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
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
Mission
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).
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.
- Certification Success: Over 400 farmers have achieved RSPO Independent Smallholder Certification, with another 400 expected by 2025.
- Improved Livelihoods: 306 certified farmers received USD 42,630 in premiums from 2021-2023.
- Environmental Impact: Adoption of best agricultural practices has improved yield and waste and chemical management.
- Community Empowerment: Establishment of PERTANIAGA, a smallholder-owned association with over 700 members.
- Training & Awareness: 1,972 farmers trained on Good Agricultural Practices since July 2022.
4 – 5 May 2024
RSPO Independent Smallholder Standard (RISS) Training Sessions for Group 5 Under PERTANIAGA.
The CSS team from ASB and the Independent Smallholders under their Association PERTANIAGA, jointly organized a training in Johor Bahru over the weekend on the RSPO Independent Smallholder Standard (RISS).
72 Independent Smallholders (ISHs) attended the session. Trainers from ASB CSS, UITM Jasin @ Melaka and PERTANIAGA conducted the sessions including topics on Benefits Of Being In A Sustainability Group, Harvesting, Fertiliser Selection & Application and Financial Literacy.
Post-training, the ISH are required to implement Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and prepare for their own external certification audit scheduled at the end of Q1 2025 after which they will be entitled to receive 100% premium on their produce.
While CSS has trained more than 600 farmers, these elderly 1st generation farmers had some difficult questions up their sleeve – how to keep the second and third generation still on the farm.
2 - 3 April 2024
CSS Strategic Working Wessions P&G for ESG and Sustainability 2024.
2 April – 3 April: CSS had strategic working sessions with Eugene Han, Senior Director at P&G for ESG and Sustainability and Ng Jin Yong, Palm ESG Sustainability Manager over the last two days at ASB.
Eugene expressed P&G’s appreciation with the current progress of the program with a mandate from P&G to expand the program to other states of Malaysia going forward. Notably, Eugene shared that P&G Senior Vice President Eric Roberts in his P&G townhall announced that “The CSS driven Smallholder Program is P&G’s best CSR/ESG program globally.”
Events Calendar
| Title | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Diffusion Training Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan (PPK) Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor. | Training | 05/07/2023 |
| Diffusion Training at Koperasi Pekebun Kecil Batu Pahat (KOPDAB) in Sri Dayong, Sri Medan, Johor. | Training | 06/07/2023 |
| Advance classroom 1.0 (Primary Lefa Batch 7)Topic: 1. Harvesting, pruning and frond heap arrangement 2. Fertilizer selection and application | Training | 07/07/2023 |
| Diffusion Training Vol 4 with Ambassador Program | Training | 22/07/2023 |
| Diffusion Training Vol 5 with Ambassador Program | Training | 23/07/2023 |
| Temasek Foundation (TF) signs a 5-year partnership with ASB helping expand the impact of the P&G Smallholder Program in Johor, Malaysia | News | 21/07/2023 |
| The Diffusion for Impact initiative team – GAP Training | Training | 27/07/2023 |
| Field Demo 1.0 (Primary Lefa Batch 7) 1. Harvesting, pruning and frond heap arrangement 2. Fertilizer selection and application | Training | 25/07/2023 |
| Pertubuhan Petani Niaga Lestari or PERTANIAGA second Annual Surveillance Audit | Training | 04/08/2023 |
| 4th Diffusion for Impact Training at Pusat Timbang Sawit III, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor. | Training | 10/08/2023 |
| Advance classroom 2.0 (Primary Lefa Batch 7) – Ms Team Topic: 1. Ganoderma disease and pest management 2. Weed, woodies and epiphyte management | Training | 09/08/2023 |
| Diffusion Training – KOPDAB Semerah | Training | 24/08/2023 |
| Field Demo 2.0 (Primary Lefa Batch 7) field demonstration on Pest and Ganoderma Disease Management at Haji Tukimin’s farm in Parit Panjang | Training | 24/08/2023 |
| International Conference On Environmental, Social and Governance 2023 (i-ESG 2023) | Conference | 21/08/2023 |
| The RISS Training Group 4 volume 1 has been conducted at Pinetree Hotel, Batu Pahat. | Training | 09/09/2023 |
| WWF + RSPO + P&G “Field” Visit to CSS JOHOR | Visit | 05/09/2023 |
| Pre FGV and P&G visit to Batu Pahat LeFa RISS certified farmer | Visit | 13/09/2023 |
| Diffusion Training Vol 5 – Peladang Parit Raja- Event Title GAP Awareness Training | Training | 17/09/2023 |
| Field Demo 3.0 (Primary Lefa Batch 7) Topic: 1. Weed, woodies and epiphyte management | Training | 14/09/2023 |
| Diffusion Training Vol 5 – Peladang Parit Raja | Training | 17/09/2023 |
| Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) in Palm Oil, at Dewan Parit Haji Dahlan, Yong Peng, Batu Pahat. | Training | 24/09/2023 |
| Launching Day Primary Lefa Batch 8 Place: Ms Team | Event | 22/09/2023 |
| GAP Awareness Training PPK Sri Medan, Batu Pahat, Johor. | Training | 27/09/2023 |
| The Graduation Day for Primary LeFa Batch 7 and the Agronomy 4-Year Review for Core LeFa Batch 1. | Event | 30/09/2023 |
| RSPO-MONASH JOINT SYMPOSIUM | Symposium | 25/09/2023 |
| Advance Classroom 1.0 Topic: 1. Harvesting, pruning and frond heap arrangement 2. Fertilizer selection and application | Training | 06/10/2023 |
| Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) at Balai Islam, Kampung Baru, Machap Simpang Renggam Johor – UTHM invitation | Training | 10/10/2023 |
| Field Day 1.0 Topic: 1. Harvesting, pruning and frond heap arrangement 2. Fertilizer selection and application | Training | 12/10/2023 |
| MPOB International Palm Oil Congress and Exhibition (PIPOC 2023) | Congress and Exhibition | 07/11/2023 |
| Advance Classroom 2.0 Topic: 1. Weed and woodies management 2. Epiphyte management 3. Ganoderma disease and pest management | Training | 10/11/2023 |
| Annual Roundtable Conference on Sustainable Palm Oil – Jakarta | Conference | 20/11/2023 |
| Field Demo 2.0 Topic: Ganoderma disease and pest management | Training | 23/11/2023 |
| Field Demo 3.0 Topic: 1. Weed and woodies management 2. Epiphyte management | Training | 07/12/2023 |
| Graduation Day Primary Lefa Batch 8 Place | Event | 23/12/2023 |
| THE 3RD INTERNATIONAL PLANTATION CONFERENCE (IPC2023) | Conference | 21/12/2023 |
| TVTPP: Training on FFB Quality Improvement & Grading @ Sudiana Enterprise – 9.00 AM | Training | 08/01/2024 |
| TVDF: Diffusion Training Series 2 with KEMAJU Senggarang | Training | 29/01/2024 |
| Visit to Fortasbi 2. TVDF: Invited to open booth for PPNJ Peladang Agro Outlet Opening Ceremony | Visit | 23/01/2024 |
| CI Non-Lefa Training (Rengit &Pontian area) | Training | 30/01/2024 |
| TVDF: Introduction Session with Pertubuhan Peladang Negeri Johor (PPNJ) – 8.00 AM (engagement session) | Training | 04/01/2024 |
| TVDF: Introduction to GAP and Sustainable Palm Oil with PPK Benut Management and Head Unit (Engagement Session) | Training | 11/11/2024 |
| TVDF: Diffusion Training Series 2 with PPK Senggarang. Topic: Fertilizer Selection and Sustainable Palm Oil | Training | 18/01/2024 |
| CI Non-Lefa Online Class | Training | 19/01/2024 |
| TVDF: Diffusion Training Series 1 with KEMAJU PT Tgh Sri Aman. Topic: Fertilizer Selection and Supply Chain | Training | 14/01/2024 |
| TVDF: Study Visit to FGV Jengka, Pahang with PPK PT Raja DF ISHs | Visit | 05/02/2024 |
| TVDF: Study Visit to FGV Jengka, Pahang with PPK PT Raja DF ISHs | Training | 06/02/2024 |
| PERTANIAGA’s AGM | Event | 17/02/2024 |
| CI: Lefa Online Class | Training | 20/02/2024 |
| TVDF: Diffusion Training with KEMAJU Simpang Renggam Branch. | Training | 22/02/2024 |
| LI : Trainer Visit (Integration crop) | Visit | 22/02/2024 |
| TVTPP: Training on FFB Quality Improvement & Grading at Perniagaan Bingan Jaya | Training | 27/02/2024 |
| CI Lefa Training (Rengit area) | Training | 28/02/2024 |
| TVDF: Diffusion Training Series 1 with PPK Simpang 5. | Training | 29/02/2024 |
| CC Mega Training G5A (Vol 1) | Training | 02/02/2024 |
| TVDF: Diffusion Training Series 2 with PPK Simpang 5. Topic: Fertilizer Selection and Sustainable Palm Oil | Training | 07/02/2024 |
| CC: Mega Training G5a (Vol 2) | Training | 27/04/2024 |
| CC: Mega Training G5a (Vol 2) | Training | 28/04/2024 |
| CI: Lefa Training (Pontian area) | Training | 21/05/2024 |
| CC: Mega Training G1+G2+G3A+G3B+G4 (Survelliance Training) | Training | 25/05/2024 |
| CC Mega Training G1+G2+G3A+G3B+G4 (Survelliance Training) | Training | 26/05/2024 |
| LI Trainer Visit (Fertilizer manufacturing sites) | Visit | 06/06/2024 |
| CI Lefa Training (Batu Pahat area) | Training | 13/06/2024 |
| CC RISS External Audit – Extension & Surveillance | Audit | 23/07/2024 |
| CC RISS External Audit – Extension & Surveillance | Audit | 24/07/2024 |
| CC RISS External Audit – Extension & Surveillance | Audit | 25/07/2024 |
| CC: RISS External Audit – Extension & Surveillance | Audit | 26/07/2024 |
| CC: RISS External Audit – Extension & Surveillance | Audit | 27/07/2024 |
| CI: Lefa Online Class | Training | 08/08/2024 |
| CC: Mega Training G5B (Vol 1) | Training | 10/08/2024 |
| CI: Lefa Training (Rengit area) | Training | 22/08/2024 |
| CI: Lefa Training (Pontian area) | Training | 12/09/2024 |
| CC: Mega Training G5A (Vol 2) | Training | 07/09/2024 |
| CC: Mega Training G5A (Vol 2) | Training | 08/09/2024 |
| CC: Mega Training G5B (Vol 1 | Training | 21/09/2024 |
| CI: Non-Lefa Training (Rengit &Pontian area) | Training | 14/10/2024 |
| CI: Non-Lefa Online Class | Training | 02/10/2024 |
| CI: Lefa Training (Batu Pahat area) | Training | 24/10/2024 |
| LI: Trainer Visit (Oil palm management) | Visit | 12/11/2024 |
| CI: Non-Lefa Training (Batu Pahat area) | Training | 21/11/2024 |
| CC: Mega Training G5A + G5B (Mock Audit) | Training | 09/11/2024 |
| CC: Mega Training G5A + G5B (Mock Audit) | Training | 10/11/2024 |
| PERTANIAGA’s 4th AGM | Event | 21/12/2024 |
Testimonials
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
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
PUBLISHED: 6 MAY 2024
Introduction to CSS
PUBLISHED: 26 APR 2024
Niaga SPOTLIGHT: Sustainability & Palm Supply Chains
PUBLISHED: MARCH 2024
Unveiling of CSS Impact Report
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
| Title | Guide |
|---|---|
| WEBINAR – 5 Fungsi & Kepentingan Nutrien Boron (B) Untuk Kelapa Sawit 16 JUN 2020 | Download Here |
| WEBINAR – 4 Fungsi & Kepentingan Nutrien Fosfat (P) Untuk Kelapa Sawit T 9 JUN 2020 | Download Here |
| WEBINAR – 3 Fungsi & Kepentingan Nutrien Magnesium (Mg) Untuk Kelapa Sawit 2 JUN 2020 | Download Here |
| WEBINAR – 2 Fungsi & Kepentingan Nutrien Kalium (K) Untuk Kelapa Sawit: 19 MEI 2020 | Download Here |
| Pengurusan Penyakit Ganoderma (Bahagian 2) | Download Here |
| Pengurusan Penyakit Ganoderma (Bahagian 1) | Download Here |
| Panduan bergambar untuk Rumput-Rumpai Am | Download Here |
| Pengurusan dan Kawalan Rumput-Rumpai Am | Download Here |
| Kawalan Rumpai Berkayu dan Pokok | Download Here |
| Pengurusan Kawalan Pokok Menumpang | Download Here |
| Susunan Pelepah Kelapa Sawit di Kebun | Download 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 Weeds | Download Here |
| Woody Weed & Tree Control | Download Here |
| Management of Epiphyte Plants | Download Here |
| Oil Palm Midrib Arrangement in Farm | Download Here |
PUBLISHED: 6 MAY 2024
Introduction to CSS
PUBLISHED: 26 APR 2024
Niaga SPOTLIGHT: Sustainability & Palm Supply Chains
PUBLISHED: MARCH 2024
Unveiling of CSS Impact Report
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
| Title | Guide |
|---|---|
| WEBINAR – 5 Fungsi & Kepentingan Nutrien Boron (B) Untuk Kelapa Sawit 16 JUN 2020 | Download Here |
| WEBINAR – 4 Fungsi & Kepentingan Nutrien Fosfat (P) Untuk Kelapa Sawit T 9 JUN 2020 | Download Here |
| WEBINAR – 3 Fungsi & Kepentingan Nutrien Magnesium (Mg) Untuk Kelapa Sawit 2 JUN 2020 | Download Here |
| WEBINAR – 2 Fungsi & Kepentingan Nutrien Kalium (K) Untuk Kelapa Sawit: 19 MEI 2020 | Download Here |
| Pengurusan Penyakit Ganoderma (Bahagian 2) | Download Here |
| Pengurusan Penyakit Ganoderma (Bahagian 1) | Download Here |
| Panduan bergambar untuk Rumput-Rumpai Am | Download Here |
| Pengurusan dan Kawalan Rumput-Rumpai Am | Download Here |
| Kawalan Rumpai Berkayu dan Pokok | Download Here |
| Pengurusan Kawalan Pokok Menumpang | Download Here |
| Susunan Pelepah Kelapa Sawit di Kebun | Download 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 Weeds | Download Here |
| Woody Weed & Tree Control | Download Here |
| Management of Epiphyte Plants | Download Here |
| Oil Palm Midrib Arrangement in Farm | Download 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
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)