(Miri, 18th) The Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association (SOPPOA) held the grand opening ceremony of the "Palm Oil Management, Technology, Exhibition & Conference 2025 (POMtec 2025)" at the Pullman Hotel Miri this morning. The event gathered government officials, industry experts, and related stakeholders to discuss the future development of the palm oil industry.
In his speech, ERIC KIU KWONG SENG, chairman of the Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association, stated that the purpose of the Palm Oil Management, Technology, Exhibition & Conference 2025 is to optimize the supply chain, enhance industry sustainability and productivity, and promote technological innovation to strengthen global competitiveness. He especially thanked Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Chan Foong Hin, for representing the Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, at the opening ceremony, reflecting the government's high regard for the palm oil industry.
This year's POMtec 2025, themed "Streamlining the Supply Chain to Improve Sustainable Yield and Productivity," covers the entire industry chain from seed production, nursery management, plantation operations to palm oil processing. Compared to 2023, which focused only on palm oil processing technology, this year's conference is more comprehensive in scale and content.
ERIC KIU KWONG SENG stated that the main objectives of POMtec 2025 include:
1. Enhancing Industry Knowledge and Best Practices - Inviting industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and enterprises to discuss the latest advancements in planting and processing technology, aiming to improve the overall efficiency of the industry.
2. Fostering Technological Advancements and Digital Transformation - Showcasing cutting-edge technologies in precision agriculture, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven decision making to enhance production efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
3. Strengthening Sustainable Development and ESG Compliance - Focusing on issues such as deforestation, labor norms, carbon footprint reduction, and waste utilization, and exploring how to align with international sustainability standards.
4. Promoting Industry Collaboration and Networking - Providing opportunities for government agencies, industry professionals, and research institutions to collaborate and jointly promote industry innovation and sustainable development.
5. Cultivating Future Industry Talent - Sponsoring 100 local college students to participate in the conference to help them understand industry challenges, innovative technologies, and future career development.
He further expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak, government agencies, SOPPOA members, POMtec 2025 organizing committee, various experts, and exhibitors for their support, emphasizing that the successful hosting of this conference would not have been possible without their contributions.
Finally, he invited all attendees to attend the POMtec 2025 Gala Dinner in the evening to strengthen communication and jointly promote the palm oil industry towards a more sustainable and efficient future.