Our Team of Specialists
Founder
T. VANIALINGAM
Plant Breeder & Agronomist
Crop Specialist in Oil Palms, Cocoa & Coconut
Leadership Team
Mr. Suria Devan Vanialingam
Managing Director
Suria Devan joined Agrotrop Plantation Services Sdn. Bhd. (APSSB) In 2001, as a Project Financial Analyst, he developed financial models that underpinned the feasibility studies of oil palm plantations. This early work established a strong connection between financial analysis and agronomic practice, laying the groundwork for a career focused on advancing sustainable, profitable plantation management. Over the past 24 years, he has built deep expertise across Technical Due Diligence and Feasibility Studies, Agronomy & Planting Advisory and Plantation Development & Management. His approach combines scientific rigour with practical, on-the-ground insight to help clients optimise yields, manage risk, and unlock long-term value.
A committed advocate for community empowerment through agriculture, Suria has led initiatives that enhance plantation productivity while delivering tangible socio-economic benefits to surrounding communities—aligning commercial outcomes with inclusive growth. Appointed Managing Director in 2016, he continues to guide Agrotrop’s strategy and delivery, strengthening the firm’s reputation as a trusted plantation advisor. Under his leadership, a multidisciplinary team of researchers and practitioners supports clients with excellence, innovation, and a clear commitment to sustainability.
Dr. N.T. Arasu
Principal Advisor
Dr. Arasu is a distinguished agricultural scientist and former Director of Crop Research at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), with over five decades of contributions to oil palm research and plantation science. Widely recognised across Southeast Asia for his expertise in oil palm and coconut agronomy, crop nutrition, and soil science, he has consistently bridged scientific innovation with practical application—raising yield performance, strengthening soil-fertility management, and improving long-term crop resilience in diverse plantation environments.
As Principal Advisor to Agrotrop Plantation Services Sdn. Bhd. (APSSB), he provides strategic guidance on plantation development, resource optimisation, and agronomic excellence for client estates. Beyond his technical authority, Dr. Arasu is a mentor and thought leader whose work advances a model of agriculture that balances commercial outcomes with ecological stewardship and community well-being. His legacy is a sustained, science-driven impact on the region’s plantation sector.
Mr. Kodiappan Perumal
Senior Advisor
Mr. Kodiappan is a veteran planter with over four decades of distinguished experience in the plantation sector, recognised for his depth of expertise in oil palm management, agronomy, and crop advisory services. He began his career as a Research Assistant at HRU, training under the pioneering guidance of Mr. T. Vanialingam and Mr. Chew Poh Son—esteemed as Malaysia’s first-generation breeders—an early mentorship that grounded his career in rigorous scientific practice.
Over 41 years with Barlow Boustead Estates Agency Sdn. Bhd., he earned a reputation as a highly respected planter and Planting Advisor, leading estate operations and crop management programmes that strengthened productivity and overall performance. Since the establishment of Agrotrop Plantation Services Sdn. Bhd., he has been a cornerstone of the advisory team and now serves as an Independent Planting Advisor, guiding clients on plantation development projects—particularly in Indonesia—and providing specialised advisory in oil palm and coconut cultivation. Regarded as a mentor and thought leader, Mr. Kodiappan’s enduring influence continues to reinforce Agrotrop’s credibility for delivering science-based, results-driven plantation advisory services.
Ts. Mohd Khairi bin Mahamor
Technical Director
Ts. Mohd Khairi is a seasoned plantation professional with over 35 years of leadership and technical experience across the palm oil and broader agricultural sectors. His career spans senior executive roles, including General Manager, Plantation Director, Regional CEO, and Chief Operating Officer, in leading private corporations and government-linked entities. Recognised for rigorous operational discipline and strategic clarity, he has managed large-scale operations, led transformation programmes, and developed integrated business strategies that improve productivity, strengthen governance, and create long-term value. His practical understanding of plantation systems and people development has made him a trusted advisor on assignments across Southeast Asia and West Africa.
As Technical Director of Agrotrop Plantation Services Sdn. Bhd., Ts. Mohd Khairi leads the firm’s advisory portfolio and strategic business planning. He is a Certified Performance & Development (PMD) Instructor with Development Dimensions International (DDI), a Competency-Based Training & Education (CBTE) Instructor, and an accredited Professional Technologist with the Malaysia Board of Technologists. Combining executive leadership with technical depth and regional perspective, he reinforces Agrotrop’s reputation as a trusted partner in delivering practical and sustainable plantation solutions.
Dr. Yasmin Yashodha
Head – Carbon Management Division
Dr. Yasmin is a recognised leader in carbon management, ESG, and sustainable finance, with over 20 years of experience spanning corporate, regulatory, and academic settings. She has held roles with EY Malaysia, PwC Malaysia, the Securities Commission Malaysia, Perception Management, Taylor’s University, and Sunway University, developing deep expertise at the intersection of finance, strategy, and sustainability. She combines environmental economics, data analytics, and policy design to translate complex frameworks into practical strategies that help organisations align commercial growth with the global low-carbon transition. She holds an MSc in Money, Banking, and Finance from Lancaster University and a PhD in Natural Resource Development Policy (with a focus on Environmental Economics) from Universiti Putra Malaysia. She is certified by BSI as a GHG Practitioner (ISO 14064-1/-2/-3) and a GHG Professional (ISO 14067, ISO 14068).
As Head of the Carbon Management Division at Agrotrop Plantation Services Sdn. Bhd., Dr. Yasmin leads initiatives in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA), and carbon management advisory. Her team supports industry clients in achieving CBAM readiness, ISO 14067 product carbon footprint certification, and planning for net-zero transition. Widely regarded as a thought leader in sustainability and carbon markets, she contributes to industry dialogues, regulatory consultations, and capacity-building programmes shaping the future of environmental economics and sustainable trade in ASEAN and beyond.
Ms. Yantty Omar
Financial Controller
Ms. Yantty has been a valued member of Agrotrop Plantation Services since 1998, where she began her career as an Accounts Clerk. Guided by discipline, perseverance, and a strong commitment to the company’s vision, she pursued extensive professional training and certifications that deepened her expertise in financial management and organisational leadership. Over time, she built strong capabilities in financial planning, compliance, and resource optimisation—skills that have been especially important in supporting Agrotrop’s agricultural plantation advisory work. Her ability to align financial strategy with operational realities has improved efficiency across projects while reinforcing long-term sustainability.
Appointed Financial Controller in 2015, she now oversees the company’s end-to-end financial operations. In this role, she has structured robust project budgets, strengthened risk management, ensured regulatory compliance, and supported the financial due diligence required for advisory and special projects. Her steady leadership provides both stability and strategic insight, helping Agrotrop enhance its reputation as a trusted advisor to plantation owners and sector stakeholders. With nearly three decades of experience, Ms. Yantty exemplifies financial stewardship, organisational resilience, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the agricultural sector through sound financial governance.
Mr. Supramaniam Ramasamy
Independent Advisor
Mr. Supramaniam Ramasamy is a global plantation executive with over four decades of experience spanning the upstream and downstream segments of the oil palm, rubber, and cocoa industries. He has led large-scale, sustainable developments in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Africa, consistently delivering value through operational innovation, agronomic excellence, and disciplined sustainability practices. His senior leadership roles include Head of Operations at Goodhope Plantations (Indonesia), Head of Upstream and Downstream at Felda Global Ventures (Malaysia), and President & Global Head of Plantations at Olam International, where he shaped multi-country strategies, drove operational transformation, and managed diversified commodity portfolios. He holds a B.Sc. in Agriculture and an M.Sc. in Plantation Management from Universiti Putra Malaysia.
At Agrotrop Plantation Services Sdn. Bhd., Mr. Supramaniam plays a pivotal role in the firm’s global advisory portfolio, supporting clients to build high-performance, sustainable plantation ventures. Drawing on deep technical and commercial insight, he advises on strategy and growth, end-to-end operations, risk and compliance, and long-term value creation—helping clients align productivity goals with credible sustainability outcomes. His track record as a planter and strategist continues to set benchmarks of excellence across regions.
Mr. Thirunavukarasu Illamurugan
Project Leader
Mr. Arasu is a highly respected plantation executive with more than four decades of leadership experience in Malaysia and Indonesia, recognised for deep expertise in operational management, strategic planning, and plantation advisory. He has delivered transformative outcomes by pairing technical precision with strategic foresight, strengthening productivity, governance, and cost discipline across diverse plantation portfolios.
His senior roles include Regional Controller/Director at Goodhope Asia and Plantation Advisor (Vice President) at Sime Darby Plantations, where he guided large-scale operations and implemented performance-enhancing strategies.
His authority extends to due diligence and feasibility work, having led critical assessments across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Nigeria for both private and institutional stakeholders. Academically and professionally, he holds an MBA, a Diploma in Agriculture, and certifications in strategic management and plantation practices, underscoring his dual strengths in management and agronomy.
As Project Leader at Agrotrop Plantation Services Sdn. Bhd., Mr. Arasu spearheads due diligence and feasibility mandates, delivering robust, data-driven insights that support informed decision-making, risk mitigation, and sustainable plantation development.
Advisory Team
Mr. Mokhtar Bidin
Independent Advisor
Mr. Mokhtar Bidin is a seasoned engineering leader in the palm oil industry with over three decades of experience driving innovation, efficiency, and quality across the plantation value chain. Recognised as a trusted authority in midstream operations, he brings proven expertise in milling operations, project management, feasibility assessment, system design, and large-scale implementation. His contributions span palm oil milling, kernel crushing, refining, food processing, rubber processing, and co-generation systems, where his work has consistently improved productivity, energy performance, and quality management on sustainability and competitiveness.
He previously served as Head of Engineering (Plantation Upstream) at Sime Darby Plantation and Head of Engineering at Golden Hope Plantation Sdn. Bhd., providing strategic direction for engineering across extensive plantation and processing portfolios. Combining deep technical rigour with strong management oversight, Mr. Mokhtar has helped shape modern engineering standards for the sector. He remains a respected industry leader dedicated to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Mr. Abu Sarin Baha
Independent Advisor
Mr. Abu Sarin is a veteran environmental management executive with over 30 years of experience in waste management, renewable energy, and ecological infrastructure. Specialising in medical, toxic, and hazardous waste, he has led end-to-end programmes spanning environmental planning; the design, commissioning, and operation of treatment and disposal facilities; and the management of incinerator plants. His leadership blends engineering rigour with strong programme governance, strengthening compliance, environmental safeguards, and operational resilience while delivering scalable solutions for public- and private-sector clients.
Equipped with a degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Management and Environment, he has in recent years championed the transition to renewable energy—spearheading biogas and biomass projects that align environmental stewardship with energy innovation and long-term economic value. Widely recognised as a trusted authority in ecological and waste systems across the region, Mr. Abu Sarin continues to advise industry, government, and communities on sustainable infrastructure that reduces environmental footprints and advances practical, results-driven decarbonisation.
Agronomy Team
Mr. Rajendra Paramanathan
Senior Agronomist
Mr. Rajendra is a seasoned professional in agronomy and environmental management, with 28 years of experience advancing plantation science, fertiliser innovation, and sustainable agricultural practices. A graduate in Tropical Environmental Sciences from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, he has built a career at the intersection of technology, agronomy, and environmental stewardship. His expertise spans seed production, soil analytics, fertiliser formulation, and land assessment, where he consistently champions science-based, innovative solutions to optimise crop performance and long-term productivity.
With a strong background in life sciences and environmental sciences, he has been at the forefront of integrating sustainability principles into practical agronomy, ensuring plantation operations remain resilient and future-ready.
Since joining Agrotrop Plantation Services Sdn. Bhd. in 2006, Mr. Rajendra manages approximately 80,000 hectares of agronomy projects in Indonesia, delivering measurable improvements in soil health, yield performance, and sustainable land use. He also plays a pivotal role in the group’s due diligence and feasibility studies, providing rigorous scientific and technical assessments that guide investment strategies. By combining innovation, scientific rigour, and strategic foresight, he is a key driver of Agrotrop’s reputation as a trusted advisor.
Dr. Xaviar Arulandoo
Senior Agronomist
Dr. Xaviar is an eminent agricultural scientist internationally recognised for pioneering contributions to soil science, agronomy, and plant breeding. Over a distinguished career, he has advanced sustainable plantation practices and strengthened the scientific foundations of Malaysia’s agricultural sector.
Awarded a prestigious MARDI scholarship, he completed an MSc at Cornell University and a PhD at the University of Malaya. As a Senior Research Officer at MARDI, he led extensive fertiliser trials, soil-structure studies, and crop-breeding programmes—particularly in oil palm and coconut—driving step-changes in plantation productivity and resilience.
He later served as Group Research Director at United Plantations, where he integrated research excellence with practical agronomic innovation, setting regional benchmarks for the industry. A prolific author and keynote speaker, Dr. Xaviar continues to shape global discourse and practice in agricultural science. His lifelong commitment to research, innovation, and knowledge sharing has left an enduring impact on plantation development in Malaysia and beyond.
Mr. Khai Khuang Cheong
Agronomist
Mr. Khai Khuang represents Agrotrop’s next generation of agronomy and sustainability professionals, bringing a strong scientific foundation and international perspective to the firm’s advisory work. He holds a B.Sc. in Plant Biotechnology from the University of Nottingham (Malaysia), an M.Sc. in Agrobiosciences (Systems Biology and Microbiology) from the University of Toulouse III, France, and an M.IB. from Monash University Malaysia—credentials that position him at the intersection of science, innovation, and strategy.
With nearly 12 years’ experience in the food production and agriculture sector, he has developed expertise in plant nutrition, agronomy, irrigation systems, and environmental sustainability studies, consistently aligning productivity goals with sound ecological stewardship.
Since joining Agrotrop Plantation Services Sdn. Bhd. in 2025, Mr. Khai Khuang has been a key member of the Technical Survey Team, leading analytical studies, agronomy evaluations, and fertiliser recommendations. He also contributes to due diligence and feasibility engagements alongside senior leadership, delivering data-driven insights and practical solutions tailored to client needs. As an emerging leader within Agrotrop, he exemplifies the firm’s commitment to nurturing talent, embracing innovation, and shaping the future of sustainable plantation management.
Mr. Mohamad Faizzuddin
Junior Agronomist
Mr. Faiz is a seasoned field operations leader with nearly two decades of experience in plantation management and agronomic fieldwork. He began his career as a Plantation Field Supervisor in 2005 and joined Agrotrop’s Technical Field Survey Team in 2012. Known for discipline and execution excellence, he now leads field survey operations across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, ensuring consistent, precise, and credible delivery in every client engagement.
Central to the integrity of Agrotrop’s technical advisory, he oversees rigorous sampling protocols that anchor data-driven analyses for fertiliser recommendations and yield-optimisation strategies. His leadership has contributed to measurable yield improvements for clients and helped sustain partnerships exceeding 20 years—reflecting his sustained commitment to quality, client trust, and operational excellence
Analytical Team
Dr S. Paramananthan
Soil Specialist
Dr. S. Paramananthan is an eminent soil scientist of international standing, with over five decades of pioneering contributions to the study, classification, and management of tropical soils. His work has advanced scientific understanding and shaped practical applications in agriculture, plantation development, and land-use planning across Asia and beyond. He has served on multiple international soil classification committees, influencing global taxonomy frameworks. In Malaysia, he led the Soil Survey Division at the Department of Agriculture. He later served as an Associate Professor at Universiti Putra Malaysia, where he trained a generation of soil scientists and agronomists.
He has conducted extensive soil surveys throughout Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar, and Timor-Leste, producing insights that remain foundational to sustainable land management in the tropics. A prolific scholar with over 70 publications, he is the lead author of the Field Legend for Soil Surveys in Malaysia and the principal author of the Malaysian Soil Taxonomy, which unified classification across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, as well as Soils of Malaysia, Volume 1. Widely regarded as a scholar, mentor, and global thought leader, Dr. Paramananthan’s legacy continues to guide policymakers, researchers, and plantation industries, ensuring soil science remains central to sustainable agricultural and environmental practice.
Dr. Ramadasan Krishnan
Plant Ecophysiology
Dr. Ramadasan is an eminent advisor and strategist in agriculture, with over 40 years of experience spanning strategic planning, communication, policy advocacy, and information-driven programmes. A PhD graduate of the University of Reading, he has led interdisciplinary initiatives focused on sustainability, rural livelihoods, and community empowerment, consistently bridging scientific research, policy frameworks, and field implementation to deliver inclusive and practical outcomes.
A specialist in information management and decision support systems (DSS), he has advanced the use of technology and data to enhance plantation productivity, operational efficiency, and long-term resilience. Respected locally and internationally, he continues to advise governments, institutions, and industry stakeholders, positioning agriculture as a driver of sustainability, resilience, and rural transformation.
Crop Management Team
Dr. Stanley Sasidaran
Crop Management Specialist
Dr. Stanley Sasidaran is a veteran plantation executive with over 45 years of experience in the agricultural sector, specialising in oil palm and cocoa estate management. He began his career with Guthrie and advanced through senior management roles, earning a reputation for deep technical expertise, disciplined operational leadership, and strategic foresight.
Throughout his career, he has led the planning, development, and management of large-scale plantations, including landmark projects that established extensive oil palm estates in Perak, Malaysia, and Jambi, Indonesia. Widely respected for hands-on leadership and technical authority, Dr. Stanley has helped shape industry best practices and supported the long-term performance and sustainability of plantation ventures across the region.
Mr. Murugan Subarayan
Senior Manager
Mr. Murugan Subarayan is a senior plantation leader with over 35 years of experience in field operations, estate management, and development. He has held significant leadership roles, including Head of Plantation Management at UMW Plantations and Plantation Advisor to Kumpulan Guthrie Berhad, where he provided strategic oversight and strengthened the operational performance of large plantation portfolios.
Since 2008, he has served as Senior Manager at Agrotrop Plantation Services Sdn. Bhd. (APSSB), overseeing the development and management of 750 hectares of oil palm in Jeli, Kelantan. Under his leadership, the estate has delivered consistent productivity and operational stability, reflecting disciplined execution and a commitment to sustainable practices. Widely regarded as a trusted authority in plantation operations, Mr. Murugan combines technical depth with practical, hands-on leadership—reinforcing Agrotrop’s reputation for credible, results-driven advisory and management services.
Crop Specialist Team
Dr. Daniel Baskaran
Forestry Specialist and Plant Physiology
Dr. Daniel Baskaran is an eminent scientist and advisor with over 40 years of contributions to forestry, plant physiology, and seed science. Holding a B.Sc. in Plant Breeding, an M.Sc. in Plant Physiology, and a Ph.D. in Seed Science, he spent over four decades at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), leading and contributing to pioneering research and conservation programmes. His work has produced numerous peer-reviewed publications, awards, and industry recognitions, establishing him as a thought leader in tropical forestry and plant sciences.
He has actively shaped global forestry discourse through advisory roles with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the Asian Tree Seed Centre, the International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO), and the Asia Pacific Association of Forestry Research Institutions (APAFRI). As an Independent Advisor to Agrotrop Plantation Services Sdn. Bhd. (APSSB), he guides conservation and forestry initiatives to align with international best practices and scientific integrity. Widely respected as a scholar, mentor, and global authority, Dr. Daniel’s legacy bridges research excellence with practical, enduring impact on sustainable forestry and conservation.
Dr. Sivakumaran Seenivasagam
Rubber Specialist and Plant Physiology
Dr. Sivakumaran Seenivasagam is a renowned scientist and innovator in the rubber industry with a distinguished career advancing plant physiology, latex technology, and plantation management. He holds a B.Sc. in Botany and a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. His most notable contribution is the RRIMFLOW system—a patented innovation granted to the Malaysian Rubber Board—that transformed latex extraction and reinforced Malaysia’s leadership in natural rubber technology. For this breakthrough, he received the RRIM Gold Medal in 1993, alongside numerous national and international honours recognising his research excellence and industry impact.
Throughout his career, Dr. Sivakumaran has consistently bridged the gap between research and field practice, delivering innovations that enhance productivity, resilience, and sustainability in rubber development. He currently serves as an Independent Advisor to Agrotrop Plantation Services Sdn. Bhd. (APSSB), providing strategic guidance on rubber project development and management to ensure initiatives are grounded in scientific rigour, technological innovation, and global best practices. Widely regarded as an authority in rubber science, his work continues to shape plantation innovation and sustainable agricultural development across the region.
Mr. Paramasivam Muthusamy
Agrifood Specialist
Mr. Param is a veteran agriculture and horticulture specialist with over 40 years of experience across highland and lowland cash-crop systems. His work extends beyond production to farmer empowerment, community-based farming models, and agro-food supply-chain development—reflecting a consistent focus on agriculture as a driver of socio-economic progress.
He is best known as the initiator of Malaysia’s Agri Mentor Program, developed in collaboration with the Malaysia Bioeconomy Development Corporation to promote cluster farming ecosystems that raise yields, improve profitability, and enhance farmer welfare. Through a formal partnership between his company, Global Agro Asia Sdn. Bhd., and Agrotrop Plantation Services Sdn. Bhd., Mr. Param advises on projects that align sustainability, farmer well-being, and agribusiness innovation. His contributions continue to shape productive, profitable, and resilient farming systems, establishing him as a respected leader in community-focused agricultural transformation.
Mr. Anandraj Letchimanan
Agrifood Specialist
Mr. Anandraj is a dynamic agrifood leader with more than 17 years’ experience across commercial farming, livestock breeding, and tropical fruit production. He began his career in livestock and went on to establish one of Malaysia’s largest genome-selection laboratories for breeder-quality Boer goats, while managing his farm, demonstrating a rare combination of entrepreneurial drive and technical expertise. As a founding member of Persatuan Peladang Daerah Kuala Langat, he has hempowered nearly 2,000 farmers nationwide, advancing capability building, resilience, and long-term profitability within the farming community.
Expanding beyond livestock, he has led the development and management of durian plantations, applying science-based agronomy to elevate tropical fruit cultivation and value creation. He currently serves as an Independent Advisor to Agrotrop Plantation Services Sdn. Bhd. (APSSB), supporting agrifood project development programmes. By bridging modern agribusiness innovation with farmer-centric initiatives, Mr. Anandraj continues to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of Malaysia’s agrifood sector.