Fatih Aquaculture operates from two strategically chosen sites

From Backyard Dream to National Vision: Fatih Aquaculture Leads Brunei's Sustainable Seafood Future

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Friday, July 18, 2025, 04:00 (GMT + 9)

What began as a small family project during the COVID-19 pandemic has blossomed into Fatih Aquaculture, a pioneering Bruneian enterprise now producing over 500 kilograms of fish monthly. Founded by marine biologist Ahmad Fathi Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Norarfan, the company is not only bolstering Brunei's food security but also innovating with the nation's first solar-powered floating hatchery and eyeing a future of fully integrated, high-tech operations.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – In a remarkable testament to resilience and vision, Fatih Aquaculture, a homegrown Bruneian business, is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of the nation's sustainable food strategy. Born from a backyard endeavor during the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the company now commands over 350 sea cages across two sites – Pulau Kaingaran and Sungai Bunga – and is making significant strides in reducing Brunei's reliance on imported seafood, as reported by Azrina Zin from The Bruneian.

At the helm of Fatih Aquaculture is Ahmad Fathi Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Norarfan, a marine biologist whose passion for sustainable fish farming was ignited by the pandemic's disruptions. "I was working as a frontliner during the national vaccination campaign. At the same time, I started to see how vulnerable we were when it came to food supply. There were disruptions everywhere. That experience made me think more seriously about food security and how Brunei could produce more of its own essential goods," Fathi shared. "Starting Fatih Aquaculture became something more than a career decision. It felt like a small way to contribute to our country’s long-term resilience."

Navigating the Waters: From Backyard to Open Sea

Fathi's journey began modestly in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown. "I started with a few tanks at home, just enough to begin testing what I had learned during my aquaculture training. It was never meant to be a full business at first. It was a way to build confidence through practice," he explained. This small setup, focused on experimenting with water quality, feeding routines, and fish growth cycles, laid the groundwork for the larger marine farming venture.

Photo: Fatih Aquaculture

Today, Fatih Aquaculture operates from two strategically chosen sites. Pulau Kaingaran serves as the primary farming location, selected for its natural barrier against strong waves and consistent water quality, ideal for species like seabass and red tilapia which are in high local and regional demand. Sungai Bunga was later added to support expansion, providing additional space to grow.

The early years presented significant challenges. "Getting people to believe in this idea took time. We had no major backing at first. For two to three years, we operated from the backyard because we couldn’t afford to scale," Fathi revealed. The company purposely paused production in its first year with sea cages, treating it as a setup and testing phase before harvesting began in the second year, yielding 100 to 200 kilograms per month. Now, with 54 active production cages, Fatih Aquaculture consistently delivers over 500 kilograms monthly of red tilapia and barramundi (Asian seabass), chosen for their compatibility with local waters and strong market appeal.

Photo: Fatih Aquaculture

Hatching Innovation: Brunei's First Solar-Powered Floating Hatchery

Fatih Aquaculture's commitment to sustainable innovation shines through its development of Brunei’s first solar-powered floating hatchery. This groundbreaking concept, developed into a fully operational prototype with the support of mentors and technical partners during the ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge, is now in use at sea.

"The hatchery sits on the water and runs entirely off-grid. Because the fingerlings are grown close to where they’ll be farmed, they go through less stress when transferred. That has improved survival rates," Fathi noted. This off-grid system not only enhances fish health but also significantly reduces operational energy costs and the company's carbon footprint, marking a pioneering step for aquaculture in Brunei. Unlike traditional inland hatcheries, Fathi’s sea-based model integrates the surrounding marine environment into the rearing process, improving resource efficiency, simplifying logistics, and enhancing fish handling.

Photo: Fatih Aquaculture

Nurturing Talent and Overcoming Challenges

Fatih Aquaculture's success is built on a dedicated team of three local staff and five experienced foreign technicians, supported by site supervisors. The company is also deeply committed to nurturing local talent, offering regular internship opportunities to students. "We want to build the next generation of talent for Brunei’s blue economy," Fathi emphasized. "It’s important that young people see aquaculture not just as manual work, but as a real industry with potential, especially as the country moves towards food resilience and economic diversification."

Operating at sea, however, comes with its share of unpredictability, from drifting marine debris to fluctuating salinity levels and erratic weather. Fathi's strategy is rooted in anticipation and agility. "We closely monitor fish behavior and act quickly at any sign of stress or imbalance," he explained. "Our systems are modular and scalable. That gives us the flexibility to adapt – whether it’s to environmental shifts or changes in market demand. Being proactive is key to staying sustainable in this business.”

Photo: Fatih Aquaculture

Making Waves and Charting a Sustainable Future

Fatih Aquaculture's efforts have garnered significant recognition, including the Startup Award at the Proudly Brunei Business Awards in 2025, following earlier acknowledgment from the LiveWIRE Business Awards. "It showed us that we were on the right path. It helped validate the risks we took and the long hours we put in. It also gave us a platform to speak more seriously about aquaculture as part of Brunei’s future,” Fathi shared.

Looking ahead, Fatih Aquaculture aims for full vertical integration, encompassing its own hatchlings, fish farming, and the eventual sale of value-added products like ready-to-cook seafood. "We’re working on items like fish nuggets and bites. We want to build a brand that people recognise and trust," Fathi said. The company is also developing an Internet-of-Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for more efficient monitoring and management, aiming to improve decision-making, optimize feeding schedules, and enhance fish survival rates.

Photo: Fatih Aquaculture

Ultimately, Fathi’s broader mission is to significantly reduce Brunei’s dependency on imported seafood and fingerlings. "We currently produce a small share of what Brunei consumes. But even covering one percent is meaningful if it leads to something more. We want to build on that and keep growing," Fathi stated, emphasizing the long-term role of aquaculture in Brunei’s national food strategy. "It means we are taking responsibility for our own food systems. It means we are capable of producing high-quality fish that meet international standards. It also shows that we can innovate, adapt and move forward as a country.”

To aspiring entrepreneurs, Fathi offers a simple yet powerful piece of advice: "You will never know the outcome unless you start. The beginning will always be the hardest part. I faced doubts, setbacks and delays, but I kept going. Failing early is part of the process. What matters is what you learn and how you apply it. That is what moves you forward.” Fatih Aquaculture stands as a beacon of innovation and national resilience, building a sustainable future for Brunei's seafood industry one cage at a time.

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