The main role of MPOB is to conduct and promote research and development (R&D) on all aspects of the oil palm industry and its products. The R&D activities cover a wide processing, milling, refining, field mechanization, product development, environmental, quality and nutrition. MPOB also undertakes the task of registering, licensing and regulating all relevant activities carried out by the palm oil industry.

Beside conducting its own research, MPOB provides and makes available its facilities to the industry and other interested parties. Research services includes Contract and Collaborative Project, Scientific and Technical Consultancy, Pilot Plants facilities: Polyurethane, Margarine, bakery and Confectionary, Continuous Frying, High-Oleic, Alfa SME and Palm Diesel. The establishment of research facilities such as Palm Oil milling Technology Centre, Metarhizium Technology Centre, Biomass Technology Centre, Farm Mechanization Centre, Animals and Fats Protein Centre has expedited the transfer of new technologies and products to the industry. Technology transfer has been implemented through consultancy, licensing and patents.

So far, MPOB has launched a total of 302 technologies/products for adoption by the industry, of which 30 percent have been commercialized. MPOB's R&D programme has undoubtedly contributed to the development of the palm oil industry. The production of palm based oleochemicals products such as cosmetics and personal care, detergent, food grease and industrial product has widened the use of palm oil in the oleochemical sector. Research in palm biofuel has proved that palm biodiesel and palm oil blend with petroleum diesel is a viable alternative and environmentally friendly fuel. MPOB is committed to assist the industry to maximize productivity and production, increase new product range, produce new technologies and create opportunities for Malaysian palm oil industry.