Wayforward Writing Retreat for the Malaysia Cage Free Egg Producer Organization (MCFEPO) and Malaysia Cage Free Egg Cooperative Limited (MCFEPCoop) Report :

1. Introduction

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.

4. Retreat Structure and Sessions

The retreat was structured into key sessions over the 3 days to ensure the productive use of time and resources:

Day 1: 20 July 2024

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.

Official Opening Ceremony

• Opening Address by MCSC:The representative of the Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission officially opened the event. They spoke about the importance of cooperative collaboration in transforming the agricultural and food production sector, especially in the niche of cage-free egg production.
• Keynote Address by MCFEPO Leadership:The leadership team of MCFEPO highlighted the importance of aligning the cooperative movement with broader sustainability goals and the welfare of the members.

Session 1: Introduction and Expectations Setting

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.

Day 2: 21 July 2024

Session 2: Strategic Planning and Wayforward Development

This was a full-day session aimed at drafting a comprehensive strategic plan for both MCFEPO and MCFEPCoop. Facilitated brainstorming and discussion activities included:

• Identifying key challenges and opportunities in Malaysia's cage-free egg industry.
• Discussing the competitive landscape and consumer demands.
• Aligning the goals of MCFEPO and MCFEPCoop with global sustainability and animal welfare standards.
• Drafting a "Wayforward" plan that included specific, measurable, and actionable goals for the next 5 years.

Session 3: Organizational Structure and Governance

In this session, Axon Consultancy led a detailed discussion on governance issues within MCFEPCoop. The participants focused on:

• Improving transparency and accountability in cooperative operations.
• Strengthening the organizational structure to support effective decision-making.
• Enhancing the participation and empowerment of cooperative members.

Networking and Team-Building Activities

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.

Day 3: 22 July 2024

Session 4: Policy

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:

• Sustainable production practices.
• Member welfare and benefits.
• Cooperative marketing and branding initiatives.
• Financial sustainability and funding strategies for the cooperative.

Session 5: Presentation and Feedback

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.

Session 6: Closing and Action Plan Finalization

The final session of the retreat focused on summarizing the outcomes of the previous discussions. The following key takeaways were highlighted:

• Agreement on a comprehensive "Wayforward" strategy that will guide both MCFEPO and MCFEPCoop over the next 3-5 years.
• Commitment to drafting final versions of the policy proposals and action plans discussed during the retreat.
• Recognition of the need for ongoing collaboration and communication between members to achieve long-term success.

Closing Remarks

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.

5. Key Outcomes and Action Points

The retreat yielded several important outcomes, which included:

• A comprehensive "Wayforward" strategic plan focusing on sustainability, member welfare, and industry leadership for MCFEPO and MCFEPCoop.
• Clear identification of challenges and opportunities in the Malaysian cage-free egg industry, alongside proposed solutions.
• Enhanced governance and operational structures for the cooperative, designed to improve transparency, accountability, and decision-making.
• Drafted policy proposals to guide future development in areas such as sustainable farming practices, marketing strategies, and financial growth.

Action Points:

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.

6. Conclusion

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.

Prepared by:

Malaysia Cage-Free Egg Producers Organization