For Eur Ing Hong Wai Onn, the road to becoming a thought leader in sustainable palm oil production and a passionate advocate for STEM education has been anything but ordinary.
Born into a modest family in Perak, Malaysia, his story is one of determination, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to making a difference in both the engineering world and the fight for a sustainable future.
Despite showing a natural curiosity in science, Hong faced significant academic challenges during his secondary school years, particularly in mathematics. At one point, he nearly failed the subject, casting doubt on his aspirations. However, through perseverance and sheer determination, he overcame these struggles, ultimately excelling in his studies and achieving his dream of becoming a chemical engineer.
Over nearly two decades, he has carved out a unique space in the palm oil and biotechnology industries. His impact goes beyond technical contributions — he champions the adoption of sustainable practices in Malaysia’s palm oil sector, a critical industry for the nation’s economy and global standing.
Hong’s work is underpinned by a deep passion for reducing the environmental footprint of palm oil production. As a recognized expert, he has actively contributed to developing Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) standards, striving to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship.
His work explores converting palm oil biomass into value-added products such as bioenergy, bioplastics, or advanced biofuels, enabling Malaysia to position itself as a global leader in sustainable palm oil.
His ability to bridge science, policy, and industry practice has made him a sought-after voice in international forums. He advocates collaboration among stakeholders—government bodies, technology providers, and industry players—to break silos and accelerate Malaysia’s transition to a low-carbon future.
Parallel to his work in sustainability, Hong is deeply committed to promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in Malaysia. He serves on industry advisory panels for universities and participates in initiatives to raise awareness about STEM’s role in addressing global challenges. Recognizing that lasting change requires nurturing future talent, Hong has established philanthropic initiatives supporting young engineers and researchers. He provides scholarships for conference attendance and annual awards for undergraduate research focused on improving palm oil processing efficiency and environmental responsibility.
In recognition of his contributions, Hong honoured with The Knights Award 2023 for outstanding achievements and dedication to excellence. He also has been featured in the 6th Edition of Britishpedia’s Biographic Encyclopaedia: Successful People in Malaysia and Singapore. This acknowledgment adds to his growing list of accolades, including being a two-time Malaysia Book of Records holder and obtaining the esteemed Freedom of the City of London.
Despite these achievements, Hong remains grounded and driven by his vision to make Malaysia a global benchmark for sustainable practices. Through his think tank, the Research Institute for Sustainable Excellence and Leadership (RISEL), Hong continues to drive forward-looking research and policies to secure a sustainable future.