KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — Malaysian agencies have entered into five memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Japanese companies in conjunction with the Plantation and Commodities Ministry (KPK) Week, held at the Malaysia Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka, to advance sustainability, innovation, and market access across key commodities sectors.
In a statement today, the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry (Miti) said the MOU signings signal growing bilateral cooperation and shared ambitions for sustainable development
In his opening remarks for KPK Week, KPK deputy secretary-general (strategic planning and management) Datuk Abdul Hadi Omar said these MOUs reflect Malaysia’s leadership in sustainable and value-added commodities.
“The MOUs also pave the way for innovative cross-border collaborations with Japan’s forward-looking business community,” he said.
Miti noted that a key highlight of the day’s signings was the MOU between MSPO and Japan-based Global Alliance for Sustainable Supply Chain (ASSC), aimed at raising awareness of MSPO certification and sustainable palm oil practices among Japanese companies.
This includes promoting deforestation-free supply chains and upholding human rights standards.
“ASSC will advocate MSPO to its wide corporate network in Japan, offering MSPO access to members such as Ajinomoto, Nissin Foods, AEON, Shiseido, Meiji Holdings, and KAO, further strengthening market linkages,” it said.
Meanwhile, MPOB and Panasonic Housing Solutions Co Ltd signed an agreement to jointly conduct research and consultancy on the development of insulation boards made from oil palm biomass, specifically empty fruit bunch fibres.
The project aimed to transform agricultural waste into valuable and environmentally friendly building materials, contributing to circular economy objectives within Malaysia’s palm oil sector.
Additionally, MPOB entered into a collaborative agreement with Japan’s Asano Gear Factory Co Ltd to advance mechanisation technologies for Malaysia’s palm oil industry.
“The collaboration is expected to generate a minimum of RM5 million per year in potential value through the budgeted sales volume of technology and spare parts, as well as direct investment into Malaysia,” Miti said.
Running from June 9 to June 14, KPK Week will feature a series of business forums, business-to-business networking sessions, product showcases, and cultural engagements aimed at deepening collaboration between Malaysia and Japan in key commodity sectors.
— Bernama
