KUALA LUMPUR, April 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia must urgently prioritise industrial sustainability by embracing a bio-based economy to remain competitive and sustainable in the global market, particularly in the palm oil sector, according to an expert.
Research Institute for Sustainable Excellence and Leadership (RISEL) founder Hong Wai Onn emphasised the need for the palm oil sector to move away beyond traditional, commodity-based practices.
“The Malaysian palm oil sector must evolve. We need to rethink value creation through biomass valorisation, methane recovery, and circular business models that deliver environmental and economic benefits,” he said in a statement today.
Hong highlighted practical examples already being piloted and commercialised, such as converting empty fruit bunches into biofuels and biochemicals, as well as capturing methane from palm oil mill effluent for renewable energy technologies.
“These innovations are reducing emissions while creating new revenue streams that can support Malaysia’s shift towards a low-carbon economy,” he noted.
He also challenged the perception that circular economy is merely a buzzword, stressing instead that it is a powerful business strategy.
“Circular thinking -- designing for reuse, reducing waste, and cross-sector collaboration -- enables industries to grow sustainably and profitably.”
On the future of skills and leadership, Hong said there is a growing demand for technically skilled professionals who can drive green innovation. From carbon capture to biotech, he said the industry need leaders who think in systems, embrace lifelong learning, and are willing to challenge the status quo.
“Looking ahead, biotechnology and industrial symbiosis are the next big economic disruptors. The future lies in replacing fossil feedstocks with bio-based alternatives, and transforming industrial waste into valuable resources, a regenerative economy by design,” he added.
-- BERNAMA
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