Speech by MOS Maliki Osman at Aquarama and Pet Asia 2015
May 28, 2015
A very good morning. I am very pleased to be here this morning for the official opening of Aquarama and Pet Asia 2015. I am delighted that Singapore is once again hosting these two exciting events. This is my fourth time coming to Aquarama and I always enjoy seeing the excellent work of the passionate people in the ornamental fish industry and the pet industry.
Growth and Challenges Ahead
Aquarama has grown tremendously since it was first held in 1989. Today, it is the world’s largest trade show dedicated to the ornamental aquatic industry. Anchoring its success is a loyal base of local and international exhibitors and visitors in the industry who never fail to give their fullest support to this biennial event.
In the same way, Singapore’s ornamental fish industry has also come a long way over the years. With its exports amounting to nearly $74 million by the latest UN Comtrade (2013) figures, Singapore has built up a strong reputation as an export centre for the global trade of ornamental fish. To further cement our status as an industry leader, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) works closely with the industry to improve farming processes and ensure excellent fish health standards. For instance, the AVA Quality Assurance Scheme (AQUAS), launched in 2011, which is a result of collaboration between AVA and the industry, provides customers with greater assurance and confidence in the superior quality of Singapore’s products. For example, Australia and Canada have accepted AQUAS as equivalent to their import certification requirements.
But we cannot rest on our laurels. The breeders and exporters of our ornamental fish industry face many challenges in today’s business environment. These include ever-increasing demands from importing countries for higher quality standards, a more competitive global market, and land constraints.
Raising Farm Productivity
In this context, it is critical that farms, like all our other industries, find ways to raise productivity and continue to thrive. We encourage the ornamental fish industry to adopt innovative farming technologies and improve the efficiency of their operational processes. Some of the local industry players are already leading the way in this. Qian Hu Corporation Ltd., for example, tapped on SPRING Singapore’s Capability Development Grant (CDG) to develop an intensive multi-tier automated recirculation fish tank system. This new system doubles the farm’s fish holding capacity, yet only uses only half the amount of water and requires less than half the manpower previously required to operate.
I strongly urge other ornamental fish farms to take bold steps in this direction as well. Aside from SPRING’s CDG, farmers can also tap on the recently launched Agriculture Productivity Fund (APF), which provides co-funding for productivity initiatives and investments.
In addition to developing multi-tier systems to improve efficient use of space, we can perhaps even consider going up to the next level by building infrastructural facilities to support land intensification. For instance, we are exploring the possibility of developing a multi-storey building for flatted farming, akin to a flatted factory. The study is still ongoing and is at its conceptual stages. If successful, such a project would be a game-changer, not only providing more space for ornamental fish farming, but also opening up more opportunities for shared facilities and resources.
Another challenge is manpower. Given our labour shortage, we need to invest in training to groom a higher-skilled workforce and reduce our reliance on foreign manpower. Apollo Aquaculture Group, for example, recognises this, and has sent some of its staff for training under Temasek Polytechnic’s course, Diploma in Applied Science (Aquaculture). New and exciting courses such as this can attract younger local talent to join the industry. In addition, as businesses transform and become more technologically advanced, this can in turn help to rebrand the industry.
Responsible Pet Ownership
Co-located with Aquarama, Pet Asia brings together pet products and services under one roof. The exhibition reflects the growing trend of pet ownership as Singapore becomes more affluent. Demand for pet-related goods and services such as pet food, supplements, and grooming products, will also inevitably rise. Indeed, as more and more pet owners treat their pets as part of their family, they are willing to spend on their pets.
However, owning a pet comes with its responsibilities. It is a life-long commitment. Our pets depend on us, at the very least, for food and shelter, and when owners abandon their pets to fend for themselves, it is a really cruel and irresponsible act. To make matters worse, the abandoned pets may cause concerns relating to nuisance, disease and public safety.
In Singapore, the reality is that many animal shelters lack space to take in surrendered or abandoned pets. Providing more space for animal shelters is not the way to go either due to our land constraints. The AVA does its part to tackle this problem by working closely with stakeholders such as animal welfare groups to promote responsible pet ownership. Together, we can reverse the trend of pet abandonment if each of us helps to spread the message of responsible pet ownership to more people, so that they can appreciate what it really takes to care for their pets.
I urge pet owners, as well as those who are thinking of getting a pet, to carefully consider the obligations that come with owning and caring for a pet.
Conclusion
Finally, I hope that all visitors to Aquarama and Pet Asia 2015 will have an enjoyable and unforgettable experience, enjoying the various exhibits and activities planned for the next four days.
It now gives me great pleasure to declare Aquarama and Pet Asia 2015 open. Thank you.