Yang Berhormat Datuk Chan Foong Hin
Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities;

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Yusran Shah bin Mohd Yusof
Secretary General,
Ministry of Plantation and Commodities;

His Excellency Mr. Jacques Werner,
Ambassador,
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherland in Malaysia;

Yang Berusaha Mr. Tom Shepherd,
Acting Deputy High Commissioner,
British High Commission in Malaysia;

Yang Berbahagia Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek,
Chairman,
Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA);

Yang Berbahagia Datuk Dr. Ahmad Parveez Hj. Ghulam Kadir
Director-General
Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB)

Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri-Tan Sri, Datuk-Datuk, Datin-Datin; 

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Media Partners; 

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Salam Sejahtera and a very good afternoon.

1. It’s an honour to welcome all participants to the MPOB Palm Oil Economic Review and Outlook (R&O) Seminar 2025. Today, we gather to explore the future of the oil palm industry, a key contributor to Malaysia’s economy and global sustainability.
   
2. I extend my deepest gratitude to Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Johari bin Abdul Ghani, Minister of Plantation and Commodities, for joining us today to officiate this annual event. Yang Berhormat Minister’s support underscores the importance of this event and the Ministry’s commitment to the industry’s growth. I also thank our distinguished speakers and moderators for their invaluable insights.
   
3. The R&O Seminar, organized annually by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) since 2011, brings together key industry players to discuss the sector’s performance and achievements. It is indeed an honour to be a part of this highly anticipated event, which offers a comprehensive update on the oil palm industry’s outlook. I am certain the industry players are eager to know what the industry had accomplished in 2024 and to look ahead for the expectations for this year. I have confidence that this seminar will provide an impetus in charting a brighter prospect for the Malaysian oil palm sector. 
   
   Ladies and Gentlemen,
   
4. This year’s theme, “Enhancing Palm Oil Competitiveness through Green Economic Initiatives,” focuses on strengthening the global position of the oil palm industry by integrating sustainability into every facet of the sector, ensuring its long-term viability and resilience in an increasingly competitive and environmentally-conscious world. Let me break down the key components of this theme. 
   
   
5. Firstly, “Enhancing Competitiveness.” In an ever-evolving global marketplace, the palm oil industry faces numerous challenges, including fluctuating demand, market volatility, and geopolitical uncertainties. To stay competitive, the industry must focus on improving its efficiency, increasing yield, and maintaining high product quality. This involves leveraging cutting-edge technologies, optimizing production practices, and improving the value chain at every level — from plantation to processing. By doing so, Malaysia can continue to meet both domestic and global demand for palm oil while remaining competitive in the face of other vegetable oils.
   
6. The second part is “Green Economic Initiatives.” The “green” aspect of the theme emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices in the palm oil sector. As the world’s largest producer of palm oil, Malaysia has a unique responsibility to set the standard for sustainability. By incorporating green economic initiatives, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting responsible land use, and improving energy efficiency, the oil palm industry can significantly contribute to global environmental goals and support sustainable economic growth. 
   
   Distinguished guests and members of the industry,
   
   
7. Green economic initiatives are not just about protecting the environment; they are also crucial for the long-term growth of the industry. Sustainability is increasingly becoming a key factor for consumers, investors, and governments in decision-making. By adopting environmentally responsible practices, Malaysian palm oil producers can improve their global reputation, attract investment, and secure access to markets that prioritize sustainability. This creates a virtuous cycle where environmental stewardship and economic growth go hand in hand.
   
8. One of the most effective ways to enhance competitiveness through green economic initiatives is innovation. The adoption of advanced agricultural technologies, precision farming, and digital solutions can significantly improve productivity and sustainability. For example, the use of satellite monitoring to track planted areas, drone technology to monitor crop health, and biotechnological advances to create higher-yielding, disease-resistant palm oil varieties can all play a role in making the palm oil industry more efficient and environmentally friendly.
   
9. Another critical aspect of green economic initiatives is certification. Certification like the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) ensures that the oil palm industry adheres to strict environmental, social, and economic standards. Malaysia’s commitment to MSPO certification strengthens the credibility of its palm oil products on the international stage. Furthermore, fostering collaboration between stakeholders — including government agencies, industry players, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s), and local communities — is essential for advancing sustainability goals and ensuring that the benefits of green economic initiatives reach everyone involved in the palm oil supply chain. 
   
   Ladies and Gentlemen, 
   
   
10. R&O Seminar 2025 offers a platform for discussing Malaysia’s oil palm industry and its future. This event features nine presentations and one keynote paper to be presented by the Director General of MPOB, which will give insights on areas focusing on the global palm oil landscape, Malaysia’s sector performance, issues and the challenges of the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation, sustainable aviation fuel, sustainable palm oil in consumer goods, and finally outlook for 2025.
    
11. In addition to the presentations, I am pleased to highlight the poster exhibition that offers a comprehensive view of the Malaysian oil palm industry’s performance in 2024 and showcases the latest techno economic and socio-economic research related to the oil palm industry. I encourage all attendees to explore this valuable exhibition to gain a deeper understanding of the trends and research shaping the future of our oil palm sector.  
    
12. The Malaysian oil palm industry has witnessed remarkable growth and transformation over the past few decades. As the leading palm oil R&D institution, MPOB has not only been entrusted with producing technological advancements and scientific breakthroughs across the oil palm industry spectrum, but also plays an important role in disseminating pertinent market information to ensure the well-being and sustainability of the Malaysian oil palm industry. In particular, dissemination of comprehensive, accurate and timely industry and market information including industry performance release, palm oil economic research, analysis of free trade agreements and policy analyses to industry players in order to support the economic development of the Malaysian oil palm industry.   
    
13. I would also like to share that today, MPOB will be having a document exchange ceremony involving The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the British High Commission on the National Initiatives for Sustainable and Climate Smart Oil Palm Smallholders 2 (NI-SCOPS 2) which is a continuation of the collaboration between these three parties towards a sustainable, climate smart and economically viable oil palm cultivation by the oil palm smallholders in Malaysia. MPOB and implementing partners from the Government of the Netherlands, such as Solidaridad Network and IDH will ensure that cooperation on the sustainable production of palm oil and adaptation of smallholders towards climate change will remain highly relevant in empowering the Malaysian palm oil industry.  This initiative, which has started from 24th September will remain in effect until 31st December 2028.
    
14. Smallholders play a critical role in the Malaysian oil palm industry. Enhancing their capacity to adopt sustainable practices through training, financial support, and access to technology is essential. By ensuring that smallholders are part of the green transition, Malaysia can ensure the sustainability of its palm oil sector while improving the livelihoods of these key contributors. 
    
15. I am glad to share that besides this seminar, MPOB organises several other seminars and training programmes for industry players to obtain the latest information and updates on current issues concerning the oil palm industry. One not to be missed event this year is the MPOB International Palm Oil Congress and Exhibition (PIPOC 2025). Please look forward to this event as we will feature four (4) key conferences with insights from over 100 industry experts, as well as an exhibition space with more than 400 booths showcasing cutting-edge technologies and services. 
    
16. With that said, I would like to record my utmost appreciation to Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Plantation and Commodities, who has graciously consented to be with us this morning. I would also like to express my unwavering gratitude to all participants, session chairman, speakers, paper presenters, organising committee and everyone here for their time, support and effort in ensuring the success of this one-day seminar. As we engage in today’s discussions, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to driving innovation and sustainability, ensuring a prosperous future for Malaysia’s oil palm industry and its global footprint. Lastly, I wish all the participants of R&O 2025 a successful and rewarding session. 

Thank you.