USM PENANG, 15 October 2024 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through its Centre for Innovation and Consultation (CIC) and in collaboration with the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) and Leave A Nest, successfully organised the Sustainable Aquaculture Summit 2024 (SAS2024).

The event attracted around 200 attendees from diverse sectors, including academia, industry, and government.

SAS2024, held at the USM campus, served as a powerful platform for stakeholders to discuss cutting-edge solutions and foster strategic collaborations in sustainable aquaculture.

The USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Industry and Community Network, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran remarked, “This summit reflects the unwavering commitment by USM to driving innovation and research that support sustainable aquaculture practices not only in Malaysia, but also globally.”

“By partnering with key players from multiple sectors, we are confident that the technologies and strategies developed through these collaborations will make a lasting impact on the aquaculture industry worldwide,” he said.

He added, “The USM Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) played a key role in organising the summit, reaffirming the university's leadership in marine biodiversity and aquaculture innovation.”

“As a hub for excellence, CEMACS continues to lead national and international efforts to promote sustainable aquaculture practices by collaborating with government agencies, research institutions, and industry stakeholders,” said Azlan.

Among the distinguished guests present were Group CEO of Leave A Nest Group, Dr. Yukihiro Maru; Managing Director of Leave A Nest Malaysia, Abdul Hakim Sahidi; President of Malaysia Aquaculture Processors Association (MAQUA), Dato' BJ Tan; Director of the Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Professor Dr. Muhammad Ikhwanuddin Abdullah; and Associate Director of TERAJU, Izam Nawi Ghazali.

Their participation, alongside esteemed investors, researchers, and industry partners, highlighted the critical role of innovation in addressing future sustainability challenges within the aquaculture industry.

The summit brought together representatives from approximately 30 agencies, all united by the shared goal of advancing aquaculture technology.

Key industry leaders like Innoqua Inc. (Japan); Pacton Technology (Malaysia); PT Nanotech Global (Indonesia); UMITRON Pte. Ltd. (Singapore); Leave A Nest Capital (Japan); UntroD Capital (Singapore); and Euglena (Japan) were present, underscoring their commitment to promoting eco-friendly solutions that address the growing demands of the global aquaculture sector.

The event featured dynamic sessions focused on groundbreaking technologies, including AI-driven aquaculture innovations, sustainable feed alternatives, and water quality management systems.

These discussions emphasised the importance of translating research from institutions like USM into practical solutions that directly enhance aquaculture operations and sustainability.

SAS2024 concluded with a resounding commitment from all parties to strengthen collaboration on the development and commercialisation of sustainable aquaculture technologies.

Plans for ongoing partnerships and expanded research initiatives were laid out, ensuring the momentum generated at the summit will carry forward into future projects aimed at revolutionising aquaculture practices.

With the presence of nearly 200 participants and the involvement of around 30 agencies, SAS2024 stands as a testament to the importance of collective efforts in leveraging advanced technologies to drive the future of aquaculture.

The summit sets a benchmark for fostering collaboration and innovation in this critical industry, and the outcomes are expected to have far-reaching implications for aquaculture sustainability in Malaysia and beyond.

Text: Dr. Muaz Zaini Makhtar, CIC USM