On October 29, 2024, a discussion was held with MPOB regarding the project’s results and future prospects. In particular, regarding the possibility of removing old palm trees from plantations, the results of MPOB’s plantation-level research are extremely important, and data has been presented showing that at this stage, removing 30% to 50% of the trees would not have a significant impact on plantation operations. MPOB will continue to conduct research with a long-term perspective, and it was confirmed that a cooperative relationship will continue in the future toward post-SATREPS.

On 28 October 2024, in response to an invitation from ABI, MOSTI, CRADLE and MRANTI participated in the meeting at ABI in Putrajaya. Discussions were held on utilizing the results of the SATREPS OPT project, the possibility of future joint research in the field of food security, and building inter-ministerial cooperation, etc. A tour of ABI’s research facilities was also conducted.

On October 26, 2024, JIRCAS and JICA HQ member visited an oil palm plantation that had been abandoned for conversion to a residential area near Johor Bahru, and had the opportunity to observe up-close the felling of old oil palm trees. Currently, old palm trees are not available on the general market, but by expanding the scope of social implementation using the results of this SATREPS project, it is hoped that this will lead to sustainable plantation management and economic development, and that biomass utilization will become established in society.

On October 26, 2024, a representative from King Mongkut’s University of Technology (KMUTT) in Thailand visited the Kluang Pilot Plant. KMUTT has long been a counterpart institution for JIRCAS research in Thailand. It is hoped that the research results of this project will contribute to the sustainable development of the palm industry not only in Malaysia but also in neighboring countries such as Indonesia and Thailand through cross-sectional expansion.

On October 25, 2024, ABI (Agro-Biotechnology Institute) , MOSTI (Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation), and Rhone Ma visited the Kluang Pilot Plant. We reported on the progress of the project and explained future prospects. We also had them observe the pellet manufacturing process at the plant, and discussed the possibility and direction of future post-SATREPS cooperation.

On October 25, 2024, ADB (Asian Development Bank) IRRI (International Rice Research Institute), and Univ. of Agriculture Faisalabad from Pakistan visited the Kluang Pilot Plant. We reported on the progress of the project and explained future prospects. We also had them observe the pellet manufacturing process at the plant, and discussed the possibility and direction of future post-SATREPS cooperation.

A total of 10 members from JIRCAS, the Japanese representative for the SATREPS OPT project, the Global Environment Department of JICA HQ, and the JICA Malaysia Office paid a courtesy visit to the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia and reported on the project’s achievements and future plans for the post-SATREPS to Minister Karimata and other relevant parties.

The 6th JCC meeting was held in Penang, in the afternoon on October 22, 2024. This was the final JCC meeting of the project, which began in 2019, and was held in a hybrid with online, with approx. 50 participants. Member institutions from Japan and Malaysia presented the results of each sub-project, including social implementation, and confirmed that the goals set have been almost achieved for each sub-project. Some of the future post-SATREPS plans were also announced.

In the morning session on October 22, 2024, the SATREPS OPT Project Seminar “From SATREPS to Social Implementation – The First Step Towards Sustainable Palm Plantation Management and Palm Biomass Utilization” was held in Penang. Under the chairmanship of the project representative, Dr. Kosugi of JIRCAS, and Prof. Sudesh of USM, Mr. Zawawi of MPOB, Mr. Tan of MSPO, Dato’ Leong of MBIC, and Mr. Peter of IOI PalmWood Sdn Bhd gave speeches and lively panel discussions were held.

ISBP2024 (The International Symposium on Biopolymers) was held in Penang from October 20 to 23, 2024, and we set up an exhibition booth for the SATREPS OPT project. During the event, we explained the project’s overview to bio-related researchers and had them actually see the project’s deliverables, palm biomass pellets, and Panasonic’s recycled board (PALM LOOP) made from palm waste. On the 21st, YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia (MOSTI), also visited our booth.