Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is the governing body which manages the affairs of the council and decides the overall policy and direction in carrying out MSPO activities.
In addition to the Chairman, the members of the Board comprise representatives from the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (MPC), Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), academia, research and development institutions, non-governmental organisations, oil palm industry associations, smallholder's organisation and civil society. 

  • Chairperson

    Dato’ Dr. Suzana Idayu Wati was appointed as the Chairperson of MPOCC on 11 April 2023.

    She is a seasoned C-Suite professional with 30 years of experience in the food, agriculture, financial services and institutional asset management industries. Having held various Board positions and diverse roles at C-Level provide unique strategic perspectives in the management of multi-business corporate and multi-asset financial portfolios.

    She served as Chairman, Board of Director and Advisor of more than 35 entities across various sectors such as plantation, downstream agri-business, oleochemicals, consumers goods, technology, travel, construction, livestock, logistic, trading, fintech and private equity.

    She holds a PhD in Finance and MBA (Finance) from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2004 and 2011 respectively. She also holds a BA (Hons) Business Studies from University of Huddersfield, UK in 1992. She has attended the Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Programme (AMP) in 2009.

  • SUB Bahagian Industri Sawit dan Sago, Kementerian Perladangan dan Komoditi (KPK)

  • Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB)

    Datuk Dr. Parveez is the Director General of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board. He was involved in research related to genetic engineering of oil palm and its biosafety. His main focus is to change the fatty acid compostion and synthesizing novel metabolites such as biodegradable plastics. Datuk Dr. Parveez is also involved in screenhouse planting of transgenic oil palm.

    He has also conducted biosafety related studies, such as effects on insect and environment, horizontal gene flow and pollen viability. Datuk Dr. Parveez was supervising a number of Research Officers and Postgraduate students on their research related to genetic engineering of oil palm or other species.

    He was previously the first Chairman of Genetic Modification Advisory Committee (GMAC) Malaysia and has been very actively involved in the drafting of regulations and guidelines for the Malaysian Biosafety Act 2007.

  • Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association (SOPPOA)

    Mr. Eric Kiu Kwong Seng is a distinguished figure in the palm oil industry, currently holding the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Sarawak Oil Palms Berhad. Additionally, he serves as the Chairman of the Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association (SOPPOA), where his leadership contributes significantly to industry collaboration and policy shaping. Armed with a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Leeds University Business School in the UK, Mr. Kiu brings a strategic and visionary approach to his roles, navigating the complex dynamics of the global business landscape.

    Under Mr. Kiu's leadership, Sarawak Oil Palms Berhad has experienced notable growth, solidifying its position as a key player in the palm oil sector. Beyond corporate achievements, his commitment to sustainability is evident in his active involvement in initiatives promoting responsible business practices. As the Chairman of SOPPOA, he advocates for the collective interests of palm oil plantation owners, further establishing himself as a respected and influential figure in both corporate and sustainability circles.

  • Wild Asia

    Reza Azmi is the Founder and Executive Director of Wild Asia, a Malaysian-based environmental and social enterprise focused on engaging business to improve their environmental and social performance. Reza has been instrumental in the development of the Wild Asia Group Scheme, a scheme specifically to support small producers in palm oil – initially to certification but really to help them self-organise, overcome their own challenges and yet, be supported by the industry. Reza’s has a deep interest in people and their environments; holds a doctorate in plant ecology and systematics; has over 20 years of experience advising private corporations, public institutions and NGOs on palm-related consultancies and biodiversity & conservation assessments.

  • National Association of Smallholders Malaysia (NASH)

    Adzmi bin Hassan is the Secretary General (NASH) since 2016. Born in 5th October 1953, He was a graduate of Msc Agriculture Economics (Agribusiness) from the University Of Missouri, Colombia Missouri. He started his career with the government as an Assistant Development Officer of Lembaga Kemajuan Ternakan Negara (Maju Ternak).

    In 1984, he served with the Malaysia Palm Oil Registration and Licensing Authority (PORLA) which is now known as Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) till October 2011. He was Director General of Registration and Licensing in MPOB before offered a position as a Senior Research Fellow in 2011. In September 2014, he was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Institute of Malaysian Plantation and Commodities (IMPAC-MPIC) till 6th April 2016.

  • Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA)

  • Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB)

  • Independent

    Dato’ Feroz holds a Bachelors Degree in Law with Honours from Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom. He completed his Bar examination at University Malaya, Malaysia in 1992. Dato’ Feroz was admitted to the Malaysian Bar in 1993.

    Dato’ Feroz is the founder and Managing Partner of Messrs Feroz & Co. He has over 27 years’ experience as a corporate lawyer. He also acts as a corporate advisor adviser for most of the Companies under his clientele. Dato’ Feroz is highly regarded for his specialized expertise in providing solutions in complicated corporate and commercial issues.

  • Independent

    Ms. Belvinder Kaur Sron brings 29 years of senior management experience. With a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Communications from the National University of Malaysia (UKM) and an MBA from the University of Strathclyde (UK), she is well-versed in global marketing, promotions, and communications. Her expertise includes lobbying, issue-management and leading campaigns to address crucial industry issues worldwide.