It all started with a simple freshwater lobster farming project to allow Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) students to apply classroom theories in a real-world setting and expose them to entrepreneurial knowledge as well as learn the importance of sustainable aquaculture practices.
The small-scale project, operated by about 20 students, kicked off last month on the grounds of the Tan Sri Aishah Ghani residential college at UPM here. It currently has six tanks, each housing 30 to 35 lobsters, both male and female.
Barely a month has passed since the start of the project but it is already displaying signs of becoming an inspirational model that can open students’ eyes to the importance of environmental sustainability, as well as a holistic learning platform to hone entrepreneurial skills.
The idea for the project came about after a group of UPM students were sent to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, in January to attend a three-day course on freshwater lobster farming.
Muhammad Alif Haikal Mahadi, 22, a human development science student from the Faculty of Human Ecology, UPM – who was among those who attended the course – said it became the starting point for their project which is now thriving, proving that real learning begins outside the classroom.
He said the broodstock (mature crustaceans used in aquaculture for breeding purposes) at their project site will start producing eggs within three to four weeks. Once the eggs hatch, it takes about three to five months for the lobsters to reach maturity and be ready for harvesting.
He added it cost about RM7,000 to buy the necessary equipment such as tanks and oxygen blower, and lobster stock and other essentials to get the project going.
HANDS-ON LEARNING
Muhammad Alif Haikal told Bernama the insights and technical knowledge gained from the course they attended in Sabah gave him and his university mates the confidence and motivation to start their own freshwater lobster farm.
“The hands-on course provided a solid foundation in both theory and essential practical skills,” he said. “We were given crucial exposure to managing pH and ammonia levels in the water, as well as how to care for lobsters.”
They were also taught how to maintain water quality and identify signs of disease in lobsters so that immediate action can be taken.
In aquaculture, one of the biggest challenges is sustainable water management.
“The most difficult part is balancing water quality to ensure the prawns stay healthy and disease-free while keeping water usage to a minimum,” explained Muhammad Alif Haikal.
Ammonia, which builds up from prawn or lobster waste and uneaten feed, is also a common issue. To address this, pH and ammonia test kits need to be used daily to monitor and record data, and an ammonia remover needs to be applied if necessary.
He said only if there is no drop in the ammonia level will half the water in the tank concerned be replaced.
This approach not only maintains lobster health but also upholds sustainability principles by reducing water wastage.
Muhammad Alif Haikal said they also practice biofloc techniques to help conserve water and feed by recycling nutrients in the tank. Prawn waste is converted into microorganisms, which then serve as a natural food source, thus reducing reliance on antibiotics and chemicals.
He added the Sabah course also taught them how to select quality broodstock, prepare optimal environments, manage feeding and disease prevention, and record daily data.
HIGH-VALUE PRODUCT
Muhammad Alif Haikal, meanwhile, admitted that their perception of aquaculture shifted entirely after attending the course and implementing their own project.
“We used to think that aquaculture was only viable on a large scale, but now we realise it can also be done on a small scale with a systematic and effective approach.
“In fact, if done properly, such projects have the potential to become knowledge transfer hubs for local communities and can even evolve into national agrotourism centres in the future,” he said.
He said he and his peers also see the entrepreneurial potential of their aquaculture project by turning it into a platform for knowledge sharing with the outside community.
“We can also aspire to become a freshwater lobster producer in the long term, given the wide market potential,” he added.
Pointing to its current market prices, he said wholesale prices of freshwater lobster from farms range from RM60 to RM80 per kilogramme, depending on size and grade.
He added that in end-user markets such as seafood restaurants, cooked freshwater lobster can fetch RM15 to RM25 per 100 grammes, making it a high-value product.
Meanwhile, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Alumni (HEPA), UPM, Prof Dr Arifin Abdu said the UPM freshwater lobster farming project is more than just an academic activity – it is also a strategic initiative to holistically empower students with entrepreneurial skills.
He said all residential colleges and units under HEPA are encouraged to carry out at least one agricultural project to support national policies on food security and sustainable agriculture, as outlined by the Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Agriculture.
“Through this (freshwater lobster) project, students are directly exposed to the process of cultivating, caring for and managing lobster farming systems, which involve various technical and operational challenges,” he said.
Students not only learn aquaculture techniques such as water quality management and disease prevention but are also given opportunities to design business models, manage operational costs and develop marketing strategies.
“This makes the project a comprehensive entrepreneurial education platform, where students develop leadership, teamwork and critical thinking skills, which are key elements in the real business world,” he added.
CRUCIAL LEARNING PLATFORM
Arifin also noted that Malaysia’s freshwater aquaculture industry is growing rapidly, with significant economic potential. But despite its promising potential, the industry faces challenges such as water quality issues, disease management and sustainable use of resources.
He, however, sees UPM’s lobster project as a crucial learning platform to build students’ capacity to tackle these challenges directly and innovatively.
“Our project is not only focused on lobster production but also opens up opportunities in shrimp seed production, alternative feeds and downstream products like frozen prawns and prawn-based ready-to-eat meals. These opportunities are highly relevant to both domestic and export markets, especially as Malaysia works to strengthen aquaculture as a major contributor to the agricultural economy,” he said.
UPM Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Ahmad Sadullah said Malaysia’s aquaculture industry is becoming increasingly dynamic, with rising demand in both local and export markets, particularly for freshwater prawn and fish products.
“Projects like this not only help prepare skilled workers (for the aquaculture industry) but also support the transformation of the aquaculture sector toward smart and sustainable agriculture,” he said.
Looking ahead, UPM plans to expand the aquaculture project to more residential colleges and strengthen partnerships with both local and international aquaculture industries.
“With more student and industry involvement, we hope to develop this initiative into a training hub and a model for sustainable agricultural entrepreneurial innovation.
“Our long-term plan also includes using recycled materials and cost-effective methods to encourage creativity and innovation among students,” he added.
