Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) visited the International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) last 14 July 2026, as part of their study visit to Malaysia. They were welcomed by the TFNet Secretariat, led by Mr. Muhamed Salim bin Mohd Ali, Chief Executive Officer.
The CATAS contingent were as follows:
- Dr Zhao Hui – Senior Scientist, Papaya Breeder
- Dr Du Xiaoxi – Assistant Scientist (Current research is Jackfruit)
- Dr Huang Yakun – Assistant Scientist (Current research is Papaya)
They were also accompanied by Dr. Phebe Ding, Professor, Universiti Putra Malaysia and TFNet Expert Member, Mr. Jeffrey Choong, Managing Director of Exotic Star, and Ms. Lee Sin Yee, Director of Green Tech Enterprise.
Located in the Hainan Province, CATAS is the national institution engaged in tropical agricultural research and development. They are engaged in rubber tree, tropical fruits, tropical bio-fuel crops, tropical vegetables, tropical forage, tropical textile fiber crops, tropical arboreal oil crops, tropical spice and beverage crops, tropical medicinal crops, agricultural machinery, environment and plant protection, biotechnology, genetic resource conservation and development for tropical agriculture.
This meeting provides a step towards strengthening ties between TFNet and China.
