AUSTRALIAN avocados are set to feature more prominently on Malaysian plates following a new partnership between industry and academia aimed at strengthening trading ties and culinary expertise.
Avocados Australia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Monash University Malaysia and a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia, marking a start in collaboration on nutrition education, culinary innovation and industry engagement.
Avocados Australia is a body representing avocado growers and tasked with overseeing industry development, marketing and trade initiatives.
The agreements are part of its latest strategy to deepen knowledge exchange across South-East Asia and reinforce Malaysia’s position as a key destination for avocado export.
Its chairman, Matthew Kleyn, said the partnerships reflect a commitment that goes beyond commercial transactions.
“Malaysia is an important partner for the Australian avocado industry.
“With Malaysia emerging as one of our top three global markets, it’s important we invest in knowledge exchange, nutrition education and culinary capability to support long-term market development,” he said.
The collaboration with Monash University Malaysia centres on health and nutrition education, student engagement initiatives and industry briefings on the nutritional profile of Australian avocados.
It aims to connect research and agrifood insights with students in health, nutrition and food science to gain exposure to industry expertise.
The agreement with UOW Malaysia, meanwhile, is designed to enhance knowledge and practical application of Australian horticultural produce.
Through workshops, industry-led demonstrations and student activities, it aims to equip students with the skills to incorporate Australian produce into contemporary cuisine.
Kleyn described the relationship with Malaysia as one built on trust and shared purpose.
“Over the past year, relationships have strengthened through a shared purpose.
"This partnership is about more than trade -- it is built on trusted collaboration and knowledge sharing,” he said.
According to the Australian Avocado Exports and Imports Report last year, avocado exports reached over 18,000 metric tonnes.
Malaysia, alongside Singapore and Hong Kong, accounted for 84% of that figure, Avocados Australia noted in a media statement.
Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke, who witnessed the MOU and MOA signing, said the initiative continued to build on long-standing bilateral ties.
“Malaysia and Australia share strong historical ties, spanning across food, trade and the education sectors.
“We are keen to elevate the partnership and bring more Australian investment into Malaysia,” she said.
Signing the initiatives were Monash University Malaysia president and pro vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman and UOW Malaysia vice-chancellor and chief executive officer Prof Dr Hiew Pang Leang.
Also present were Avocados Australia general manager (Southeast Asia) KC Liew, general manager (Export) Flora Zhang, Australian High Commission counsellor (Agriculture) Dr Kate Makin and counsellor (Education and Research) Sophie Horgan.
