Accra:A strategic partnership has been formed between the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (TERAJU) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sabah to foster economic opportunities for Bumiputera entrepreneurs. This collaboration is centered around the Freshwater Lobster Production Green Aquaponic Perennial System (FLP-GAPS) project, which promotes growth in the high-value aquaculture sector.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, TERAJU CEO Junady Nawawi announced that the initiative is backed by TERAJU's Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development Fund (DPUB) and focuses on integrating aquaculture technology with entrepreneurship development. The project has received an allocation of RM3.5 million for the period from February 2020 to June 2027 and involves 30 Bumiputera participants. These participants gain from training in operational management, entrepreneurship, and the transfer of expertise.
The project is particularly notable for its innovative integration of freshwater lobster farming with crop production through a green aquaponics system, utilizing advanced water management and farming technology. This approach is designed to improve resource efficiency and establish a systematic, sustainable aquaculture management framework.
FLP-GAPS also aims to build a comprehensive value chain that includes production, processing, and marketing, thereby broadening business prospects for participants. Through UiTM's MySET (My Social Enterprise Town), entrepreneurs are introduced to product development that aligns with market demands, fostering more sustainable revenue streams.
Junady emphasized that the project exemplifies TERAJU's strategy of linking funding with technology, talent development, and market opportunities, contributing to a sustainable economic impact for Bumiputera. The initiative is aligned with the goals of PuTERA35 (Pelan Transformasi Ekonomi Bumiputera 2035), which seeks to enhance Bumiputera economic involvement and ownership.
The influence of FLP-GAPS extends beyond the initial group of participants, with other communities beginning to apply the acquired technical knowledge. For instance, the Kampung Lokub Mosque has initiated an aquaculture project that combines fish farming with hydroponic crops, illustrating how technology and knowledge transfer can benefit broader community economic activities.
Through such ecosystem-based approaches, TERAJU continues to play a pivotal role in connecting Bumiputera entrepreneurs with technology, institutions, and markets, paving the way for engagement in high-value economic activities.