MPOB and SumiSaujana Partner to Commercialise Palm-based Polyols for Global Industrial Use

Did you know? Malaysia was the second-biggest palm oil exporter in 2023-2024, with over 16.2 million metric tons shipped. Yesterday, SumiSaujana Group Berhad and its subsidiary, an established manufacturer of oil and gas specialty chemicals, have formalised a strategic partnership with Malaysian Palm Oil Board through the signing of a Licensing and Commercialisation Agreement with MPOB to leverage on the technology owned by MPOB to manufacture and commercialise palm-based intermediates, palm-based polyols and bio-based polyester polyol.

From left: Dr Ramle Moslim, Deputy Director General R&D, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, YBhg Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Hj Ghulam Kadir , Director General, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Mr. Toh Chee Seng, Executive Deputy Chairman, Sumisaujana Group Berhad, Mr. Norazlam bin Norbi, Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Sumisaujana Group Berhad and ⁠Mr. Ramli Bin Mohamad, Executive Director/ Chief Operating Officer, Sumisaujana Group Berhad

The signing ceremony, held at Marriott Hotel Putrajaya, 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.

Strategic Collaboration Aims to Accelerate Malaysia’s Role in Sustainable Chemical Innovation

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 is projected to reach USD86.28 billion by 2024, while palm-based intermediates are estimated at USD17.0 billion as of 2022 – highlighting the tremendous market potential for these innovations.


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 (“PIKAS 2030”), which aims to position the country as a global hub for sustainable and bio-based technology.

Encik Norazlam Bin Norbi, Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer of SumiSaujana

Commenting on the new venture, Encik Norazlam Bin Norbi, Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer of SumiSaujana, commented, “This agreement with MPOB represents a meaningful step in our 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.”

Datuk Dr. Ahmad Parveez Hj. Ghulam Kadir, Director-General of MPOB

Datuk Dr. Ahmad Parveez Hj. Ghulam Kadir, Director-General of MPOB, said, “This collaboration signifies more than just technology transfer, it reinforces the role of public-private synergy in sustainable industrial development. It would provide the industry players with the opportunity to explore the potential of MPOB's innovative technologies and contributes 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.”

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.

With shared aspirations for innovation, sustainability, and national progress, MPOB and SumiSaujana are set to bring Malaysian palm-based technologies to new industrial frontiers, ensuring they are not only used at home, but globally recognised and adopted.

If you would like to know more info on SumiSaujana Group Berhad, please visit their official website at https://www.sumisaujanagroup.com and https://sstcm.com/


.: Peace Out :.

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