KUALA LUMPUR, 26 February 2025 – Planters International Berhad was honored to attend the "Forests as an Asset: Advancing Sustainable Leadership Through Strategic Conservation Initiatives" luncheon, hosted by Malaysia Forest Fund (MFF) at the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur. This high-profile gathering brought together policymakers, conservation leaders, and industry stakeholders to integrate conservation efforts with financial sustainability and strategic leadership.

Recognizing Forests as National Assets

The event was officiated by YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), who highlighted the importance of forests as critical assets rather than mere commodities. As one of 17 megadiverse countries globally, Malaysia's forests play a vital role in climate regulation, biodiversity preservation, and economic resilience.

A key challenge highlighted was the need to bridge the financing gap for forest conservation while ensuring responsible land use. The discussion focuses the importance of public-private partnerships in driving conservation financing models that align with Malaysia’s climate commitments.

During his speech, YB Nik Nazmi stressed that Malaysia is taking proactive steps to position forest conservation at the forefront of national development strategies. He emphasized that traditional views of forests as resources to be exploited must shift toward recognizing them as long-term national assets.

The minister also reaffirmed Malaysia’s leadership role in ASEAN environmental conservation, addressing challenges such as deforestation, habitat loss, and the financial sustainability of conservation efforts. He emphasized the need for innovative financial mechanisms, such as green bonds, sustainable investments, and carbon tax initiatives, to ensure the longevity of conservation programs.

The Role of Forest Conservation Certificates (FCC)

MFF showcased its Forest Conservation Certificate (FCC), an innovative non-market financial instrument designed to encourage private sector contributions to conservation projects. The FCC mechanism enables companies to fund forest restoration, habitat protection, and sustainable forest management initiatives, fostering greater corporate involvement in environmental stewardship.

Additionally, MFF is in the process of developing a domestic carbon crediting framework for the forestry sector, known as the Forest Carbon Offset (FCO). This initiative is expected to position Malaysia as a key player in the global carbon market while promoting high-quality carbon sequestration projects.

Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships

A major highlight of the luncheon was the signing of a Conservation Agreement between MFF, Bina Darulaman Berhad (BDB), ByteDance System Sdn Bhd (TikTok Malaysia), and BDB Infra Sdn Bhd, to support conservation initiatives and enhancement of the Darulaman Sanctuary in Langkawi.

The commitment from these private entities serves as a testament to the increasing role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in environmental sustainability. MFF CEO Dato’ Mohamed Shah Redza expressed gratitude for these contributions, stating that such partnerships exemplify how private sector involvement can drive meaningful impact in conservation.

Panel Discussion: A Multi-Sector Approach to Conservation

The event also featured a high-profile panel discussion on “Forests as an Asset: Advancing Sustainable Leadership Through Strategic Conservation Initiatives.” Moderated by MFF CEO Dato’ Mohamed Shah Redza, the panel included distinguished speakers such as:

YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability
Tan Sri Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, Executive Director, Sunway University
YM Raja Shahreen Raja Othman, CEO, Bina Darulaman Berhad
En. Rashyid Redza Anwarudin, Chief Sustainability Officer, SD Guthrie Berhad
En. Firdaus Fadzil, Head of Public Policy, TikTok Malaysia

Discussions revolved around the economic and ecological value of forests, the importance of corporate leadership in conservation, and the role of ESG-driven strategies in integrating sustainability into business models.

Planters’ Presence and Future Collaboration

Planters International Berhad aligns with these conservation efforts through its commitment to digital forest, biodiversity monitoring, and sustainable land management. With a focus on technological integration in conservation, Planters remains dedicated to enhancing forest sustainability through advanced tools such as LiDAR mapping, satellite-based monitoring, and AI-powered biodiversity assessments.

The luncheon also provided an opportunity for stakeholders from the government, corporate sector, and conservation bodies to discuss collaborative strategies for advancing sustainable leadership in forest management. The emphasis on cross-sector collaboration was a key takeaway, reinforcing the need for continuous engagement between policymakers, businesses, and conservationists to safeguard Malaysia’s forest heritage.

Moving forward, Planters aims to explore synergies with key stakeholders, including MFF, in accelerating conservation financing mechanisms and scaling impactful environmental projects.

Looking Ahead

The "Forests as an Asset" luncheon was a significant step in positioning conservation as a mainstream priority for both public and private stakeholders. As Malaysia strengthens its forest conservation agenda, innovative financing models such as FCC and FCO are expected to play a critical role in achieving long-term sustainability goals.

As emphasized by YB Nik Nazmi, the time to act is now. Malaysia’s forests represent not only an ecological treasure but also a crucial pillar for sustainable economic growth. Through initiatives like the FCC, strategic partnerships, and innovative conservation strategies, the nation is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

Planters International Berhad looks forward to further engagements with MFF and other conservation partners in shaping the future of Malaysia’s forests as valuable assets for generations to come

Forests as an Asset - MFF