03/04/2025

THURSDAY | APR 3, 2025

6

Harvesting bounty from hobby-driven venture

KUALA LUMPUR: Leaving behind a decade-long career in banking for agriculture might seem like an unlikely path, but driven by passion and a quest for fulfilment, Logan Tee made the bold move. Tee, 40, turned his passion for gardening into a business venture in 2021 by establishing Amaneco, an aquaponics farm-cafe that integrated fish farming and hydroponic crop production. He said his interest in gardening, sparked during the Movement Control Order in 2020, led him to explore aquaponics, a sustainable farming method. “I was at a stage where my bank job became more about networking and corporate politics than actual learning. I wanted something more fulfilling.” Determined to make the switch despite having zero knowledge of aquaponics, Tee dedicated a full year to studying farming techniques. He also did some research on how to operate the business before taking the plunge into the industry. In 2021, Tee and his partner started on a modest 6,000sq ft farm in Bukit Jalil and moved to a larger one acre plot in Kajang in 2023. Tucked away near Pusat Flora Cheras, Amaneco currently cultivates close to 30 varieties of leafy vegetables, including different types of lettuce, curly kale, Tuscan kale and spinach, Bernama reported. “We also have herbs such as rosemary, peppermint, basil, lemon balm and oregano, many of which are incorporated into the menu at the farm’s cafe.” Additionally, the farm raises three types of freshwater fish, namely edible tilapia, jade perch and

o Interest in gardening sparked during MCO leads former banker to set up farm-cafe integrating fish farming and hydroponic crops

learning curve was steep, with water quality management one of the biggest challenges. “Aquaponics requires maintaining a delicate balance suitable for both fish and plants, hence troubleshooting the system in its first year took considerable effort.” He said while the greenhouse minimises the impact of external weather conditions, prolonged rainy periods still affect crop growth by limiting sunlight exposure. “Fortunately, I have a good (understanding) of business planning and accounting from my years in the financial industry. So it helped me a lot in running a start-up because I have to play multiple roles. Right now I am running the finance and accounting parts of the company as well.” He said aquaponics is a niche industry in Malaysia and the concept is very innovative yet commercially challenging. Looking ahead, Tee said he and

ornamental koi. “The fish are mainly sold to wholesalers and restaurants, with occasional direct sales to regular customers.” He said aquaponics farming is more sustainable as it is a recirculating water system where there is no need to keep changing water. Tee also acknowledged the broader efforts by the government to revive Malaysia’s agricultural industry, which faces stiff competition from neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam. “The challenge now is to attract younger generations to farming and change their perception of agriculture. I think nowadays, youngsters are more interested in other things, so we have to try to change the perception of agriculture and get more young people involved in this industry.” Tee admitted that the initial

Tee at his aquaponics farm in Kajang. – B ER N AMA P I C

aquaponics farming to other parts of Malaysia, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and commercial viability. “Our goal is not just to grow (farm) produce but to introduce sustainable, innovative farming to a wider audience. With the right technology and government support, we hope to make aquaponics a more prominent industry in Malaysia.”

his business partner plan to fully develop the remaining two-thirds of the land within the next one to two years. “The plan includes expanding from leafy greens to crops such as chillies, cucumbers, tomatoes, passion fruit and figs. So the idea for our cafe is to provide a farm-to-table experience for customers.” Tee also aspires to bring

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