Avocados Australia partners on education initiatives in Malaysia

Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia accounted for 84% of Australia’s total export volumes in 2025, with Malaysia recording particularly strong growth, rising 54% year-on-year. Australia currently holds approximately 70–72% market share in Malaysia and Singapore, maintaining market leadership in both countries since 2021.

Avocados Australia Limited, the peak body representing Australian avocado growers, has now signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Monash University Malaysia and a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with UOW Malaysia, reinforcing collaboration in nutrition education, culinary innovation and industry engagement.

Chairman of Avocados Australia Matthew Kleyn said the partnerships with Monash University Malaysia and UOW Malaysia reflect a long-term commitment to Malaysia that extends beyond trade volumes.

“Malaysia is an important partner for the Australian avocado industry. With exports growing strongly and Malaysia emerging as one of our top three markets globally, it is important that we invest not only in trade, but also in knowledge exchange, nutrition education and culinary capability that supports long-term market development,” Kleyn said.

The MOU with Monash University Malaysia establishes a framework for collaboration centred on health and nutrition education, student engagement initiatives and industry briefings on the nutritional profile of Australian avocados. By connecting academic research with real-world agrifood insights, the collaboration aims to strengthen consumer education and graduate readiness in health, nutrition and food science disciplines.

The MOA with with UOW Malaysia formalises cooperation under the Australian Fruits Culinary Training Program, a regional initiative funded by the ASEAN-Australia Centre. The program is designed to enhance knowledge and practical application of Australian horticultural produce — including avocados, table grapes, summerfruit and cherries — among culinary institutions and hospitality professionals across South-East Asia.

The MOU and MOA were signed by Matthew Kleyn, Chairman of Avocados Australia; Professor Dato’ Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Malaysia; and Professor Dr Hiew Pang Leang, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of UOW Malaysia. The signing was witnessed by Her Excellency Danielle Heinecke, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia.

Images courtesy of Avocados Australia.