HAIKOU, HAINAN, CHINA, 17 July 2026 – Five experts from the Institute of Plantation Studies (IKP), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) were invited by the Rubber Research Institute (RRI), Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) to participate in the IRRDB Workshop on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) 2026, held in Haikou, Hainan, China, from 15 to 16 July 2026. Organised by the International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB) in collaboration with CATAS-RRI, the programme took place from 13 to 17 July 2026, bringing together researchers, industry experts, and stakeholders from major rubber-producing countries, including Malaysia, China, Thailand, the Philippines, and India. The workshop served as an important platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and discussions on best practices in sustainable rubber cultivation and plantation management. The IKP delegation played an active role in the workshop through several technical presentations highlighting the latest research findings and innovations in the rubber sector. The presentations delivered were: “Remote Sensing, IoT and Artificial Intelligence for Good Agricultural Practices” by Professor Dr. Siti Khairunniza Bejo, Director of IKP; “Biotechnology-Driven Sustainable Disease Management: Advancing Good Agricultural Practices Toward Resilient Rubber Production Systems” by Professor Dr. Wong Mui Yun, Deputy Director of IKP; and “Revitalizing the Rubber Industry: Waste Management, GAP and the Circular Bioeconomy” by Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Rafein Zakaria, Head of the Product Development and Bioprocessing Laboratory (PPD), IKP.
The presentations highlighted the application of digital technologies, biotechnology, and circular bioeconomy approaches in strengthening the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices, with the aim of enhancing productivity, improving crop resilience, and promoting the long-term sustainability of the rubber industry. In addition to the workshop sessions, the delegation participated in a technical visit to the Yangjiang Branch of Hainan Rubber Group, one of China’s leading rubber plantation operators. The visit provided valuable insights into the implementation of GAP standards in large-scale rubber plantations. Participants were introduced to plantation management and maintenance standards, the use of electric rubber tapping machines and smart tapping technologies, efficient tapping techniques, as well as intercropping practices aimed at improving land-use efficiency and plantation profitability. The visit also offered opportunities for discussion and knowledge sharing with plantation managers and industry practitioners on innovative approaches to rubber production. Exposure to the advanced technologies and modern plantation management practices adopted in China is expected to foster stronger research collaborations among IRRDB member countries and contribute to the development of a more sustainable and competitive rubber industry across the Asian region. IKP, UPM hopes that the knowledge gained, professional networks established, and collaborative opportunities explored during the programme will support efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s rubber sector through enhanced productivity, improved plantation management, and greater adoption of technology-driven Good Agricultural Practices.

Date of Input: 17/07/2026 | Updated: 17/07/2026 | ainzubaidah