UTAR and Palm Grove Herb Valley Sdn Bhd exchange MoU 
to advance herbal research and wellness innovation

A group photo to commemorate the occasion

The exchange ceremony of memorandum of understanding (MoU) between UTAR and Palm Grove Herb Valley Sdn Bhd (PGHV) was held on 16 October 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, marking the beginning of a meaningful partnership aimed at advancing herbal research, sustainable agriculture, and health and wellness innovation.

Present were UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Faculty of Science (FSc) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, FSc Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Dr Sit Nam Weng, Centre for Biomedical and Nutrition Research Chairperson Dr Eddy Cheah Seong Guan, Centre for Agriculture and Food Research Chairperson Dr Tan Yen Nee, and Office of International Affairs Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn.

Meanwhile, the PGHV delegation comprised Health and Wellness Director Mr Edmund Tan Poh Thye, Health and Wellness Division Head Mr Alvin Tiang Hock Chong, Health and Wellness Executive Mr Aw Soon Li, HR & Admin Senior Manager Ms Bristy Chee Lee Ching, and Accountant Ms Evon Ch’ng Yi Wen.

In his welcome speech, Prof Goi emphasised that the collaboration signifies the uniting of academia and industry to promote sustainable practices, innovation, and community well-being.

“At UTAR, we strongly believe in the power of partnerships that bring academic rigour and industry experience together to serve society. This MoU is a significant step in that direction,” he said. He added that the partnership would provide students with valuable experiential learning opportunities and nurture future professionals in herbal sciences, agriculture, health, and nutrition.

The MoU outlines collaboration in sustainable herb farming, research and development of herbal and wellness products, knowledge exchange on extraction methods and bioactive compounds, and scientific studies into health applications. Additionally, PGHV’s plantation in Triang, Pahang, will be designated as a research and training base for UTAR students, offering fieldwork, workshops, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) agriculture training. Both parties will also collaborate on joint publications, conferences, and research grants to advance the field of medicinal herbs and nutrition.

In his remarks, Mr Alvin Tiang expressed his optimism for the collaboration and PGHV’s vision for sustainable growth through research-driven innovation.

“This collaboration marks a significant step forward in combining traditional herbal wisdom with modern science. Together with UTAR, we aim to cultivate not only herbs but also knowledge that contributes to healthier communities and a more sustainable future,” said Mr Tiang.

Mr Edmund Tan (left) and Prof Goi