Helping veterans pursue careers in MSPO / Sustainability

If statistics are right, by 2020, 3.4 million Malaysians (9.9% of Malaysia’s population) will be over 60 years of age. That means almost one in 10 person will likely be retiring. Currently, the palm oil industry as a whole, including the downstream sectors, employs close to 1,000,000 (one million) people directly and indirectly, making it the second biggest employer after the government in Malaysia.

If you are one of the approximately 100,000 service members transitioning out of the palm oil industry this year, you probably have a lot of questions. How do I make the leap into retirement life? How do I keep myself occupied or backup additional financial security? How can I fit into an emerging field such as sustainability? How do I find a company that shares my values and will support my career?

Many people, particularly those who have enjoyed long and meaningful careers, do like to work. In the wise words of Stephen Hawking: “Work gives you meaning and purpose, and life is empty without it.” It represents an opportunity to give value to others and the community; it gives you a network of friends and associates to be with; and it gives you something to do with your intellectual and physical energy. If you find yourself in this category, what should you do?

The answer: We got you. At ECCO Certified, we have a small-scale program called Veteran Workforce Initiative which helps veterans find future-focused careers that offers flexible work arrangement.

ECCO CERTIFIED’S VETERAN WORKFORCE INITIATIVE

These series of efforts can support your transition from retirement to a purposeful career. If you feel the need to contribute your knowledge and expertise gained over the years, here is what our hiring program- Veteran Workforce Initiative offers you:

1. Mentorship: Take part in shepherding the next generation in the workforce and empowering them to grow and develop into the leaders of tomorrow in the Malaysian palm oil industry. Play a role in developing and training junior employees at ECCO Certified.

2. Peer Review: If you are a certified peer reviewer by the Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC), you may join us to audit our MSPO reports. Peer reviewers are required to confirm that the audit team has carried out an impartial and professional audit against the MSPO standard before the MSPO certificate is awarded.

3. Public Relations Associate: If you enjoy socializing, come and represent ECCO Certified at events, talks and other public forums. Participate in networking activities and build relationships along the way to help ECCO Certified reach more people, knowledge and attain business growth.

4. Freelance MSPO Auditor: If you have years of experience in the palm oil industry and have an MPOCC endorsed MSPO auditor training certificate, you can join us for audits occasionally. MSPO audits require traveling outskirts and you need not feel bored sitting at home.

5. Technical expert: If you have any expertise in a particular field related to the palm oil industry for more than 10 years eg. Peat soil, Ganoderma, labour, etc. you may become our inhouse expert.

ECCO Certified aims to create an inclusive, fair and meaningful experience for all our employees and also to benefit the society at large by empowering sustainability. Our first step is by certifying sustainable palm oil in Malaysia.

Citations:
(1) https://sp.hsbc.com.my/liquid/4972.html
(2) http://mpoc.org.my/nearly-1m-work-in-oil-palm-industry/