Online meeting was held with Mr. Gurcharan (Plantation Head), Mr. Philip (R&D Head), Mr. Kiaw (GM for Sabah Operation), and Mr. Asrif (AGM of Sarawak) on November 29, 2023. We explained the multi-process pellet production using biomass raw materials at the Kluang plant and discussed the possibility of future cooperation. In particular, we will consider opportunities to visit Sarawak and provide explanations to Sarawak palm plantation organizations etc.

2nd observation of the methane gas generated during the OPT decomposition process by termites was started. In addition, soil analysis using q-PCR tests was conducted at the USM SATREPS Project Research Lab.

November 17, 2023, JIRCAS Symposium “Innovations to Enhance the resilience of tropical forests and Sustainability of the forest industry” was held at the United Nations University U-Thant International Conference Hall and 10 counterparts from Malaysia participated. Dr. Kosugi talked about “Technology for adding high value to old oil palm trees for conservation of tropical forests”and Mr. Tani talked about “Reinforcing tropical forests and improving production through breeding techniques”. There was also presentation from Malaysia’s FRIM.

On November 15, 2023, Malaysian counterparts toured the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) by the invitation of JST. At Miraikan, the guide explained the highlights, and our project researchers were able to learn about daily life, society, and science related to the future. The weather was nice that day, and they took the Yurikamome-line, which allowed them to fully enjoy the view of Tokyo Bay from the train window.

On November 15, 2023, 10 Malaysian counterparts paid courtesy visits to JICA Headquarters, JST Headquarters, and the Embassy of Malaysia, and expressed their gratitude for the project promotion and cooperation. At the Embassy of Malaysia, Dr. Kosugi explained the outline of the project to Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Anwar Udzir and Counsellor in Agriculture, Mr. Jaswan Mulop, and asked for their cooperation in future project social implementation activities.

On November 14, 2023, the 5th JCC meeting was held in Tokyo as hybrid of face-to-face and online, with 10 representatives from Malaysian counterparts invited to Japan. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, Vice-Chancellor of USM, and was attended by approximately 60 of project related members.

On the afternoon of November 14, 2023, SATREPS OPT Project special seminar “The Future of the Palm Oil Industry: Biomass Utilization and Sustainability Initiatives.” was held in Japan. Dr. Kosugi from JIRCAS, the representative organization of the project, Mr. Aikawa from the Renewable Energy Foundation, and Prof. Kawaguchi, Professor of Rikkyo Univ. (ESG Adviser at Fuji Oil Group HQ) made a presentation for the use of biomass. Total of approximately 70 people from the public and private sectors participated.

On November 13, 2023, 10 counterparts from USM, MPOB, FRIM, and SIRIM arrived at Narita Airport and paid a courtesy visit to JIRCAS which is the representative organization for this project, and met with Dr. Koyama (President) , Dr. Hayashi (Project Director), Dr. Sugino (Planning and Partnership Director), and Dr. Omori (Head of the Information and Public Relations Office) for the continued support and promotion of the project. Then, toured the JIRCAS laboratory.

Ms.Nur Hanis Alisa, a USM master’s degree student who went to Japan (JIRCAS@Tsukuba) as a short-term trainee for half a year from May to November 2023, safely returned to Malaysia on November 3rd. We believe that not only learned a lot from research activities, but also learned a lot from Japanese culture and many experiences, and made many friends. Hope she will share the experience in Japan with other students in the SATREPS OPT laboratory in USM and further contribute to the result of SATREPS OPT project.

On 23 Oct, 2023, Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation Sdn Bhd under The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) visited our Kluang pilot plant. The project overview was explained also toured the Kluang Pilot Plant. We discussed about the Bio-based accumulator (BBA Program) and BioNexus Status for further social implementation activities of the project.