A Brunei delegation comprising representatives from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), government agencies, and industry stakeholders visited Wuhan Polytechnic University (WHPU) and Guangdong Nutriera Group in the People’s Republic of China from 28 to 30 May 2026, advancing key collaboration efforts in aquaculture research, innovation, and industry development.
The visit supports the development of the Brunei Aquaculture Innovation Centre (BAIC), a strategic initiative approved on 2 October 2025 under the BN-SG Joint Committee Working Group on Food Supply and funded under the 12th National Development Plan (RKN12). Endorsed by the UBD Council, BAIC aims to strengthen Brunei Darussalam’s aquaculture research, laboratory services, and capacity building in support of national food security and economic diversification. UBD serves as the primary implementing institution for BAIC, bringing together research expertise spanning aquatic animal health, genetics and selective breeding, feed science and nutrition, water treatment technology, and sustainable aquaculture systems — all in support of Brunei’s national development priorities.
The Brunei delegation comprised representatives from UBD, Muara International Fish Landing (MIFL) Sdn Bhd, the Ministry of Finance (MOF), the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Barramundi Group (B) Sdn Bhd, and the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB).
Representing UBD were, from the Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Sustainability), Dr Hj Abdul Hanif bin Dato Paduka Hj Mahadi, Assistant Vice-Chancellor; Dr Siti Nornadhirah binti Haji Amdani, Deputy Director of Innovation; and Dr Rosnah binti Abdullah, Deputy Director of Research (Internationalisation). Also representing UBD was Dr Muhammad Saifullah bin Abu Bakar, Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation and Sustainability) of the Faculty of Integrated Technologies.
The delegation also included Mr Kevin Yang, Chief Executive Officer, and Mr Lim Tze Yang, Marketing Senior Manager, from MIFL; Mr Ahmad Fathi bin Dato Paduka Hj Junaidi, Head of Investment Division, MOF; Ms Khoo Tek Ying, Acting Deputy Director (Industry) from the Department of Fisheries, METI; Mr James Kwan Kok Yuen, Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Faith Seah, Secretary and Translator, and Mr Alex Chiam Tat Tsian, General Manager, from Barramundi; and Puan Rofizawati binti Rambli, Associate – Facilitation and Coordination, BEDB.
On 28 May 2026, the delegation visited WHPU, where they were received by Prof. Wang Haibo, President, and Prof. Wang Hongxun, Vice President, alongside representatives from the School of Animal Science and Nutritional Engineering and the University’s International Office. Both sides exchanged presentations on their respective research strengths and strategic priorities, with UBD highlighting BAIC and potential areas for collaboration spanning aquatic animal health, disease management, water quality monitoring, genetics, and biosecurity. Discussions identified two priority areas for in-depth collaboration: fish health and aquaculture technology, and the selective breeding of improved aquaculture species. Both institutions also expressed strong interest in joint vaccine development and in the development of specialised functional aquafeeds.
The delegation also visited Wuhan Zhongyi IoT Technology Co., Ltd., keen to learn more about the latest digital technologies in the region, and gained firsthand exposure to smart aquaculture technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT) applications, artificial intelligence, water quality monitoring systems, remediation of aquaculture effluents, and data-driven aquaculture management solutions — offering practical insights into how digital innovation can enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in the sector.
On 30 May 2026, the delegation visited Guangdong Nutriera Group, where discussions centred on aquaculture innovation, aquatic animal health, biotechnology applications, and industry-academic collaboration.
Speaking during the visit to WHPU, Dr Hj Abdul Hanif bin Dato Paduka Hj Mahadi, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Sustainability) at UBD, said: “This visit marks a meaningful step in building the international partnerships that BAIC will need to fulfil its mission. The expertise and enthusiasm we encountered give us strong confidence in the path ahead. We look forward to formalising these collaborations and to welcoming our partners to Brunei Darussalam as we work together to advance sustainable aquaculture and strengthen the nation’s food security.”
Following the visit, both UBD and WHPU have agreed to establish a joint working committee to take priority collaboration areas forward, with an initial virtual meeting proposed for late July 2026. Next steps include drafting a Memorandum of Understanding among UBD, WHPU, MIFL, and Barramundi Group, as well as a planned visit by a WHPU delegation to Brunei Darussalam.
The delegation expressed appreciation to WHPU, Wuhan Zhongyi IoT Technology Co., Ltd., and Guangdong Nutriera Group for their hospitality and productive engagement, marking a significant step in advancing international partnerships that support the long-term growth of Brunei Darussalam’s aquaculture sector.
