TAWAU, 30 September 2026 — The Sabah International Avocado Forum (SIAF) 2026 opened today at Xocolatt Hall, Hotel Emas, bringing together international experts, researchers, government representatives and industry players to discuss the development of Sabah’s avocado sector.
The idea for the forum was first mooted by the International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) during an online discussion with the Sabah Durian and Tropical Fruit Planters Association (MaSDA). Both organisations agreed to pursue the initiative, which has now brought international and local expertise together in Tawau.
During SIAF 2026, TFNet and MaSDA also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise their commitment to future cooperation and continued collaboration in support of the tropical fruit sector.
Held under the theme “Scaling Production, Elevating Quality and Unlocking New Market Opportunities,” the forum is billed as Malaysia’s first dedicated international avocado forum. The Sabah Agriculture Department, the Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries, Sabah Convention Bureau and Sabah Softwoods Hybrid Fertiliser Sdn. Bhd. are among its strategic partners.
The opening ceremony was attended by YBhg. Awang Dzulkernain bin Awang Hassan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries, representing YB Datuk Jamawi bin Jaafar, the Minister.
International and technical speakers include Professor Romina Pedreschi of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile; Dr Guy W. Witney of EFN Multicrop Pty Ltd, South Africa; Dr Ir Mohamad Reza Tirtawinata of Yayasan Alpukat Nusantara, Indonesia; and Dr Huynh Thanh Loc of the Southern Horticultural Research Institute, Viet Nam. They are joined by Malaysian specialists Mr Hermes Joseph of Quoin Hill Agriculture Research Centre, Dr Cheong Bo Eng of Universiti Malaysia Sabah, and Mr Muhamad Saiful Bahrin bin Baharudin of the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority.
Sabah’s avocado cultivation has expanded from approximately 49 hectares in 2018 to 318 hectares in 2026, with a target of around 600 hectares by 2035. The growth points to the crop’s potential to contribute to rural incomes and diversify the state’s fruit industry.
In his message, TFNet Chief Executive Officer Muhamed Salim bin Mohd Ali highlighted that industry development involves more than planting trees. Suitable varieties and planting materials, sound orchard management, pest and disease control, postharvest practices, quality standards and stronger market connections will all be important to the sector’s long-term progress.
TFNet also extends its sincere appreciation to the MaSDA team for its partnership and support in bringing the forum to fruition, with special thanks to Mr Duane Evans, Chairman of MaSDA, and Mr Donald Stephens, Chairman of SIAF 2026.
The forum continues tomorrow, 1 October, with a field visit giving participants practical exposure to avocado production in Tawau.
