A research collaboration between Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Euglena Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is expected to serve as a catalyst for the development of sustainable aquaculture technologies that can enhance industry productivity, strengthen food security, and support the nation’s blue economy agenda.
UMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Dr. Ir. Rosalam Sarbatly, said the strategic collaboration demonstrates how the integration of university expertise and industry capabilities can translate research into innovations that deliver tangible benefits to society and the economy.
“The research conducted through the Borneo Marine Research Institute (IMB) focuses on the development of microalgae based aquaculture feed technology with the potential to improve the health, immunity, and growth performance of cultured fish.
“This collaboration not only strengthens scientific research but also creates opportunities for the development of technologies that can be utilised by the aquaculture industry.
“It also supports national efforts to enhance food security, improve industry competitiveness, and advance the sustainable development of the blue economy,” he said.
Rosalam added that UMS remains committed to ensuring that its research and innovation agenda is driven not only by technological advancement but also by the needs of industry and society.
“This approach enables research outcomes to be translated into practical, relevant, and industry ready solutions.
“Research should not end in laboratories or academic publications alone. Instead, research outcomes must be transformed into intellectual property, technology licensing, and products that can benefit society and contribute to the national economy.
“The collaboration between UMS and Euglena Malaysia combines the university’s expertise in aquaculture, fish physiology, and immunology with the industry’s experience in microalgae research and applications.
“This research is expected to contribute to the development of scientifically validated functional feeds with the potential for widespread application in the aquaculture industry.
“The combination of academic excellence and industrial strength is expected to produce practical, high impact, and market ready innovations.
“It will not only benefit the aquaculture industry but also contribute to national economic development and the sustainability of the food sector in the future,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dean of the Borneo Marine Research Institute, Associate Professor Dr. Ching Fui Fui @ Faihana Ching Abdullah, said the collaboration reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to advancing aquaculture innovation through microalgae biotechnology and scientific research.
According to her, the integration of UMS’ research expertise in aquaculture and marine science with Euglena Malaysia’s industrial experience in microalgae technology is expected to generate solutions that will provide long term benefits to the aquaculture sector.
“We believe this partnership will have a significant impact on sustainable aquaculture development, food security, and the strengthening of the blue economy,” she said.
In the meantime, Research and Development Director of Euglena Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Dr. Taku Ogura, said the joint research initiative aims to create new value from microalgae based materials while addressing challenges faced by the aquaculture industry.
“The outcomes of this research are expected to form the foundation for the development of next generation feed technologies that can support the growth of a more sustainable aquaculture industry in Malaysia and the Asian region,” he said.
Also present were Head of the Consular Office of Japan in Sabah, Nakasuji Hisaki; Director of Euglena Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Yu Inaba; and Assistant General Manager of Ko-Nelayan, Lorina Stephen.
