By UOW Malaysia 

Avocados Australia Limited, the peak body representing Australian avocado growers, has officially strengthened its footprint in Southeast Asia by signing a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with UOW Malaysia on 4^th of March 2026.

The partnership, alongside a separate MOU with Monash University Malaysia, reinforces a long-term strategy to integrate Australian premium produce into Malaysia’s vibrant culinary and educational landscape. The MOA with UOW Malaysia formalises a high-impact collaboration under the Australian Fruits Culinary Training Program, a regional initiative funded by the ASEAN-Australia Centre.

As a premier institution for hospitality, tourism and culinary arts, UOW Malaysia will serve as a strategic hub for the practical application of Australian produce. Under the new MOA, the university will collaborate on culinary workshops, integrating avocados, table grapes and summer fruits into professional training modules. There will be industry-led demonstrations to bridge the gap between Australian producers and Malaysian hospitality sector. Students will also be given direct access to premium produce, ensuring the next generation of Malaysian chefs are world-class expert and industry ready.

The initiative is further supported by Audra Morrice, internationally recognised chef and Culinary Ambassador under the Australian Fruits Culinary Training program, who will work alongside together with UOW Malaysia to inspire emerging chefs to incorporate premium Australian produce into contemporary cuisine.

Chairman of Avocados Australia, Matt Kleyn, noted that the choice of UOW Malaysia as a primary partner reflects a commitment to quality and professional development.

“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.” said Mr. Kleyn.

Through this strategic new collaboration with Avocados Australia, the university is positioning itself as an international culinary training.  The partnership bridges the gap between academic excellence and real-world industry insights. By integrating global trade data and premium produce expertise into its curriculum, UOW Malaysia, as part of a prestigious global academic network, is setting a new benchmark for culinary education within a private university setting.