The Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), in cooperation with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), exhibited at the “Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Show 2026 (MAHA 2026),” held in Malaysia from August 28 to September 1, 2026. JIRCAS showcased research achievements and recent initiatives aimed at the social implementation of next-generation biomass technologies that promote the effective utilization of underutilized biomass resources.

The exhibition was organized as part of the Japan Pavilion, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF) and the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia. Together with Japanese companies, JIRCAS introduced its technology development activities and efforts toward social implementation. Through posters and physical samples, the JIRCAS booth presented next-generation biomass technologies that combine a feedstock-flexible processing approach with microbial saccharification technologies. These technologies are being developed to utilize underutilized palm biomass generated in large quantities in palm oil-producing countries, including Malaysia. The booth also highlighted recent achievements and ongoing initiatives toward social implementation.

JIRCAS exhibited during the first five days of the MAHA exhibition period (August 28 to September 1, 2026). More than 800 visitors in total visited the JIRCAS booth. Many visitors represented research institutions, universities, and private companies, enabling active exchanges of views on the characteristics of the technologies, their commercialization potential, and challenges associated with social implementation. The booth received numerous inquiries regarding the research and technologies presented, and discussions with several companies and organizations provided opportunities to explore future technology adoption and collaborative activities.

As the exhibition was held in Malaysia, the booth also attracted many plantation owners, plantation managers, and business operators directly involved in the palm oil industry. Discussions with these stakeholders highlighted shared concerns regarding the treatment and disposal of palm biomass that is currently underutilized. Strong interest was expressed in the technologies being developed by JIRCAS, reaffirming expectations for their practical application. In particular, many visitors voiced their hope for the implementation of technologies capable of transforming underutilized biomass resources into valuable products, underscoring the strong demand for solutions to challenges faced by the industry.

During the exhibition, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia, and Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, visited the Japan Pavilion, providing an opportunity for JIRCAS to introduce its activities and research achievements to both ministers. The exhibit also fostered networking with a wide range of stakeholders, including research institutions, private companies, and plantation operators, as JIRCAS seeks to accelerate the transition from research and development to social implementation.

JIRCAS will continue to strengthen collaboration with partner institutions and companies in Malaysia and other tropical regions, contributing to the realization of a circular society and sustainable industrial development through the effective utilization of underutilized biomass resources.