InfoSAWIT, BEIJING – Soybean futures prices on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) weakened on Wednesday as uncertainty over Chinese demand and supply pressure from Brazil’s ongoing soybean harvest weighed on the market.
The most active soybean contract on CBOT fell around 0.09 percent to US$11.69½ per bushel at 04:00 GMT. The decline reflected cautious sentiment among market participants regarding demand prospects from China, the world’s largest soybean importer.
According to Reuters, traders are also monitoring the potential return of Chinese demand after the country reportedly met its earlier commitment to purchase 12 million metric tons of soybeans from the United States. However, some traders remain skeptical about a near-term demand increase as U.S. soybean prices remain relatively high.
Meanwhile, international media reports noted that top trade negotiators from the United States and China are scheduled to meet in mid-March. The meeting is seen as a signal that plans for a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping remain on track, despite geopolitical tensions following U.S. military strikes on Iran.
Earlier trading sessions saw some support for soybean and grain markets amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
In contrast, CBOT wheat contracts rose around 0.35 percent to US$5.76 per bushel, despite improving weather conditions in key U.S. wheat-producing regions and ample global supplies.
Rainfall across the U.S. wheat belt has helped improve crop conditions and weighed on prices, although analysts noted that drought conditions in some areas remain a concern.
Meanwhile, corn futures edged up around 0.06 percent to US$4.46¾ per bushel, supported by continued strong export demand.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed private sales of 196,000 metric tons of U.S. corn for delivery to undisclosed destinations in the 2025/2026 marketing year.
However, traders reported that commodity funds were net sellers of corn, wheat, and soybean futures on Tuesday, reflecting investor caution amid ongoing global commodity market dynamics. (T2)
Wilmar Promotes Anti-Bullying Education in Schools Around Its Operational Areas
InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Wilmar continues to strengthen its commitment to building the character of younger generations through anti-bullying education programs in schools located around its operational areas. The initiative aims to increase awareness among students, teachers, and school communities to prevent and address bullying from an early stage.
Sarimanah, Coordinator of the Women on Working Group (WoW) Wilmar Central Kalimantan Project, explained that the initiative has been implemented since 2019 through the integration of anti-bullying materials into the curriculum of Sekolah Bina Bangsa, a school managed by the company in Sampit, Central Kalimantan.
The program has received positive responses from schools, parents, and students.
“We want to reduce the potential for bullying as early as possible as part of efforts to protect and shape the character of young generations,” Sarimanah said in an official statement received by InfoSAWIT on Saturday (March 8, 2026).
In practice, anti-bullying lessons are not only delivered through theoretical explanations but also through practical activities. Students are encouraged to identify signs of bullying, understand prevention and response measures, and learn how to support victims.
Educational approaches are also carried out through creative activities such as art performances themed around empathy, friendship, and mutual respect. Through these activities, students are encouraged to express anti-bullying messages while fostering a culture of respect within the school environment.
Sarimanah noted that the implementation of the curriculum has shown positive results in reducing potential bullying cases within the school.
“We have seen positive behavioral changes among students, both in their interactions and in resolving conflicts in a healthy way,” she added.
To strengthen the program’s implementation, the WoW Wilmar team has also received specialized training on child protection and anti-bullying prevention from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
“With support from these international institutions, we hope to expand the positive impact of this program to more schools in Wilmar’s operational areas,” Sarimanah said.
Looking ahead, Wilmar hopes that anti-bullying initiatives will receive broader support from the community, considering that bullying cases remain prevalent in many educational environments.
“If more parties participate, bullying cases can hopefully be reduced,” she concluded. (T2)
