Addressing Food Security Concerns in Malaysia
Malaysia’s dependence on food imports poses significant risks to national food security, especially in times of global crisis or supply chain disruptions. Recognising this vulnerability, GK Aqua Sdn Bhd aims to strengthen food sovereignty by investing in local aquaculture to reduce dependency on imported seafood.This focus on sustainability is crucial for ensuring that future generations have access to affordable, locally sourced food.
The Role of Giant Freshwater Prawns in Southeast Asia
Giant freshwater prawns, particularly known as Macrobrachium rosenbergii, are a significant aquaculture commodity in Southeast Asia. Renowned for their size and flavour, these prawns are a staple in regional cuisine and hold considerable economic value. Southeast Asia's favourable climate and rich aquatic ecosystems make it an ideal region for cultivating these prawns. However, traditional farming methods have faced challenges, including slow growth rates and high production costs.
GK Aqua’s Innovative Approach
As a pioneering Malaysian company, GK Aqua's innovative monosex prawn technology addresses these issues by using advanced biotechnology method to produce All-Male giant freshwater prawns, that grow three times faster than their mixed-gender counterparts, setting a new benchmark for the industry and positioning Southeast Asia as a leading player in global aquaculture. This cutting-edge technology not only ensures a more efficient aquaculture industry but also contributes to global food security. Founded by Giva Kuppusamy, the company is also dedicated to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world solutions, aimed at achieving significant reduction in Malaysia's reliance on imported food, especially protein sources.
GK Aqua's recent success with its Monosex Technology for Giant Freshwater Prawns earned them both the Commercialisation Award and the prestigious Overall Malaysia Commercialisation Award at the Malaysia Commercialisation Year (MCY) Summit 2024. MCY, an annual summit dedicated to advancing the commercialisation of research and development (R&D) in Malaysia, aims to transform innovative ideas and research into market-ready products, services, and technologies, thereby boosting the nation's economy and fostering local industry growth. This achievement highlights the strength of local talent and innovation.
Ambition and Impact
GK Aqua’s ambition to establish "udang galah," or giant freshwater prawns, as a global brand not only drives their success but also inspires other entrepreneurs, all while highlighting Malaysia's rich biodiversity. They also acknowledge the stigma surrounding udang galah as an expensive delicacy, but his team takes this as an opportunity to find ways to make it more affordable for consumers. By succeeding in this venture, GK Aqua hopes to pave the way for other local products to gain international recognition. The company's success can also inspire other local producers to adopt sustainable practices, create jobs, and boost the country's economy.
Overcoming Challenges
Like any pioneering venture, GK Aqua has faced its share of challenges. During the interview with MRANTI’s Strategic Communication team, they noted that securing funding has been a significant hurdle, because aquaculture is often viewed as a "3D job"—dirty, dangerous, and difficult—which can deter potential investors. Additionally, they also needed to confront the stereotype that Malaysians are lazy, a sentiment he is determined to dispel through the company's motto: "Young leaders achieving the impossible.” Despite these obstacles, GK Aqua has grown to employ over 70 people, all united by a common goal of transforming Malaysia's aquaculture industry.
Recognition and Motivation
Winning the Malaysia Commercialisation Year (MCY) Overall Award was a pivotal moment for GK Aqua. Receiving the award from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim has significantly bolstered GK Aqua’s credibility and opened doors for new networking opportunities. The MCY Summit, organised by MOSTI with MRANTI serving as the lead secretariat, has been instrumental in highlighting innovative Malaysian companies like GK Aqua.
The founder also shares that he is deeply motivated by the potential he sees in Malaysia's young talent. His advice to young people is simple yet powerful: "In your 20s, work for others and gain experience. By the time you reach 30, roll up your sleeves and kickstart your own business!" Reflecting on his journey, the founder recalls the most memorable moment in GK Aqua's history—the day the company received an investment of RM2 million. This milestone not only validated his efforts but also fueled his determination to keep pushing boundaries.
As the company continues to grow and innovate, it serves as an inspiration to other Malaysian entrepreneurs who dare to dream big and challenge the status quo. With the right support, Malaysia's aquaculture industry, led by trailblazers like GK Aqua, has the potential to thrive on the global stage and strengthen the nation's food security in the process.
Come Join Us!
If you're an innovator looking to bring your groundbreaking ideas to global markets, the MRANTI Global Market Fit Programme (GMP) is your gateway to success. Just like GK Aqua, which leveraged local innovation to win top honours at the MCY Summit, you too can accelerate your commercialisation journey with expert guidance, market insights, and access to international networks. Don't miss the opportunity to scale your business and make a global impact—join the MRANTI GMP programme today and turn your innovations into market-ready solutions. Visit here for more info: https://mranti.my/gmp
