Collaboration between universities and industry players is crucial to meeting market demands and addressing relevant issues in agriculture and plantation sectors. In conjunction with the International Conference on Plantation Technology 2025 (ICPTech2025), the Institute of Plantation Studies (IKP) hosted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony between Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) with two organizations/company which are, International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB) and Ova Chem Sdn. Bhd. The event took place on 20 August 2025 at Dusit Princess Melaka.

IRRDB is a research and development network comprising natural rubber research institutes from nearly all-natural rubber-producing countries, representing approximately 95% of global production. Officially established in 1960, IRRDB serves as a platform for sharing expertise, coordinating research efforts, executing large-scale joint projects, and promoting commercial development of research outcomes.

The MoU paves the way for a five-year collaboration in joint research, student placements, international conference organization, and other collaborative initiatives that support education, innovation, and the advancement of the global natural rubber industry. Member countries of IRRDB will also have the opportunity and able to send researchers to UPM for short-term programs and postgraduate studies.

Notably, this marks IRRDB’s first collaboration with a local public university, opening doors for UPM to engage with institutions from other rubber-producing nations. The realization of this MoU was spearheaded by Prof. Dr. Wong Mui Yun, Deputy Director of IKP, who played a key role in initiating and facilitating this strategic partnership for the benefit of the rubber industry both nationally and internationally.

Meanwhile, Ova Chem Sdn. Bhd., established in 2017, began as a commodity trading company supporting oil and gas services in the Asia Pacific region. Today, it has expanded and is actively involved in sustainable agriculture through the development of eco-friendly agrochemical products, while also supporting the commercialization of green technologies for industrial crops and plantations.

Amid this collaboration, lead researcher YBhg. Prof. Dr. Wong Mui Yun expressed hope that UPM’s research technologies can be jointly developed with Ova Chem Sdn. Bhd. and commercialized, ultimately creating a positive impact on the nation’s plantation and agricultural industries.

Date of Input: 29/08/2025 | Updated: 26/09/2025 | ainzubaidah