Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on AquaPolis Programme

Question:

Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat: To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether an update on the AquaPolis programme with details on the progress, status and utilisation of budget allocated can be shared; (b) whether the programme has pledged to support the fish farming industry's fingerling supply; (c) if so, whether the programme has delivered its pledge; and (d) if not, why the programme has not delivered.

Answer:

AquaPolis was established by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), the National University of Singapore and Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory. It brings together researchers and industry players to drive innovation, develop talent, and speed up the use of new technologies for Singapore’s aquaculture sector.

Since inception, AquaPolis has launched an industry consortium platform to promote knowledge sharing and collaboration between industry players and researchers through conferences and workshops as well as to translate AquaPolis’ R&D outcomes into practical solutions that boost production. AquaPolis has also secured a budget of $18.5 million for a 3-year R&D programme, starting from Nov 2025 to lower production costs and to continue to improve the quality of locally produced Asian seabass. For example, an ongoing R&D on seabass broodstock that are parasite-resistant could result in higher quality fingerlings for the industry.