The US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) has named Rai M Sajid, Senior Farm Manager at Jadeed Group of Companies in Pakistan, as the 2025 South Asia recipient of the Soy Excellence Center (SEC) Top Achiever Recognition (STAR) Award.
The inaugural award was presented at the Soy Connext 2025 conference in Washington, DC in August 2025, where Dr Sajid joined global industry leaders to celebrate innovation and excellence across the soy value chain.
He was selected from more than 70 applicants worldwide for his outstanding emerging leadership, professional growth, and transformative contributions to Pakistan’s poultry sector. His work in production management, biosecurity, and sustainable production practices has positioned him as a rising leader in South Asia’s protein industry.
From digital learner to industry mentor
Dr Rai M Sajid accepts STAR Award 2025
“It is an honor and a great thing for me to receive the award,” Dr Sajid told aviNews Asia. “It makes me want to do better for my field and encourages me to do something sustainable in poultry production.”
Since joining the SEC platform in June 2023, Dr Sajid has actively engaged in technical and leadership development programs tailored to poultry professionals. Over nearly two years, he has applied SEC insights to improve poultry performance, enhance disease prevention protocols, and reduce operational waste—all while mentoring junior staff and fostering a culture of continuous learning at Jadeed Group.
Embracing hybrid learning for biosecurity and growth
Dr Sajid’s journey with SEC began out of necessity.
“I am working at the farm level. Because of biosecurity concerns I cannot attend in-person courses,” he said. “This is why I joined the SEC platform. It is in digital format, and they gave me the advanced knowledge and chance to connect with global experts as well.”
This flexible format has been key to Dr Sajid’s success. The SEC’s learning model starts with online modules. After participants finish the modules, they are inducted into a digital community where continuous learning takes place in the form of webinars, discussion groups and in-person workshops.
“The detailed platform is effective,” he said. “It is easy to access and explore in person.”
He also offered thoughtful feedback on how SEC programs could evolve.
“We’ve done the basics online and the intermediate course face-to-face. Adding practical workshops and hands-on trainings to the advanced level course will be very good for us in our field.”
STAR Award: A catalyst for regional excellence
“Dr Sajid exemplifies the spirit of the STAR Award,” said Sherry Chen, Soy Excellence Center Asia Lead. “His commitment to excellence, even in the face of logistical and biosecurity challenges, reflects the power of digital learning and the impact of the Soy Excellence Centers on industries and communities.”
The STAR Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding initiative, apply SEC training to real-world challenges, and contribute meaningfully to their industry and community. Dr Sajid’s story—from remote digital learner to regional leader—highlights the SEC’s mission to build capacity and empower professionals across emerging markets.
In addition to Dr Sajid, other recipients of the STAR Award 2025 included Dr Ahmed Dorgham for Middle East and North Africa and Ibiseun Aroniyo for Sub-Saharan Africa.
For more information about the Soy Excellence Center and the STAR Awards, visit www.soyexcellence.org