The Center for Sustainable Small-owners (CSS)
The Center for Sustainable Small-owners (CSS) was established by funding from Procter & Gamble (P&G) in 2018 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
23 October 2023
The Centre for Sustainable Small-owners (CSS) delivered training on establishing sustainable practices for the oil palm production eco-system under Pengurusan Pertubuhan Peladang (Farmer Association) Parit Raja, Johor.
This training focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Oil Extraction Rate (OER) enhancement.
Led by the Unit Head of the farmer association for Parit Tengah (PPKPT) a total of 74 independent smallholders consisting of 28 existing members and 46 new members from the Smallholder Association of Parit Raja joined the training. This included 42 male and 32 female farmers.
This training was possible with help from the CSS Ambassador farmers who continue to represent CSS and showcase our program across villages and small farmers communities.
13 September 2023
The CSS Project Site was visited by FGV Sustainability Unit, led by Nurul Hasanah Ahamed, FGV Head for Group Sustainability Division
“I witnessed the program’s success firsthand. We were aware of it since small holders had shared their experience with us a few years back.Thank you so much for the trip and we hope to benefit from your excellent work.” Nurul concluded at the visit.
FGV owns 67 mills across Malaysia, processing over 14 million MT of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) annually, where two-thirds of the FFB are sourced from FELDA settlers and independent smallholders. CSS is looking for ways to help the independent smallholders supplying to FGV Mills. P&G ESG Sustainability Directors, Francis Weiderkehr based at Geneva and Girish Deshpande from P&G UK, Senior Director Eugene Han and Dr. Kuan-Chun Lee, Principal Scientist from P&G Singapore also joined the site visit. They attended the training session conducted by CSS at the invitation of YB Puan Nur Rashidah Haji Ramli, Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Kawasan Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor.
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.
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: 29 JUN 2021
Field Practices to Control Ganoderma Disease in Smallholder Oil Palm Farm (Bahasa Malaysia)
PUBLISHED: 29 JUN 2021
Field Practices to Control Ganoderma Disease in Smallholder Oil Palm Farm (English)
PUBLISHED: 28 MAY 2021
RSPO-RISS Training for PERTANIAGA Farmers (Group 1)
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