The palm oil industry plays a pivotal role in the Malaysian economy. The palm oil industry’s contributions extend from uplifting the economy of plantation players and smallholders to fulfilling the global demand for sustainable vegetable oils. In 2022, the palm oil industry contributed substantially in terms of export earnings of RM 138 billion. Malaysia recorded RM40.50 billion in the export value of palm oil from January to August 2023. The prospects for palm oil are very encouraging. The price of palm oil may rise to RM 4000/mt ($856.75) by the end of 2023, supported by strong demand, limited supplies, and a better export outlook. However, the industry consistently encounters numerous local and global challenges, such as stagnating productivity, rising cost, aging trees, labour shortages, estate, and mill operation efficiency, safeguarding sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring competitiveness.

The Incorporated Society of Planters (ISP), will be organizing the 16th National Seminar (NATSEM 2024) on 15 – 17 July 2024 at Pullman Miri Waterfront, Miri, Sarawak, after a very successful International Planters Conference in 2023. NATSEM 2024 captures the challenges, trends and developments in the plantation industry especially oil palm, and its future. The national seminar highlights the theme of “Opportunities and Strategies to Improve the Profitability of the Oil Palm Business” and aims to shed light on key aspects crucial for enhancing the economic viability and sustainability of the oil palm industry.

This seminar serves as a platform bringing together industry experts, stakeholders, researchers, and entrepreneurs involved in the oil palm sector to explore and discuss innovative strategies, emerging opportunities, and effective approaches designed to strengthen the profitability of oil palm cultivation and related businesses.

Throughout this seminar, participants will delve into multifaceted discussions, presentations, case studies, and analyzing the current landscape of the oil palm industry. By examining various challenges, market trends, technological advancements, and sustainable practices, the seminar endeavors to identify viable pathways and actionable insights that can lead to increased profitability for stakeholders involved in the oil palm business.

The seminar will progress through 4 sessions encompassing Session I – Leadership and Management, Session II – Productivity and Competitiveness, Session III – Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Session IV – Milling and Processing, followed by a panel discussion titled “Opportunities & Strategies to Improve the Profitability of the Oil Palm Business”.

With your support, we hope to bring together more than 600 participants and 45 exhibitors. This will allow the participants to interact and capitalise on the opportunities for improving the profitability of the oil palm business. The seminar’s expected outcomes are to build a network among industry players and create opportunities through various platforms for the exchange of ideas and thoughts. The exhibitors will be showcasing the latest developments in innovation, technology, products, and services.

We enthusiastically invite you to the seminar and hope that you will join the industry leaders, planters, plantation companies and associations, exhibitors, government officials, speakers, students, and others at this not-to-be-missed event.

A sincere and warm welcome to all of you.