he News on Sunday: What is the CPOPC YoungElaeis Project?
Muhammad Awais Shahid: It is an initiative to bring together young professionals from both palm oil-producing and consuming countries. From my perspective, it is not just an educational programme, but also a platform where the youth are encouraged to understand complex global discussions before forming opinions. It provides exposure to policy dialogue, sustainability debates and health-related conversations. The focus is on building informed voices who communicate responsibly and rely on facts rather than assumptions.
TNS: How did you get interested in participatin? What was your proposal about?
MAS: I became interested because I saw how palm oil is often discussed in Pakistan without full context. We are a consuming country where public conversations sometimes focus only on headlines. I felt that there was space for responsible digital communication. My proposal focused on health and nutrition awareness, aiming to simplify scientific discussions and address misconceptions through social media in a factual way.
TNS: How is the project contributing to sustainable and responsible palm oil practices? How has it influenced your development?
MAS: The project is exposing young ambassadors to discussions between stakeholders. Instead of advocacy, it promotes understanding. Through this experience, I learned how sustainability, trade, geopolitics and food security are connected. Personally, it helped me mature as a communicator. I now approach a topic with greater caution, balance and awareness of various perspectives. During my participation in the PEOC [what does this stand for?] conference, for instance, I had the opportunity to engage directly with industry experts and stakeholders. This improved my understanding of real-world discussions in the palm oil sector.
TNS: What are the main challenges related to palm oil health and nutrition wise, especially in Pakistan?
MAS: A key challenge in Pakistan is misinformation. Palm oil is often judged as a single ingredient without considering overall dietary patterns, lifestyles and moderation. Social media discussions can amplify simplistic claims. I try to respond by sharing context, encouraging balanced diets and reminding audiences that health outcomes depend on multiple factors, not one oil alone.
Responsible engagement is more valuable than loud advocacy.
TNS: What are the positive elements of palm oil related to health and nutrition? Are the industry claims supported by research?
MAS: Palm oil, particularly red palm oil, contains beta-carotene, which the body can convert into Vitamin A, although refining may reduce its level. It also contains Vitamin E, including tocotrienols, and natural antioxidants that help neutralise free radicals and support normal cell function. Recent research focuses on these components in broad dietary contexts. Like any other fat, palm oil should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced and diverse diet. Nutrition is personal. One’s health depends on overall eating patterns and lifestyle choices.
TNS: How can policymakers, industry and academia work together in Pakistan?
MAS: Policymakers can create regulatory clarity; industry can provide operational data; and academia can contribute independent research. Together, they can improve public awareness and ensure that decisions are evidence-based rather than reactionary.
TNS: What impact do you hope to make as a CPOPC YoungElaeis ambassador?
MAS: I hope to bridge the gap between global discussions and local understanding. My aim is to communicate responsibly, especially on health-related topics, and to represent youth voices grounded in fairness and facts.
TNS: What advice would you give to young professionals interested in initiatives like YoungElaeis?
MAS: I would advise them to stay curious, verify claims by various sources and listen carefully before forming strong opinions. Responsible engagement is more valuable than loud advocacy.
TNS: What is your vision for the future of palm oil awareness and policy in Pakistan?
MAS: I hope that future discussions in Pakistan are guided by research, balance and long-term thinking. Awareness should support food security and affordability while aligning with sustainability goals in a practical and informed way.
The interviewer is a freelance contributor
