Brunei made waves at the ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge (ABIC) Expo in Jakarta, Indonesia, with four pioneering teams presenting solutions in aquaculture, marine conservation, and environmental sustainability. Organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), ASEAN and international partners, ABIC supports innovative solutions addressing marine pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction through funding, mentorship and a regional platform.
Poni Marine showcased Rumah Fish, an artificial reef initiative designed to enhance marine habitats, support sustainable fisheries, and explore blue carbon and biodiversity credits.
The project deploys reef structures that provide shelter and breeding grounds for marine life, boosting fish populations and aiding local fishermen. Integrated research and monitoring ensure long-term ecological benefits. Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) developed the Alquatic Aquafeeder (AAF), a solar-powered artificial intelligence-driven feeding system for prawn aquaculture. By precisely controlling feed based on prawn size and weight, the AAF minimises waste, improves water quality, and increases survival rates.
With ABIC’s support, UTB finalised the prototype and is training local farmers to enhance aquaculture efficiency.
Green Brunei presented its Peat Swamp Restoration Project, aimed at rehabilitating the Anduki Forest Reserve after wildfire damage.
In collaboration with government agencies, the initiative has planted 500 kapur paya trees and engaged over 300 students from 11 schools in environmental education, fostering awareness while restoring critical peat swamp ecosystems.
Fatih Aquaculture addressed the fingerling shortage with the nation’s first floating sea-based hatchery. Powered by solar energy, the hatchery supplies high-quality fish fingerlings to reduce reliance on imports and promote sustainable farming.
Brunei’s participation in ABIC underscores its commitment to sustainable aquaculture, marine conservation and environmental restoration, reflecting the nation’s efforts to balance economic growth with ecological preservation.
