Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad (“Bursa Malaysia Derivatives” or the “Exchange”) and the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (“MPOC”) successfully co-hosted the East Malaysia Palm Oil Forum (“EMPOF”), attracting more than 200 delegates from across Southeast Asia, including policymakers, traders, plantation leaders, financial institutions, investment professionals, risk managers, analysts, and researchers.
The forum, the second edition to be held in Sabah, underscored East Malaysia’s growing role as a driver of sustainable palm oil and as a crucial contributor to Malaysia’s export palm oil output.
The event was officiated by YB Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Sabah, on behalf of YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji bin Haji Noor, Chief Minister of Sabah.
Commenting on the significance of EMPOF, Mohd Saleem Kader Bakas, Director of Derivatives Market, Bursa Malaysia Derivatives, said: “We are pleased to collaborate with MPOC in driving impactful dialogue and forging strategic partnerships that strengthen East Malaysia’s competitiveness. Our Crude Palm Oil Futures contract continues to set the world benchmark for price discovery, while the expansion into new instruments such as soybean oil and used cooking oil reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Our purpose remains clear – to build a robust and innovative marketplace that reinforces Malaysia’s position as the global hub for palm oil price discovery.”
Belvinder Sron, Chief Executive Officer of MPOC added: “East Malaysia continues to play a pivotal role in Malaysia’s palm oil success story, contributing nearly 44% of national production. At MPOC, we are committed to supporting this growth by championing sustainability, expanding market access, and enhancing global competitiveness through targeted trade engagements and strategic partnerships.”
The forum featured expert-led sessions and panel discussions on issues pertinent to Sabah and the wider palm oil sector, including:
- EUDR Benchmarking – Roland Berger partners provided a detailed assessment of Malaysia’s potential to achieve “low-risk” classification under the EU Deforestation Regulation (“EUDR”).
- Sustainability in Action – Ernst & Yong presented an evaluation of Malaysia’s achievement in sustainable palm oil practices, particularly in East Malaysia.
- East Malaysia in Focus – A panel discussion featuring leaders from East Malaysia Planters’ Association (“EMPA”), Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association (“SOPPOA”), and Teck Guan Group, addressed production and trade challenges in the East Malaysia, moderated by Belvinder Sron, CEO of MPOC.
- Market Opportunities – Bursa Malaysia highlighted pathways for capital raising via IPOs, while trading experts explored spread trading strategies and futures risk management.
- Outlook & Competitiveness – Industry thought leaders shared perspectives on evolving trade dynamics, tariff policies, and price outlooks.
In addition, the event served as a platform for cultivating business connections among participants, with sessions such as Broker Connect and the Sundowner Networking Reception — supported by EMPOF Broker Partner Phillip Capital Sdn Bhd — enabling regional palm oil industry players to explore actionable solutions and strategic collaborations that enhance business outcomes.
Bursa Malaysia Derivatives and MPOC extend their sincere appreciation to the Sabah State Government, key industry players and associations, broker partner, speakers, and delegates, for their support in making EMPOF 2025 a success.
