RSPO and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Sign MoU to Drive Sustainability in Palm Oil

Kuala Lumpur, 13 February 2025: The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration and promote sustainable practices in the palm oil sector. The MoU was signed during the opening ceremony of the One Health, One World Symposium on 10 December 2024 at Mercure Living Hotel, Putrajaya.

UPM’s Vice-Chancellor, YBhg Dato’ Prof. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, officiated the ceremony and represented UPM in signing the MoU, witnessed by YBhg. Prof. Ts. Dr. Siti Khairunniza Bejo, Director of Institute of Plantations Studies. The RSPO was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Joseph D’Cruz, and Director of Standards and Sustainability, Yen Hun Sung, who witnessed the signing of the MoU. Yen Hun Sung also participated as a keynote speaker at the symposium, highlighting the vital role of academic partnerships in advancing sustainable palm oil.

During  the occasion, Chief Executive Officer RSPO, Joseph D’Cruz highlighted how knowledge in science, technology, and innovation will be pivotal to unlock the  full economic potential of the palm oil sector, advancing sustainability, and improving the quality of life for communities. “By partnering with Universiti Putra Malaysia through this MoU, we are committing to an outcome-driven collaboration that will elevate the industry to new heights. This partnership embraces SDG 17, fostering cross-sector collaboration to drive positive change. Together, we aim to build a knowledge-driven society that is critical, creative, and innovative in advancing sustainable practices in the palm oil sector – one that contributes to employment, food security, and the broader well-being of communities”, said D’Cruz. 

Achieving these objectives requires strong partnerships between academia and industry. YBhg. Prof. Ts. Dr. Siti Khairunniza Bejo, Director of Institute of Plantations Studies, UPM also reflected that,“This MoU signifies collaborative work between UPM and RSPO to promote sustainable palm oil production, which will lead to innovative solutions that positively impact planetary health”. 

The scope of cooperation between RSPO and UPM includes joint research and academic activities, collaboration on international conferences and seminars, and internships and career development activities. RSPO and UPM anticipate a strong partnership that will  strengthen ties between academia and industry, focusing on research initiatives, capacity building, and innovative solutions which will prove invaluable as we collectively address sustainability challenges in the palm oil supply chain. 

About Universiti Putra Malaysia:

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), located just 22 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur, is one of Malaysia’s top Research Universities, established in 1931. Known for its excellence in various academic fields such as Engineering, Agriculture, Medicine, and Computer Science, UPM is a leading institution in the country. It is ranked 158th in the QS World University Rankings 2024, 25th among the Best Asian Universities in the QS Asia University Ranking 2024, and 36th in Agricultural Sciences according to the US News and World Report Best Global Universities Rankings. UPM plays a vital role in Malaysia’s Multimedia Super Corridor, aimed at advancing the nation’s information technology sector. With a focus on both academic excellence and societal contribution, UPM is dedicated to fostering knowledge, research, and skilled human capital. Its slogan, “With Knowledge We Serve,” reflects its commitment to shaping a brighter future for students and society alike.

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,