IAAS AquaNexus@Brunei: Pioneering Sustainable Aquaculture and Investment Opportunities
By: IAAS Secretariat
Brunei Darussalam, August 6-8, 2024 – The International Association for Agricultural Sustainability (IAAS) successfully hosted the AquaNexus event, a three-day initiative aimed at advancing sustainable aquaculture through technology innovation and strategic partnerships. Held at the Main Auditorium of the Design & Technology Building, the event attracted key stakeholders from academia, government, and industry to foster dialogue and collaboration in aquaculture development.
The event commenced on August 6 with a welcome address from Dr. Lee Chee Wee, Chairman of IAAS and Technology Advisor at Temasek Polytechnic. The morning session featured discussions on investment opportunities in aquaculture and agriculture, presented by representatives from the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Agriculture & Agrifood, and the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB). The highlight was the introduction of the IAAS AquaNexus Initiative, which aims to empower sustainable aquaculture practices in Brunei.
Several key presentations focused on driving innovation in the aquaculture sector. Dr. Diana Chan, Head of the Aquaculture Innovation Centre (AIC), and Professor Takaomi Arai from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) shared insights into their collaboration to foster research and development. The agenda also featured topics such as scaling mud crab aquaculture for a thriving blue economy, presented by Edison Tan, CEO of Aquast Pte Ltd, and integrating Singapore expertise with Taiwanese technology for profitable aquaculture ventures, discussed by Dr. Michael Fu of YuQuan Biotech Pte Ltd.
The event concluded with site visits to Universiti Brunei Darussalam, AquaNexus Park, and various local aquaculture facilities, including Golden Corporation and the Department of Fisheries. These visits provided attendees with hands-on experience and insight into Brunei’s aquaculture landscape.
IAAS AquaNexus 2024 demonstrated the potential of sustainable aquaculture as a driver for economic growth and environmental resilience. By bringing together experts and innovators, IAAS aims to continue leading the way in promoting sustainable and profitable aquaculture solutions.
