Methodist Pilley Institute launches Certificate of Plantation Management programme

SIBU: The Methodist Pilley Institute (MPI) has partnered with the Incorporated Society of Planters (ISP) to initiate the Certificate of Plantation Management (CPM) programme in Sibu, Bintulu and Kuching.

PI chief executive officer Hii King Kai said the programme was made possible through the Sarawak government’s Business Recovery Scheme in collaboration with the Sarawak Business Federation (SBF).

“The CPM programme, a result of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between MPI and ISP in March 2023, aims to enhance the performance and efficiency of plantation management in Sarawak,” stated Hii at a press conference held at MPI’s premises on Friday (Jan 26).

Hii explained that ISP has entrusted MPI as its training partner to conduct the programme in Sarawak, with technical modules facilitated by trainers from West Malaysia or experienced planters approved by ISP’s Technical Education Scheme (TES) committee.

Expressing delight at bringing the CPM programme to Sibu, Bintulu and Kuching as part of the Sarawak government’s Business Recovery Scheme, he noted that this collaboration represents a crucial step toward advancing the skills and expertise of plantation managers in Sarawak.

The objectives of the CPM programme align with the Sarawak Government’s vision to elevate the standard of plantation management in the region, bringing it on par with industry benchmarks in West Malaysia, he highlighted.

Hii shared positive feedback from participants, quoting one from a recent workshop in Bintulu: “Thank you so much for experiences and knowledge sharing by our trainer, Dr George Chen Nguk Fa, and tips sharing in sustainable plantation operations by veteran planters, agronomists, accountants, and estate managers from oil palm big players. It’s a really fruitful two-day programme for smallholders like us.”
MPI extended appreciation to the Sarawak government for its support through the Business Recovery Scheme, acknowledging collaboration with the Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association (SOPPOA).

Hii expressed gratitude to the ISP Board members for approving the CPM programme in Sarawak, recognising the pivotal role of trainers in ensuring programme success.

Hii, also the MPI principal, revealed overwhelming enrollment response, with Sibu and Bintulu cohorts full and a waiting list. He urged the Sarawak government to consider extending the scheme to accommodate the enthusiastic response, fostering better-managed plantations and contributing to regional economic development.

Confident that the CPM programme will catalyse positive change in the industry, Hii announced plans to introduce higher-level certification programmes from ISP in the near future, such as the Professional Diploma of Licentiate of The Incorporated Society of Planters (LISP) and Advanced Professional Diploma of Associate of The Incorporated Society of Planters (AISP).

“With collaborative efforts between the three parties, we look forward to better days in the plantation industry,” Hii concluded.

Present at the press conference were chairman of Technical Education Scheme (TES) of ISP, Mohd Sabre Salim; CEO of SOPPOA, Dr Felix Moh; and chairman of ISP Central Sarawak Branch, Ling Chia Yi.