WWF-Malaysia partners with Control Union Malaysia to shape next generation of sustainability professionals

In conjunction with National Environmental Week, WWF-Malaysia has launched a training programme to encourage young Malaysians to consider a career in sustainability certification schemes.

The training programme was co-designed by WWF-Malaysia and implementing partner Control Union Malaysia, to expose tertiary students and fresh graduates to certification schemes such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) and Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO).

This programme will not only familiarise participants with these certification schemes, but also provide insights into the broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agenda, as well as sustainability issues in the forestry and palm oil industries.

Selected participants will also have the opportunity to undertake three-month internships with companies such as Forest Solutions Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad (KLK), Samling Group, Weng Meng Industries and Wild Asia, with the first batch of internships beginning in February 2025.

Sophia Lim, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WWF-Malaysia, said that an early introduction to sustainability certification schemes will help address the shortage of qualified auditors and assessors in the forestry and palm oil sectors.

“These sectors play a vital role in ensuring that our nation’s natural resources are sustainably managed. Developing skills in sustainability certifications is key to managing our forests and plantations effectively.

“We can create a win-win scenario where students are rewarded with a unique learning experience, while companies get access to talent familiar with sustainability certifications,” she clarified.

Control Union Malaysia’s Managing Director, Supun Nigamuni, said this initiative could help boost the numbers of qualified sustainability professionals in the forestry and palm oil sectors, contributing to larger environmental and social objectives.

“By training a workforce skilled in sustainability certification, this programme can help promote better practices in conserving natural resources and improving community wellbeing.

“Through this collaboration, we are committed to empowering the next generation of sustainability leaders and fostering a more sustainable future for Malaysia,” he explained.

Nigamuni added that Control Union Malaysia will carry out a gap assessment involving stakeholder consultations. This process will engage corporations, university academics, and students in gaining insights into the current challenges and opportunities in preparing graduates for the job market.

The Managing Director of Forest Solutions Malaysia, Glen MacNair, said that by investing in young sustainability professionals, the country is also investing in the future of sustainable forestry and resource management.

“This is why capacity building is so critical. Our industry must develop the skills not only to manage resources responsibly, but to continue enhancing our ability to address complex economic, social and environmental challenges,” he said.

This initiative by WWF-Malaysia and Control Union Malaysia is funded by the Asia Sustainable Palm Oil Links (ASPOL) programme. The ASPOL programme is being implemented across the two largest palm oil-producing countries (Indonesia and Malaysia), the two largest consuming countries (China and India) and the region’s main trading hub (Singapore).

Through the ASPOL programme, WWF focuses on the whole value chain to promote sustainable production, trade and consumption. ASPOL’s main landscape in Malaysia is in Sabah, specifically Tabin, Tawau-Kunak, and Sugut. In these areas, WWF-Malaysia uses the “Protect, Produce and Restore” approach – which balances conservation and sustainable development. This entails protecting forests, wildlife and rivers, while also encouraging RSPO-certified oil palm production, as well as restoring ecological corridors and riparian reserves.