MELAKA, 21 August – The International Conference on Plantation Technology 2025 (ICPTech2025) concluded with great success on 20–21 August 2025 at Dusit Princess Melaka. Organized by the Institute of Plantation Studies (IKP), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), the conference brought together more than 130 participants from diverse backgrounds, expertise, and experience in the plantation industry, both nationally and internationally. With the theme “Resilience in Industrial Crop Production through Climate-Friendly Production Systems”, the event united academics, researchers, industry players, and stakeholders from sectors including oil palm, rubber, cocoa, kenaf, pineapple, durian, and coconut.

The conference was supported by over 30 organizations, including government agencies, private companies, and NGOs from Malaysia and abroad. Among the participating government bodies were the Malaysian Cocoa Board, National Kenaf and Tobacco Board, Malaysian Rubber Board, Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board, MARDI, MPOB, and the National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM). Industry participants included FGV Holdings Bhd., Tradewinds Plantation Bhd., SD-Guthrie Sdn. Bhd., BOH Plantations, Sarawak Rubber Industry Board (SARIB), and many others.

ICPTech2025 was officiated by YBhg. Professor Dr. Ahmad Zaharin Aris, Chairman of the Institute Congregation,UPM representing YBhg. Dato’ Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, Vice Chancellor of UPM. The opening ceremony also featured the signing of two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs): a) between UPM and the International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB), represented by YBhg. Dato’ Seri Dr. Abdul Aziz Sheikh Abdul Kadir, and b) between UPM and Ova Chem Sdn. Bhd., represented by Mrs. Norazni Azlan.

The conference included scientific presentations from invited speakers (3 Keynote Speakers and 9 Lead Speakers), along with 21 scientific papers covering four subthemes: a) Sustainable Agronomy and Crop Protection, b) Mechanization, Automation & Digitalization, c) Bio-based Conversion Products, Biomass & Biochemistry and d) Plantation Policy, Environment & Bioeconomy.

A highlight was the forum titled “Achieving the Ideal Balance between Growth and Sustainability in the Plantation Industry”, featuring panelists Prof. Ts. Dr. Siti Khairunniza Bejo (Moderator), YBhg. Dato’ Seri Dr. Abdul Aziz Sheikh Abdul Kadir (IRRDB), YBhg. Datuk Dr. Ramle Hj. Kasin (Malaysian Cocoa Board), and Dr. Cheryl Ong (RSPO).

ICPTech2025 Chairperson, Associate Professor Dr. Ganesan Vadamalai, emphasized that the synergy developed during the conference should continue to integrate science, policy, and industry to build resilient, climate-smart, and economically inclusive plantation systems for Asia and beyond.

“We hope ICPTech2025 serves as a platform to spark new ideas and foster lasting collaborative synergy, ultimately benefiting the nation’s plantation and agricultural industries,” he said.

The conference concluded with a strong commitment to hold the next ICPTech in 2027, themed “Future-Ready Plantation Crop: Leveraging Digitalization, Sustainability, and Circular Pathways.”

Date of Input: 29/08/2025 | Updated: 29/08/2025 | ainzubaidah