Plenary Speech by YBhg. Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha, Chairman of the Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting 2026

1. First and foremost, allow me to express my deepest gratitude to all PAC Members and MPOB Researchers. It is truly an honour to stand among a group of such dedicated, brilliant minds at yet another impactful Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting.Over the past few days, we have engaged in dynamic, forward-looking discussions.

2. The global ecosystem continues to evolve, demanding new technologies, sustainable solutions, and more inclusive growth. Here at PAC, we are privileged to witness the convergence of insights, expertise, and ambition from diverse backgrounds, all brought together under the banner of MPOB’s vision.

3. The oil palm industry is, and will continue to be, a cornerstone of Malaysia’s economic resilience. While we have recently witnessed historic highs trends in production and strong market performance, we must remain vigilant. We continue to face underlying structural challenges, including aging oil palm trees and persistent threats from pests and diseases, alongside global economic and geopolitical uncertainties. It is our responsibility to safeguard and enhance this industry’s legacy through innovation and responsible stewardship.

4. Itis imperative to highlight that the recommendations and ideas generated from this PAC Meeting, which focused on our Six Focus Areas, are pivotal to ensuring the industry’s continued growth. By stripping away the raw statistics of our achievements, what remains is a clear, strategic mandate that we must pursue across the six focus areas for the oil palm industry.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

5. Itis essential to harness your collective knowledge and expertise to guide and steer the industry towards a prosperous future. As we bring this meeting to a close, I want to thank everyone for their valuable input and guidance. The ideas that have been generated during this session have been truly inspiring. Remember that this is just the beginning of the process, and we must work together to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

6. BeforeI conclude, I would like to take a special moment to thank all PAC members, as this meeting marks a closure for the current term of your appointment. Your dedication and hard work have been instrumental in charting the path forward. When the PAC Meeting convenes in 2027, it will be with a new lineup. However, I am highly optimistic that some of you might be re-appointed, and I truly look forward to meeting again in this shared endeavour.

7. I am confident that with our continued commitment, the Malaysian oil palm industry will not only thrive but also lead the way globally in sustainable agriculture and bioeconomy transformation.

8. Aswe part ways, I bid each and every one of you a fond farewell, with the hopeful expectation of reuniting at the next PAC Meeting, where we will once again converge to drive innovation and success.

Thank you.