Cargill launches academy to train future leaders in palm oil
The Cargill Tropical Palm Learning Academy will nurture professionals in the sustainable production of palm oil
Pictured: The Cargill Tropical Palm Learning Academy, an institute of continuous learning with the objective of developing and nurturing professionals and future Cargill leaders in oil palm management. |
Indonesia � March 13, 2013 � Cargill recently announced the official launch of the Cargill Tropical Palm Learning Academy, an institute of continuous learning with the objective of developing and nurturing professionals and future Cargill leaders in oil palm management. The academy, located in Manismata, West Kalimantan, is also Cargill's first-ever specialized learning institution of its kind in the world, aimed at training professionals in the palm oil industry.
Built at a cost of almost US$600,000, the Cargill Tropical Palm Learning Academy will provide high quality, industry-standard leadership training and technical programs on the sustainable production of palm oil. The institute will also facilitate a Talent Development Program for fresh graduates, as well as employees from Cargill's plantations in Indonesia -- PT Hindoli in South Sumatra and PT Harapan Sawit Lestari in West Kalimantan.
The 6400m2 facility currently houses three classrooms, a meeting room, multi-functional hall, library, gallery, prayer room as well as estate and mill training offices. The academy also provides boarding facilities for students from other cities who take up programs at the institute.
“Indonesia is currently the world's largest producer and exporter of palm oil, producing more than 27 million metric tons a year. The Learning Academy is part of Cargill's long-term strategy to develop a strong talent pipeline of plantation professionals and future Cargill leaders to support this burgeoning growth in the Indonesian palm oil sector, ” said Angeline Ooi, Chief Executive Officer, Cargill Tropical Palm, who was speaking at the official launch in Manismata last Friday (March 8). “We have invested more than 12,000 hours annually on training for our employees and believe that the learning of new skills, knowledge and abilities is vital to the success of the palm oil industry. The academy is a demonstration of the significant role played by education in realizing next generation industry experts who can further cultivate sustainable practices in palm oil. ”
Through the Cargill Tropical Palm Learning Academy, Cargill will be extending internship and research opportunities in sustainable palm production and management to the students of Institut Pertanian Bogor, following a memorandum of understanding signed in July last year to establish Indonesia's first-ever palm oil teaching farm.
“We are also proud to introduce, for the first-time ever, the Plantation Academy of Leadership & Management program, or PALM program, at the Cargill Tropical Palm Learning Academy, which will be a three-step management course tailored for palm oil plantations, ” said Ong Kee Chau, President Director, PT Harapan Sawit Lestari. “We look forward to the opportunities our graduates will receive, with a well-rounded education in sustainable palm oil production that covers a range of subjects such as human resource and general management, field and mill operations, finance, safety and even first-aid. ”
“Cargill is taking a revolutionary step with the establishment of the Cargill Tropical Palm Learning Academy and is the first company in this regency, out of more than 60 plantation companies, to have set up such a facility. We are confident that this academy will give the local community in and around this region an opportunity to learn about the sustainable palm oil business, ” said Lukas Lawun, Head of Plantations and representative of the Governor of Ketapang. “Cargill has set itself as an exemplary example for the industry through this academy, making them worthy recipients of awards and recognitions such as the Best Investor Award in West Kalimantan. ”
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About Cargill
Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, our privately held company employs 142,000 people in 65 countries. We help customers succeed through collaboration and innovation, and are committed to sharing our global knowledge and experience to help meet economic, environmental and social challenges. For more information, visit www.cargill.com
About Cargill in Indonesia
Cargill began doing business in Indonesia in 1974 by establishing a feed mill in Bogor, West Java. Today, Cargill - which is headquartered in Jakarta - has over 8,000 employees and offices, manufacturing plants and facilities throughout the country. Business activities comprise animal nutrition, cocoa, grain and oilseeds, palm oil, and sugar. Cargill is a responsible corporate citizen of Indonesia, and its local programs foster responsible and sustainable development, help protect the environment and nourish the people and possibilities that reside in local communities. For more information visit www.cargill.co.id
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