The Malaysia Cage Free Egg Producer Organization (MCFEPO) and the Malaysia Cage Free Egg Cooperative Limited (MCFEPCoop) jointly held a 3-day, 2-night writing retreat at Happy Valley Resort from 20 to 22 July 2024. This strategic retreat aimed to define the organizations' direction and goals while fostering collaboration among the members. Attended by 20 participants, including office bearers and board members, the retreat was officiated by the Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission of Malaysia (MCSC) and facilitated by Axon Consultancy.
The retreat was designed with the following key objectives in mind:
Participants:
The event was attended by 20 members, representing both MCFEPO and MCFEPCoop. These included:
Axon Consultancy, a well-respected consultancy firm specializing in cooperative development and agribusiness strategies, facilitated the retreat. Their expertise in organizational development and planning guided the discussions and ensured a structured approach to the planning process.
The retreat was officially inaugurated by a representative from the Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission (MCSC), further underlining the importance of this event in the context of Malaysia’s cooperative movement. The MCSC representative emphasized the need for synergy between MCFEPO and MCFEPCoop to ensure their sustainability and impact within the cage-free egg production sector.
The retreat was structured into key sessions over the 3 days to ensure the productive use of time and resources:
Arrival and Registration Participants arrived at Happy Valley Resort in the afternoon, where they registered and checked in. This was followed by a welcome session by the organizing committee.
Facilitated by Axon Consultancy, this session introduced the purpose of the retreat. Participants discussed their expectations and shared thoughts on the major issues faced by both organizations, setting the stage for deeper discussions over the following days.
This was a full-day session aimed at drafting a comprehensive strategic plan for both MCFEPO and MCFEPCoop. Facilitated brainstorming and discussion activities included:
In this session, Axon Consultancy led a detailed discussion on governance issues within MCFEPCoop. The participants focused on:
In the evening, informal networking activities and team-building exercises were conducted to foster better relationships among the participants. These activities emphasized communication, trust, and collaboration — essential elements for a thriving cooperative organization.
Development and Proposal Drafting
Participants worked in groups to draft specific policy proposals based on the discussions from Day 2. These proposals were designed to address key areas such as:
Each group presented their draft proposals to the wider assembly. Feedback was provided by both participants and facilitators, ensuring that each proposal was refined for potential implementation.
The final session of the retreat focused on summarizing the outcomes of the previous discussions. The following key takeaways were highlighted:
The retreat was officially closed with remarks from the MCFEPCoop leadership team and the MCSC representative, both of whom praised the productive discussions and the high level of engagement demonstrated by all participants.
The retreat yielded several important outcomes, which included:
1. Follow-Up Meetings:A series of follow-up meetings will be scheduled to review and implement the policy proposals drafted during the retreat.
2. Draft Finalization:A dedicated working group will be formed to finalize the "Wayforward" document and ensure its dissemination to all members.
3. Collaboration with MCSC:** MCFEPO and MCFEPCoop will maintain close collaboration with the MCSC to ensure compliance with cooperative regulations and best practices.
The Wayforward Writing Retreat at Happy Valley was a resounding success. It provided a valuable opportunity for MCFEPO and MCFEPCoop members to reflect on their goals, address challenges, and collaborate on actionable strategies for future growth. The involvement of the Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission added gravitas to the proceedings, ensuring that the outcomes align with national cooperative standards and the broader cage-free egg movement. With clear action points and committed members, both organizations are poised to make significant strides in the coming years.
Malaysia Cage-Free Egg Producers Organization