The first batch of the ISPM International Junior Management Programme was successfully conducted from 3 to 5 February 2026 at Sabah Hotel, Sandakan, Sabah, with the final day’s field visit held at Ladang Nak, Sandakan.

A total of 37 participants attended this batch, comprising estate assistants, cadets, fresh graduates, and staff aspiring to assume executive roles within the plantation industry. The strong participation reflects the continued commitment of industry stakeholders in developing the next generation of plantation leaders.

This programme was specially designed to expose junior personnel to the fundamentals of plantation management while accelerating their readiness to independently manage estate operations. The sessions were delivered by an esteemed panel of trainers—Dato’ Dr. Mohamad Hashim Ahmad Tajudin, Dr. Ramesh Veloo, and Dr. N. M. Thangaraj—who shared their extensive industry expertise and practical field experience.

Over the three days of classroom training, participants were exposed to comprehensive topics covering plantation management systems, estate operations, cost control, agronomic best practices, labour management, ESG and compliance requirements, as well as communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence. The programme emphasised both technical competencies and soft skills essential for effective estate supervision and management.

The final day’s field visit at Ladang Nak provided valuable hands-on exposure, where participants undertook observation exercises and practical assessments. This integrated approach—combining classroom learning with real-world estate evaluation—enabled participants to contextualise theoretical knowledge within actual plantation operations.

The successful completion of this programme reaffirms ISP’s commitment to nurturing capable, ethical, and forward-thinking junior managers who will contribute meaningfully to the sustainability and competitiveness of the plantation industry.