Palm oil has contributed to the world oils and fats supply and demand equation mainly due to its techno-economic advantages and versatility as well as some of the developments in the world in relation to security and supply, health, and environment. It is expected that the world palm oil consumption will increase from the current 38 million tonnes to 63 million tonnes in 2015 and further increase to 77 million tonnes in 2020 (Mielke, 2011).

Malaysia is the 2nd largest Crude Palm Oil (CPO) producer with 17.5 million tonnes of CPO in 2010 and it is expected to achieve 21.5 million tonnes. As of 2009, Malaysia has 4.7 million hectares of oil palm plantations, 416 mills, 43 crushers, 51 refineries, 18 oleochemical plants and 25 biodiesel plants. The industry is dominated by large plantation companies (Private- and Governmentlinked companies) which hold 60% total plantation land, with growing level of integration along the value chain.  read more

	Foresight Areas Unveiled The engagement was meant to identify STI areas of priorities by systematically looking at the issues, trends as well as drivers for the future. Plausible scenarios were then created to enable the identification of technology priorities that is required to support the nation’s vision 2020.
	Power of Foresight The 21st century is one of rapid change and globalisation. The pace of change is accelerating. It is imperative that leaders and management must understand its implications and promise. In a world of pandemic change, it is all too easy to be caught unprepared.