradication and Ganoderma Management.

Panduan Amalan Pertanian yang Baik ini memberi tumpuan khusus kepada isu-isu pertaninan yang berkaitan dengan Petani Kecil. Ini merangkumi topik-topik penting termasuk Penuaian, Aplikasi Pembajaan, Pemangkasan & Penyusunan Pelepah, Pengawalan Rumpai, Pembasmian Rumpai Kayu, Pembasmian Pokok Menumpang dan Pengurusan Penyakit Ganoderma.

PUBLISHED: 14 JAN 2021

Oil Palm Fronds Arrangement in Farm

PUBLISHED: 14 JAN 2021

Management of Epiphyte Plants

PUBLISHED: 14 JAN 2021

Woody Weed & Tree Control

TitleGuide
WEBINAR – 5 Fungsi & Kepentingan Nutrien Boron (B) Untuk Kelapa Sawit 16 JUN 2020Download Here
WEBINAR – 4 Fungsi & Kepentingan Nutrien Fosfat (P) Untuk Kelapa Sawit T 9 JUN 2020Download Here
WEBINAR – 3 Fungsi & Kepentingan Nutrien Magnesium (Mg) Untuk Kelapa Sawit 2 JUN 2020Download Here
WEBINAR – 2 Fungsi & Kepentingan Nutrien Kalium (K) Untuk Kelapa Sawit: 19 MEI 2020Download Here
Pengurusan Penyakit Ganoderma (Bahagian 2)Download Here
Pengurusan Penyakit Ganoderma (Bahagian 1)Download Here
Panduan bergambar untuk Rumput-Rumpai AmDownload Here
Pengurusan dan Kawalan Rumput-Rumpai AmDownload Here
Kawalan Rumpai Berkayu dan PokokDownload Here
Pengurusan Kawalan Pokok MenumpangDownload Here
Susunan Pelepah Kelapa Sawit di KebunDownload Here
Management of Ganoderma (Part 2)Download Here
Management of Ganoderma (Part 1)Download Here
Photo Guide to General Weeds Download Here
Management & Control of General WeedsDownload Here
Woody Weed & Tree ControlDownload Here
Management of Epiphyte PlantsDownload Here
Oil Palm Midrib Arrangement in FarmDownload Here

Director, P&G Center for Sustainable Small-owners

Dr. Asad Ata is an Associate Professor II of Operations and Supply Chain Management at the Asia School of Business. His primary areas of research include sustainable sourcing and supply chain management.

Dr. Asad has worked full-time in the industry for over 12 years on various supply chain IT, telecom, and e-commerce projects. He has also worked extensively with food and agricultural supply chains with multinational corporations, NGOs, government organizations, and agencies such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and SWIFT.

Dr. Asad Ata

Associate Professor II, Operations and Supply Chain Management

Kuan-Chun Lee

Ph.D., Director Principal Scientist at Procter & Gamble

JYphoto

Ng Jin Yong

Palm ESG Sustainability Manager at Procter & Gamble

Saifullah Azahar

Manager

M. Aiman Hashim

Assistant Manager

Mohamad Rizal

Assistant Manager

Nursaiyidah Md Yusof

Manager

Nur Amanina Rashid

Assistant Manager

M. Zafiq Aziral Mohd Ali

Assistant Manager

Muhilan Ratnam

Senior Manager

Hafiz Ikhram Osman

Agronomy Manager

Izzah Khairina Ja’ffar

Assistant Manager

Taimoor Malik

Business Data Lead

Sharifah Rafidah Syed Ibrahim

Manager

Vinodhini Gunasegaram

Senior Manager, CSS Program

Dr. Vasagi Ramachandran

Senior Research Associate

Christopher Richard Donough

Independent Consultant (Oil Palm Agronomy & Breeding)

16 August 2023

The P&G Center for Sustainable Small-owners (CSS) team met the Johor State Executive Council (EXCO) for the Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, and Rural Development. The EXCO office shared with us that they had collected feedback on CSS’s ongoing work and were pleased that it was positive and inspiring.


The meeting concluded that with the support of the State EXCO and existing CSS partners like CSS Smallholder Association PERTANIAGA, UTHM, and other relevant agencies from the state, CSS should expand its effort and outreach to other districts in Johor, and two new districts were suggested.


The State office also posted this update on their Facebook page at: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0SHEuS4v2

 

The CSS delegation was led by Dr. Asad Ata, with CSS managers leading various CSS initiatives. Dr. Siti Najaa, from ASB’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC), participated in this meeting. She presented the scope of IEC and shared the potential for a collaborative digitalization of the plantation project with CSS. This initiative would involve leveraging technologies like IoT and precision agriculture through an Innovation Challenge, engaging ASB students, alumni, and beyond.

Ahmad Affandi bin Siraj

RISS Group 1, LeFa Primary Program Farmer

I’ve learned a lot from the P&G Smallholder program! Even though I’m used to being a farmer, this program teaches me how to become a better farmer. I didn’t know that all this time I had used fertilizer in the wrong way, and it was a waste of money and time, but now I use fertilizer in a very systematic way. With the knowledge applied together with good agriculture and management practices, I can see the impact on the yield increment, and it is worth it!

Salehah binti Md Som

RISS Group 2, LeFa Primary Program Farmer

We always overfertilized; we thought that by overfertilizing, we could get a better yield. But we were wrong. We used to pour 3 kg of fertilizer on every tree, and now we use only 800 grams. After a year of joining this program with 4R, right time, right amount, right type, and right method, we managed to get a weight increase from 6 to 9 kg on average, and we got 38 MT from our 9-year-old 1 Ha on peatland. Last time we didn’t do recording, now we do record-keeping, and with that, we know how much we are gaining.

Samian bin Sawiyo

RISS Group 3A, LeFa Primary Program Farmer

I joined the program in 2022, and I had zero knowledge of how to manage oil palm. Can you imagine how long I had used the wrong management practices on our oil palm? Last time we fertilized around the trees, but now we schedule the fertilizing and do it right, four times a year, based on the method taught by the program. I would recommend this program to other farmers. It increases our income significantly, and we managed to harvest once every two weeks, compared to once every three weeks using the old method. It is very good knowledge!

Shahrulazan Nor bin Mohamad Daud

RISS Group 3A, LeFa Primary Program Farmer

I just joined this program in early 2023, and before that, I’d been doing the oil palm for more than five years without any guidance.

I knew this program from Bingan Jaya Sdn Bhd promotion, and I can see that the program teaches about Good Agricultural Pratices (GAP) that include harvesting, pruning, and frond heap arrangement, fertilizer selection and application management, pest and disease management, and a lot more!

I also get help from the CSS Agronomy team whenever I have problems or questions about the palm oil. We interact via WhatsApp, and normally, just by showing them the photos, I’ll get the feedback right away. I plan to get my friends to join this program too.

The ASB-UNHCR Research Workshop on Refugee Studies and Forced Displacement 2023

The two-day workshop on refugee studies and forced displacement is being held for the third time in Malaysia by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR, in collaboration with the Asia School of Business ahead of World Refugee Day (20th of June), to highlight the importance of those who fled their war-torn country receiving basic human needs such as healthcare and education when seeking asylum. About 200 participants from all over the world attended the workshop and gathered to exchange and discuss ideas to understand deeper on refugees issues.