JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 5 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), hosted by the Faculty of Science, successfully organized the 14-Day International Training Programme on Advanced Plant Breeding with Applications in Aerospace Research and Sustainable Bioproducts, bringing together international delegates from Xi’an University, China and local scientific experts.

One of the major highlights of the 14-day programme took place on 5 October 2026, featuring a high-level courtesy visit to the UTM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, followed by an intensive technical visit to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Kluang Research Station.

The morning session commenced at the Sultan Ibrahim Chancellery Building, where the Xi’an University delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat. Welcoming remarks were delivered by the Dean, Faculty of Science, Prof. Dr. Shafinaz Shahir, alongside remarks from the Vice President of Xi’an University, Prof. Dr. Bao Feng.

The session included discussions on the framework for the China-Malaysia Joint Laboratory on Aerospace Breeding and Biomedicine, as well as the presentation of souvenirs from both universities and an official photo session commemorating the growing cross-border academic partnership.

In the afternoon, the delegation travelled to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Kluang Research Station, where they were warmly welcomed by Head of the Breeding and Tissue Culture Unit, Dr. Zulkifli Yaakub. An insightful session was led by Marhalil Marjuni on elite palm oil breeding, advanced selection strategies and clonal propagation technologies.

The technical visit also featured a live and hands-on field demonstration on hand pollination techniques in oil palms, followed by a guided tour of MPOB’s greenhouses and gallery, showcasing state-of-the-art agricultural biotechnology practices.

The programme provided an opportunity for the international delegates and local scientific experts to engage through academic and technical exchanges, particularly in advanced plant breeding, aerospace research, sustainable bioproducts and agricultural biotechnology. The activities also highlighted the potential for continued scientific engagement between UTM, Xi’an University and research institutions in relevant fields.

The engagement also combined institutional discussion with practical field exposure, allowing delegates to gain insight into advanced breeding, selection and propagation techniques within agricultural biotechnology. The training programme also strengthens academic and technical links through direct interaction between the participating institutions and experts.

Through the 14-day international training programme, UTM Faculty of Science continues its commitment to driving global research collaborations, advancing space-induced mutation breeding, and fostering sustainable biotechnology innovations. The programme further supports UTM’s efforts to strengthen international scientific networks and create opportunities for knowledge exchange across borders.