A Glimpse Into MPOC’s Key Activities, Engagements, and Milestones From the Past Month
COFCO Strategic Business Visit to Malaysia Strengthens Commercial and Industry Collaboration
17–18 August 2026 • Putrajaya, Malaysia
MPOC coordinated a strategic business visit to Malaysia by the senior leadership of China Oil and Foodstuffs Corporation (COFCO) Group and COFCO International, led by Mr. Bai Yong, President of COFCO Group, from 17 to 18 August 2026. The visit followed earlier engagements between COFCO, the Minister of Plantation and Commodities and MPOC, further strengthening dialogue between the organisations.
The programme began with a business meeting between the COFCO delegation and KLK Berhad, focusing on strengthening commercial engagement and exploring potential areas for strategic cooperation.
The delegation also paid a courtesy call on YB Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini binti Ahmad, Minister of Plantation and Commodities. Discussions covered long-term sourcing of Malaysian palm oil, investment opportunities, Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) and sustainability, higher-value palm-based products, fertiliser sourcing, R&D collaboration, palm biomass and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The visit also included an engagement with SD Guthrie Berhad at Carey Island, featuring discussions on potential strategic and commercial cooperation, followed by a networking lunch and a visit to the Palm Oil Experience Centre and plantation.
Malaysia Market Connect 2026 Deepens Trade and Industry Engagement in Uzbekistan
4–6 August 2026 • Tashkent, Uzbekistan 
The second edition of Malaysia Market Connect 2026 was held from 4-6 August 2026 in Tashkent, bringing together around 120 industry players, manufacturers, academics and government representatives. In her keynote address, MPOC Chief Executive Officer Ms. Belvinder Sron highlighted Uzbekistan as an important market within MPOC’s Central Asian strategy, supported by its growing food manufacturing sector and strategic location as a gateway to wider regional markets. She also underscored opportunities for Malaysian palm-based products in bakery, confectionery, frying, specialty fats and foodservice applications.
A key highlight was the presentation of findings from the MPOC–APVO–TCTI research project on specialised palm-based fat formulations for Uzbek pilaf, demonstrating the potential for customised palm-based solutions tailored to local food applications.
Factory visits to Royal-Muz Servis, Appetito (Chromos) and Crafers provided Malaysian companies with first-hand insights into local manufacturing processes, market requirements and opportunities for new palm oil applications, while facilitating potential commercial and technical collaboration.
MPOC also held strategic engagements with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Uzbek Agency for Technical Regulation. Discussions focused on Uzbekistan’s potential as a regional distribution hub, growing demand for palm oil and specialty fats, maintaining a conducive trade environment, and strengthening cooperation on food safety, standards, traceability, Halal and MSPO certification, as well as regulatory and technical alignment.
CTRE Programme Strengthens Tourist Guides’ Understanding of Malaysian Palm Oil
16 July 2026 & 13 August 2026 • Johor & Selangor, Malaysia
MPOC continued its Malaysian Palm Oil Continuing Tourism-Related Education (CTRE) Programme with two sessions held on 16 July in Johor and 13 August at Carey Island, Selangor, in collaboration with industry and tourism partners.
The Johor session, organised in collaboration with FGV Holdings Berhad, FGV Plantations Malaysia (FGVPM) and the Johor Tourist Guides Association, included field visits and discussions covering sustainability, economic contributions, health and nutrition. The Selangor session, attended by 48 participants from the Selangor Tourist Guides Association (SGTGA), featured an expert briefing, an oil palm harvesting demonstration and insights into biodiversity conservation at SD Guthrie’s Elaeis Gardens.
Across both programmes, participants gained practical, fact-based knowledge of the Malaysian palm oil industry, including its contributions to sustainability, conservation and rural development, as well as the role of palm oil in healthy eating.
The CTRE Programme aims to equip tourist guides with credible information and first-hand industry exposure, enabling them to respond more confidently to visitors’ questions and support more informed conversations about Malaysian palm oil.
Salam Agrikomoditi MADANI Brings Malaysian Palm Oil Closer to Local Communities
25 July 2026 • Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
MPOC supported the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) at the Salam Agrikomoditi MADANI Programme, held on 25 July in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.
The programme was officiated by YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, and attended by YB Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad, Minister of Plantation and Commodities.
At the MPOC booth, smallholders and members of the local community learned more about the role of Malaysian palm oil in supporting rural livelihoods, responsible production and economic development through educational materials and interactive activities.
The programme provided a valuable platform for bringing credible information about Malaysian palm oil closer to communities connected to the industry, while strengthening awareness of its contribution to livelihoods and the wider economy.
ISNFF Conference and Exhibition 2026: Strengthening Science-Based Understanding of Malaysian Palm Oil
3–5 August 2026 • Bintulu, Sarawak
MPOC participated in the 18th International Society for Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (ISNFF) Conference & Exhibition 2026 in Sarawak, contributing to discussions on nutrition, nutraceuticals, functional foods and food innovation.
The programme featured presentations by Ms. Khaw Wei Ping, Prof. Dr. Nyam Kar Lin and Dr. Nina Naquiah Ahmad Nizar, who shared research findings and insights into the nutritional and functional applications of Malaysian palm oil.
MPOC also engaged with researchers and industry professionals through discussions and interactive activities, highlighting palm-based solutions and their applications across nutrition, functional foods and related areas.
A key highlight was MPOC receiving the Industry Merit Award, recognising its continued efforts to advance science-backed innovation and strengthen understanding of Malaysian palm oil through research and knowledge sharing.
Palm Futures Lab Strengthens Knowledge Exchange with African Delegates
10–12 August 2026 • Selangor, Malaysia
MPOC, in partnership with SD Guthrie International, organised the three-day Palm Futures Lab from 10 to 12 August 2026, bringing together nine delegates from Senegal, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Madagascar and Kenya.
Through technical sessions, field demonstrations, industry visits and expert exchanges, delegates gained practical insights into Malaysia’s palm oil industry, covering upstream and downstream operations, biotechnology research, frying performance and sensory science.
The programme also provided a platform to strengthen knowledge exchange, build industry connections and explore potential areas for future commercial collaboration across African markets.