Sandakan hosts crucial Mapex
Published on: Friday, June 13, 2025
Published on: Fri, Jun 13, 2025
By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: Phoong (second, left) visiting one of the booths at the event. SANDAKAN: The second edition of the Malaysia Palm Oil Expo (Mapex) 2025 in Sandakan has been hailed as a crucial platform for industry players to connect, exchange insights, and explore future growth opportunities in Sabah's palm oil and biomass sectors, said Sabah's Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Ginger Phoong Jin Zhe. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event, Phoong emphasised that the palm oil industry is at a turning point, where numerous opportunities are emerging particularly in renewable energy and sustainable industry practices.
Advertisement 'I'd like to congratulate the organisers. Mapex provides an opportunity for us to think together and move the industry forward. 'It allows stakeholders to discuss pressing issues such as renewable energy, green practices, and certification processes, especially given the various challenges facing Sabah's palm oil sector,' he said. He urged industry players to tap into the potential of downstream activities and the development of the palm biomass sector in Sabah. 'I've just returned from Osaka, Japan, where I met several companies expressing serious interest in investing in Sabah's biomass industry. 'This reflects growing global confidence in our resources and long-term potential,' he added. Phoong also highlighted Sandakan's strategic location within the palm oil supply chain and called for greater investment, both local and international to accelerate economic development in the region. 'We want to attract major investors to Sabah, particularly to Sandakan. More investments mean more factories, more job opportunities, and overall economic growth. 'Events like Mapex are not only investment platforms but also an avenue to showcase Sandakan to the international market,' he said. He concluded by expressing hope that Mapex and similar events will continue to be held regularly to further boost Sabah's position as a leading hub for sustainable palm oil and biomass development. Mapex 2025 which held from 11 to 12 June at Hakka Hall brings together an international congregation of both upstream and downstream palm oil companies, along with their supporting industries to Sandakan. This expo highlights the latest developments and innovations in the palm oil sector, reflecting the significant role East Malaysia plays in the industry. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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