BENTONG, 24 OCTOBER 2025: FGV Holdings Berhad (FGV) recently welcomed a delegation of around 40 participants from the 6^th ASEAN-EU Policy Dialogue on Human Rights to its Krau Complex, showcasing its ongoing commitment to responsible business practices, with a strong focus on human rights and sustainable palm oil production.

Organised by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) through the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), together with the European Union (EU), the visit formed part of the ASEAN-EU Side Event on Intensifying Actions and Overcoming Barriers in Implementing Business and Human Rights and Environment in ASEAN and EU, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration on human rights, inclusivity, and sustainability.

The delegation included representatives from ASEAN, the EU, government agencies, academics and civil society. Key delegates were His Excellency Edmund Bon Tai Soon, Chair of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and Malaysia’s Representative to AICHR, Her Excellency Kajsa Ollongren, EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Her Excellency Dato’ Astanah Abdul Aziz, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community and His Excellency Rafael Daerr, the Ambassador of the European Union to Malaysia, alongside other AICHR Representatives from Indonesia, Lao PDR and Vietnam.

Also present were Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Chairman of the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA), Dato’ Dr. Suzana Idayu Wati Osman, Director General of FELDA, Fakhrunniam Othman, Group Chief Executive Officer of FGV as well as Board Directors and senior management from FELDA and FGV.

Delegates from ASEAN – EU, FELDA and FGV join hands symbolising the synergy and collaboration towards advancing human rights and sustainable business practices.

“We are honoured to host this delegation and hope today’s visit provides a practical perspective on how we do business at FGV where we translate human rights principles into meaningful action. Safeguarding the well-being of our people and respecting the rights of local communities are not only an integral moral imperative in FGV, but it’s an essential foundation for sustainable business success, as enshrined in our Group Sustainability Framework” said Fakhrunniam during his opening speech.

During the visit, the delegation was also briefed on FGV’s sustainability and human rights commitments and initiatives by Nurul Hasanah Ahamed Hassain Malim, Chief Sustainability Officer of FGV, before touring workers’ housing and facilities. Amidst the tour, delegates were engaging directly with the independently elected migrant workers’ representatives to gain first-hand insights into FGV’s efforts to uphold labour standards, enhance worker welfare, and maintain transparency across its value chain.

Delegates visiting workers’ housing and engaging directly with migrant workers, gaining first-hand insights into FGV’s continuous efforts to enhance worker’s welfare.

Concrete measures include robust due diligence in responsible recruitment of migrant workers and a commitment to the policy of no recruitment fee, regular stakeholder consultations and social impact assessments, enhancements to workers’ housing and amenities, and the strengthening of grievance mechanism including through the rolling out of a third party grievance channel, among others.

FGV places human rights and sustainability at the heart of its operations. Its Group Sustainability Policy (GSP), adopted in 2016 is anchored on three pillars: Promoting Inclusive Economic Growth, Respecting Human Rights and Protecting the Environment, aligns with internationally recognised standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). Last year, the Group launched its enhanced its 5-pillared Sustainability Framework, cementing FGV’s ongoing commitment to the environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda.

During the booth visit, delegates explored FGV’s sustainable palm oil ecosystem, showcasing innovative agricultural practices, responsible sourcing and the Group’s commitment to long-term environmental stewardship.

 “We see great value in collaboration and partnership. By engaging directly with key stakeholders and regulators, we can better understand expectations, anticipate change, and strengthen our practices to meet global standards,” added Fakhrunniam.

The visit reaffirmed FGV’s serious commitment to empowering smallholders as well as embedding human rights and sustainability across its operations and supply chain, delivering tangible, positive outcomes for workers, communities, and the palm oil industry, echoing the theme of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025: ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.

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