? PALM OIL INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2025

Next-Gen Changemakers: Driving the Future of Palm Oil Sustainability

? New Announcement: The Announcement of Top 3 Finalist will be informed on 3rd November 2025

? Announcement: The contest period will be extended until 22 September 2025

Don’t miss the chance, submit your entries before the new deadline! ✨

  • Announcement

  • More Info

  • Timeline of Competition

  • Registration

  • FAQ

Attention All Students Across ASEAN

Get ready to innovate , pitch , and make an impact in the Palm Oil Innovation Challenge , part of the ASEAN Youth Leaders in Palm Oil Sustainability (AYLPOS) 2025, organized by the MPOB-UKM Endowment Chair and Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC).

? Theme: Next-Gen Changemakers: Driving the Future of Palm Oil Sustainability
?️ Contest Period: 15th July 2025 – 22th September 2025
? Eligibility:

  • Open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students aged between 18 to 38 years old.
  • Participants may join the competition individually or in pairs (max 2 members per team).

To participate, simply:

  1. To register, please click the Registration tab on our official website.
  2. Submit a one-page proposal or infographic AND one pitching video (3 – 5 minutes) through the same link.

? Why You Should Join?
? Win up to USD 1,200 in cash prizes
? Gain international recognition
? Get a chance to pilot your idea with industry partners

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your talent, win fantastic prizes, and promote the importance of palm oil sustainability!

? Join now. Share your voice. Shape the future.

? ABOUT JOINING
Q1: I’m 38 this year, am I still eligible to join?
A1: Yes, you are eligible as long as you are not older than 38 years at the time of registration.
Q2: Can I join with a friend from another university or country?
A2: Yes, teams can consist of students from different universities or countries, as long as all members meet the eligibility criteria.
Q3: Can I submit more than one idea?
A3: No. Each participant may submit only one entry, either individually or as part of a team.
Q4: Is it open to PhD students too, or just undergrads and Masters students?           
A4: Yes. The competition is open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students, including Master’s and PhD candidates, aged between 18 to 38 years old.
Q5: Can one person join twice, once as an individual and once as part of a team?
A5:No. Each participant may only join once, either individually or in a team of two.
Q6: Do you accept participants from countries outside the ASEAN region?
A6:Yes. Participation is open to university students globally, not limited to those from ASEAN countries.
Q7:If we get shortlisted, will organizer pay for our travel and accommodation to the final pitch at UKM?
A7: Yes. Travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the organizer, limited to one (1) participant per shortlisted entry. Additional team members may attend at their own expense.

? ABOUT THE IDEA
Q8:What is the main focus of the competition?
A8: The competition aims to promote critical thinking and creativity among students in developing innovative solutions that address real-world challenges related to the palm oil industry, particularly in the areas of environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic impact.
Q9:Do we have to develop a real prototype?
A9: No. A concept or idea is sufficient for your submission. However, a prototype is welcome if available.
Q10:How can I get the opportunity to pilot my idea?
A10:Winning ideas that are deemed highly impactful to the industry may be selected for pilot opportunities in collaboration with industry partners. This will be determined based on the innovation, feasibility, and relevance of the proposed solution to real-world challenges.
Q11:Can we update our idea after the first submission, especially after the coaching session?
A11: Yes. Shortlisted teams will be allowed to refine and improve their ideas before the final pitch, especially after receiving feedback from the coaching session.

? ABOUT THE VIDEO
Q12: What is the required video format?
A12: The video should be in MP4 format, with a duration of 3 to 5 minutes, and must be submitted through the designated form link. Ensure the file is clearly labeled with your name or team name and project title.
Q13:What language should I use for the proposal and video?
A13: Both the proposal and video must be in English only. Submissions in other languages will not be accepted.
Q14: Can we include slides or animations in the video?
A14: Yes, you may include slides, visuals, or animations to enhance your presentation. However, the video must clearly showcase your pitching style, meaning participants should appear on camera to present the idea directly.

Objectives

Encourage critical thinking and creativity in addressing real-world environmental, social, and economic challenges.

Provides a platform for students to explore real issues in the palm oil sector and propose impactful ideas.

Cultivate next-gen leaders who are equipped to drive sustainable transformation.

Promote cross-border collaboration in addressing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns.

Eligibility

Open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students aged between 18 to 38.

Participants may join the competition individually or in pairs (maximum two members per team).

Theme

Next-Gen Changemakers: Driving the Future of Palm Oil Sustainability

Categories

Participants may choose any topic related to the theme, with a focus on environmental, social, or governance (ESG) issues. Suggested topics include:

  • Palm Oil Export Competitiveness
  • Sustainability & Environment
  • Socioeconomic Development
  • Innovation & Research
  • Global & ASEAN Impact
  • Social Responsibility
  • Governance

Prize

1st Prize : USD 1,200

2nd Prize : USD 1,000

3rd Prize : USD 800

Medal & Certificate

Why you should join?

Win up to USD 1,200 cash prizes

Gain an international recognition

Get a chance to pilot your idea with industry partner

What Participants Need To Do?

Particpants will:

Identify a challenge in the palm oil industry related to:

  • Palm Oil Export Competitiveness
  • Sustainability & Environment
  • Socioeconomic Development
  • Innovation & Research
  • Global & ASEAN Impact
  • Social Responsibility
  • Governance

Propose a solution such as an idea, system, apps, tool, project or programme that addresses the challenge.

Submit an abstract (max 300 words) and a short video pitch (3–5 minutes) showcasing:

  • The problem they are solving
  • Their proposed solution
  • Its impact and potential for implementation

Terms & Conditions

? TERMS & CONDITIONS

  1. COMPETITION DETAILS
  1. Participation Format
    • Participants may join the competition individually or in pairs (maximum two members per team)
    • All team members must meet the age and student status requirements at the time of registration.
  1. Language
    All submissions must be in English only.
  1. Video Duration
    The video should be between 3 to 5 minutes in length.
  1. Video Content & Focus
    • Participants are encouraged to apply original thinking, creativity, and innovation in developing        their idea and producing a short video. The video should present a clear and compelling solution that addresses real-world environmental, social, or economic challenges within the palm oil industry.
  1. Originality
    • All submissions must be the original work of the participant(s).
    • Entries must not infringe on any copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights of others.
    • Any background music or visuals used must be royalty-free.
    • The organisers will not be held responsible for any legal claims resulting from copyright violations.
  1. Content Restrictions
    • Submissions must not contain any content that may be deemed offensive, including content that is racist, religiously sensitive, culturally inappropriate, or defamatory to any individual or leader. Any submission that violates this rule may be disqualified.
  1. Publication Limitation
    • Submitted videos must not be published or shared publicly (e.g. social media, websites, or YouTube) without prior approval from the organiser.
  1. Exclusivity
    • Submissions must not have been previously submitted to other national or international video competitions. Breach of this condition will result in disqualification.

B. COPYRIGHT & USAGE RIGHTS

  1. Usage Rights
    • The organizer reserves the right to use submitted videos (in whole or in part) for purposes of promoting palm oil awareness, including in publications, exhibitions, educational activities, and social media campaigns.
  1. Editing & Reproduction
    • The organizer reserves the right to edit or adapt submitted videos for purposes such as research, education, broadcasting, and promotional campaigns related to palm oil.

? PALM OIL INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2025