Malaysia: Palm Forum In Manila Unlocks RM122 Million In Business Opportunities

The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) has generated an estimated RM122 million in potential trade during its recent Malaysian Palm Oil Forum (MPOF) Philippines 2025, held in Manila from June 3 to 4.

The forum featured a dedicated BizMatch session on the second day, facilitating 121 targeted meetings between 16 Malaysian palm oil suppliers and Filipino buyers. The event was part of MPOC’s regional push to expand Malaysia’s palm oil footprint in the ASEAN region.

Organised for the first time in collaboration with the Malaysian Oleochemicals Manufacturers Group (MOMG) and the United Coconut Association of the Philippines (UCAP), the forum drew more than 400 participants and over 50 industry representatives.

MPOC Chief Executive Office Belvinder Sron said the Philippines imported around 1.1 million tonnes of palm oil in 2024, with Malaysia supplying 61% of that total. She said this underlined the Philippines’ importance as a trade partner in ASEAN.

The forum also highlighted lauric oils, positioning Malaysia and the Philippines as key collaborators in the regional lauric value chain. Expert presentations and a panel discussion explored topics such as sustainability, downstream applications and market innovations.

MPOC reported that under its five-year roadmap focusing on ASEAN, Africa and the Middle East, Malaysian palm oil exports to these regions rose by 24% from 6 million tonnes in 2020 to 7.5 million tonnes in 2024.

Tags: palm oil, MPOC, imports, Malaysian Palm Oil Council, The Philippines