Sabah Hosts 1,000 Global Delegates at MICF 2025 Conference

26 May 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Approximately 1,000 participants from 25 countries, including cocoa industry players, government and private agencies, researchers, and university students have gathered for the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025 conference.

Chairman of the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB), Datuk Matbali Musah, said the two-day conference, held today and tomorrow, is packed with forums, presentations, and knowledge-sharing sessions covering various key topics in the cocoa sector.

“Among the topics presented are the global cocoa scenario, insights from the private sector, Malaysia’s perspective, cocoa traceability, sustainability, industry challenges, innovation, single origin chocolate, cocoa flavour, food safety, smart farming, and the role of cooperatives,” he said at the official launch of MICF 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today.

The event was officiated by the Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

Matbali added that MICF 2025, running from 24 to 27 May, features three main components: the exhibition, the conference, and the Cocoa Gala Dinner. The exhibition, which began on 24 May, includes 160 booths showcasing cocoa products, innovations, and technologies from more than 20 countries.

He said the Cocoa Gala Dinner, scheduled for tonight, provides an excellent opportunity to foster networking, strengthen collaboration, and celebrate achievements within the cocoa industry.

“The dinner will also showcase Sabah’s cultural heritage, giving international participants a glimpse of our rich traditions,” he added.

To further enhance the experience, the organisers have arranged tour packages for participants to visit cocoa plantations in Ranau as well as cultural attractions around Kota Kinabalu.

“MICF 2025 is the largest fair ever organised by the Malaysian Cocoa Board, under the leadership of Director General Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the organising committee,” he said.

Datuk Matbali also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, the Sabah State Government, strategic partners including the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), private companies, and local authorities for their support in making MICF 2025 a success.