KOTA KINABALU, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Sawit Kinabalu Bhd has signed atraining and consultancy agreement with Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB),paving the way for the state-owned agency to operate the first ever tissueculture laboratory in Sabah.The signing took place in Kuala Lumpur today and was witnessed bySabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.In his speech released here, Musa said that the agreement involvestraining provision and transfer of MPOB technology to Sawit Kinabalu tofurther develop the state's palm oil industry."Sawit Kinabalu made a wise decision in choosing MPOB as its partneras it has a world renowned reputation in research and development (R&D),"he said.As an important agency in the field of palm oil R&D, MPOB had come upwith many agronomic methods that resulted in Malaysia becoming animportant player in the industry, said Musa who is also Sawit Kinabaluchairman.He urged Sawit Kinabalu to work harder and be proactive in facingchallenges and competitions in the global economy."In facing uncertainties, Sawit Kinabalu should be able to makestrategic options for it to move ahead," he said, describing the tissueculture laboratory project as an important and timely step forward. --BERNAMA