BANDAR BARU BANGI, 21 April 2025 – As part of efforts to strengthen the national research agenda of oil palm industry, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), agency under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK), will intensify its focus on the newly introduced Techno and Socio-Economics (TSE) research area, which was established under the 2025 Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting.

“The MPOB PAC 2025 Meeting, which brings together stakeholders from the oil palm industry and research institutions both locally and internationally, is taking place over four days at the MPOB Headquarters in Bandar Baru Bangi, starting today.”

Each year, MPOB reviews R&D projects and current issues within the Malaysian oil palm industry to ensure its research and development activities remain aligned with present needs and meet industry demands, with the aim of closing gaps in addressing the challenges faced by the sector.

“The addition of this new focus area (TSE) reflects MPOB’s commitment to addressing the economic and social dimensions of the palm oil industry more comprehensively, complementing our existing technical and scientific research,” said MPOB Chairman, Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha, during the PAC 2025 opening ceremony.

Recent developments in the global economy, including the announcement of reciprocal tariffs by the United States, illustrate how susceptible the market is to shifts driven by major economic powers.

“The Government remains steadfast in defending the interests of the national palm oil industry, particularly against foreign trade restrictions,” he added.

The PAC Meeting is held annually spaning four days and serves as a platform to discuss the direction, significance, and impact of MPOB’s R&D efforts under six key focus areas: Yield Performance; Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation; Milling, Processing and Mechanisation; Food Safety and Nutrition; Value Addition; and the newly introduced Techno and Socio-Economics.

According to MPOB Director General, Datuk Dr. Ahmad Parveez Hj. Ghulam Kadir, the agency remains committed to ensuring that its research and development focus evolves in tandem with global advancements.

“The enhancement of existing research focus areas, alongside introduction of a new one reflects the evolution of a dynamic agency and the dedication of its researchers to further advance the national oil palm industry to greater heights,” he said.

PAC members comprise industry stakeholders, academic experts, and specialists from both local and international institutions.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS UNIT
MALAYSIAN PALM OIL BOARD (MPOB)