The 5th International Palm Oil Sustainability Conference (IPOSC 2018) was recently held from 19-20 September 2018 at the Shangri-la’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu. It was officiated by YB Puan Teresa Kok, Minister of Primary Industries, Malaysia and drew a crowd of almost 300 participants from 12 nations. A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between MPOC and POIC Sabah to create a greater awareness of the Malaysian palm oil industry, including its downstream activities in Sabah.
A total of 26 presentations were delivered in the two-day event. The Plenary Paper titled ‘Forests and Agriculture: Land Use Challenges and Opportunities – the Palm Oil Perspective’ was presented by Dr. Eva Muller, Director of the Forestry Policy and Resources Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN FAO).
In addition to these presentations, an Evening Forum titled ‘Plantations and Conservation: Can We Walk the Talk?’ was also featured, which facilitated discussions and possible collaborations between the Malaysian palm oil industry and Sabah-based conservationists to enhance the existing wildlife conservation efforts in Sabah, especially the Bornean pygmy elephants.
The Expert Panel Debate titled ‘Sustainable Palm Oil – More Uncertainties or a Brighter Future?’ wrapped up the conference with discussions on the Malaysian palm oil’s challenges and opportunities, including certification uptake, smallholders sustainability and indirect land use change (ILUC).
On the sponsorship front, the conference attracted 6 major sponsors, 15 exhibitors and 1 media partner. A special exhibition feature titled ‘MSPO Showcase Pavilion’ was also organised, highlighting companies that have successfully achieved 100% MSPO certification.
Finally, feedbacks from the participants have indicated that the conference have managed to create the awareness on the sustainability issues and challenges faced by the Malaysian palm oil industry, as well as potential opportunities and solutions. MPOC will continue to be at the forefront in ensuring that the industry is ever committed to its sustainability pledge.
Prepared by: Michael Ng, Assistant Manager, SED
Note: The authorized IPOSC 2018 presentations are now ready to be downloaded on MPOC’s website
