Lang
An expert has said that Malaysia must urgently prioritise industrial sustainability by adopting a bio-based economy in order to remain competitive and sustainable in the global market, particularly in the palm oil sector.
Hong Wai Onn, founder of the Institute for Sustainability Excellence and Leadership (RISEL), stressed that Malaysia's palm oil sector needs to move beyond traditional practices that treat the oil merely as a basic commodity.
In a statement issued today, he said:
"The Malaysian palm oil sector must evolve. We need to rethink how we create value by harnessing biomass, recovering methane, and adopting circular business models that deliver both environmental and economic benefits."
Hong pointed to practical examples already being implemented at pilot or commercial scale, such as converting empty fruit bunch waste into biofuels and biochemicals, as well as capturing methane from palm oil mill effluent for use in renewable energy technologies.
He explained that "these innovations help reduce emissions while at the same time opening up new revenue streams that can support Malaysia's transition towards a low-carbon economy."
He also dismissed the notion that the circular economy is merely a buzzword, insisting that it is in fact a robust business strategy.
He added: "Circular thinking – which relies on designing for reuse, minimising waste, and fostering cross-sector collaboration – enables industries to grow in a way that is both sustainable and profitable."
On the future of skills and leadership, Hong noted that there is growing demand for technically competent specialists capable of driving green innovation forward. He stressed that the industry needs leaders who think holistically, embrace continuous learning, and have the courage to challenge the status quo.
He concluded: "We are heading towards a new economic revolution led by industrial biology and industrial integration. The future lies in replacing fossil raw materials with bio-based alternatives and turning industrial waste into valuable resources, moving towards a regenerative economy by design."