From left: Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) deputy director-general R&D Dr Ramle Moslim, MPOB Director-General Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir, Sumisaujana Group Bhd executive deputy chairman Toh Chee Seng, Sumisaujana executive director/ chief executive officer Norazlam Norbi and Sumisaujana executive director/ chief operating officer Ramli Mohamad.
PUTRAJAYA: Manufacturer of oil and gas specialty chemicals, SumiSaujana Group Bhd
has today signed a licensing and commercialisation agreement with Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) to leverage the technology owned by MPOB to manufacture and commercialise palm-based intermediates, polyols and bio-based polyester polyol.
The signing ceremony marks a significant step forward in Malaysia's efforts to expand the industrial applications of palm-based products and strengthen the nation's position as a key player in the global green chemicals market.
Developed through years of in-house research by MPOB, the licensed technologies include palm-based intermediates, polyols, and bio-polyester polyols - all of which offer renewable alternatives to petroleum-based chemicals.
These compounds are used extensively in polyurethane production, which serves multiple sectors including automotive, construction, adhesives, coatings and consumer goods.
The global polyurethane market was projected to reach US$86.28 billion in 2024, while palm-based intermediates are estimated at US$17.0 billion as of 2022 - highlighting the tremendous market potential for these innovations, SumiSaujana and MPOB said in a joint statement.
The partnership reflects MPOB's broader research and development strategy to enhance the commercial value of palm oil through high-value downstream applications.
More importantly, it also supports Malaysia's Public-Private Partnership Master Plan 2030, which aims to position the country as a global hub for sustainable and bio-based technology.
Commenting on the new venture, SumiSaujana executive director/ chief executive officer Norazlam Norbi said the agreement with MPOB represents a meaningful step in the company’s long-term growth strategy.
"We see tremendous value in integrating sustainable palm-based innovations into our product portfolio, enabling us to serve new markets while remaining aligned with the global shift towards environmentally responsible manufacturing. We are proud to play a role in commercialising Malaysian-grown technologies for global impact,” he said.
Meanwhile, MPOB director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir said the collaboration signifies more than just technology transfer, it reinforces the role of public-private synergy in sustainable industrial development.
"It would provide industry players with the opportunity to explore the potential of MPOB's innovative technologies and contribute to the growth of a more sustainable and competitive chemical industry at the global level.
"By expanding the downstream potential of palm oil, we are not only elevating its value chain but also promoting Malaysia's role in climate-conscious manufacturing,” he said.
The collaboration not only accelerates the commercial adoption of palm-based polyols, but also strengthens national efforts to drive industrial transformation through green chemistry.
It reinforces the potential of palm oil beyond food-based uses and exemplifies how innovation, when paired with the right industry partner, can lead to real economic and environmental value creation. - Bernama
