25/06/2026
On 23 June 2026, Sandau Estate and Mill, Lahad Datu, welcomed a delegation of 13 students from Oregon State University (OSU) as part of the SK Green Services & Tours Sdn. Bhd., Conservation & Biodiversity Unit (CBU) Educational Tours Package. The delegation was led by Mr. German Vargas Gutierrez, with Ms. Joanna Sara Tan and Ms. Justine Rojas serving as co-leaders, while the group was accompanied by Ms. Erdy from River Ju**ie.
The educational visit was designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the oil palm industry by combining practical exposure to plantation and mill operations with insights into sustainable production and biodiversity conservation.
During the visit to Sandau Estate, the students were introduced to various aspects of plantation management, including harvesting techniques, field maintenance, crop management, and good agricultural practices. As part of the hands-on learning experience, the students participated in a harvesting session where they had the opportunity to collect Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB), allowing them to better appreciate the skills and operational requirements involved in oil palm cultivation.
The programme continued at Sandau Mill, where the delegation was guided through the palm oil milling process, from the reception of harvested FFB to the production of crude palm oil and palm kernel products. The visit provided valuable insights into the operational journey from plantation to mill, highlighting the importance of efficiency, quality assurance, workplace safety, and best management practices throughout the production chain.
As part of the Educational Tours Package, the students also learned about Sawit Kinabalu's commitment to sustainable oil palm cultivation and landscape-level conservation. The session highlighted the company's implementation of good agricultural practices, responsible land management, environmental protection measures, and biodiversity conservation initiatives through the Sg. Pin Conservation Area (SPnCA). Participants were introduced to the role of conservation set-asides, habitat restoration, wildlife protection, and ecosystem connectivity in supporting sustainable palm oil production.
The educational tour reflects Sawit Kinabalu's commitment to providing experiential learning opportunities for universities and educational institutions, promoting a greater understanding of the relationship between sustainable agriculture, responsible natural resource management, and biodiversity conservation. Through this initiative, participants gained a balanced perspective on how modern oil palm plantations can successfully integrate production objectives with environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability.
SK Green Services & Tours Sdn. Bhd. extend our sincere appreciation to the Management and staff of Sandau Estate and Sandau Mill for their warm hospitality, excellent coordination, and invaluable support in making this educational visit a success. Their willingness to share their expertise and operational experience greatly enriched the learning experience for the OSU delegation, and we look forward to continued collaboration in promoting sustainable palm oil education and conservation.
