EduPalm Programme: Educating Future Generations On Sustainable Malaysian Palm Oil

The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) has launched the EduPalm Programme, an initiative designed to give students and educators an in-depth understanding of the Malaysian palm oil industry. This three-day event, which took place from 26 to 28 July 2024 at SD Guthrie Ecogardens in Banting, Selangor, marked the debut of Malaysia’s first comprehensive palm oil education programme.

The inaugural EduPalm session hosted 69 students from Universiti Malaya and Universiti Putra Malaysia. The EduPalm Programme aims to become a biannual event, extending its reach to students and educators nationwide. An upcoming session for secondary school teachers in the Klang Valley is scheduled for later this year.

Students participating in the EduPalm Programme gain hands-on experience and knowledge about the palm oil industry, cultivating early awareness of its national importance and sustainability practices.

Participants benefited from a diverse learning experience that included informative presentations on palm oil’s sustainability, health benefits, and socio-economic impacts. A highlight of the programme is the Know Your Palm Oil (KYPO) field trip led by SD Guthrie officers, which offers participants a first-hand look at the oil palm plantation ecosystem.

To reinforce their learning, participants engaged in the Palm Adventure Race, an interactive outdoor game developed by MPOC. This activity combines educational challenges with fun, further deepening participants’ understanding of the industry.

MPOC anticipates the EduPalm Programme’s growth, fostering a generation that understands palm oil’s economic and sustainable importance. Related initiatives include school outreach programmes and collaboration with Les’ Copaque Production to produce 'Upin & Ipin' educational episodes to raise awareness and appreciation of Malaysia’s palm oil industry among young Malaysians.

The palm oil sector is a significant pillar of the Malaysian economy, contributing RM94.95 billion in export earnings in 2023. Malaysia accounts for 23% of the world’s palm oil production and 30% of total palm oil exports, positioning itself as a global leader in certified sustainable palm oil upheld by the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification.

Students of local universities successfully attended the 3-day comprehensive palm oil education programme, and more events are planned for later this year.