Meet Jenny Ou, a dynamic leader in sustainable aquaculture. With a bachelor’s in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan (USA) and a master’s from McGill University (Canada), her academic foundation supports practical expertise. As the Director of Sankina Aquaculture Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s first Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certified farm, she drives initiatives reshaping the industry landscape. Her hands-on approach leveraging innovative farming techniques ensures quality food production while safeguarding marine ecosystems. Under her leadership, Sankina pioneers a future where responsible food production harmonizes with ecological preservation, placing it at the heart of aquaculture farming.
Q1: You have a rich career in the industry. What motivated you to choose this field?
My journey began in biomedical research, but I was drawn to aquaculture because of its unique ability to feed communities while shaping healthier ecosystems. Fifteen years ago, our MD started with a simple vision; to grow food we would feed our own families. So, when my family’s farm faced challenges, I stepped in and continued to carry on this mission. Throughout the years, I realized aquaculture is not just about shrimp — it’s about food security, livelihoods and environmental stewardship. The connections and impact you have on your micro and macro environments from what you practise daily is not limited to the farm itself. That sense of purpose motivated me to stay in this field and push for innovation and sustainability.
Q2: What are the main challenges facing the aquaculture sector – whether regulatory, environmental or market-related – in Malaysia today?
The sector faces three big challenges. First, regulatory gaps: while standards exist, enforcement and harmonization can be inconsistent, making it difficult for farms to scale responsibly. Second, environmental pressures: diseases, water quality fluctuations and the impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems remain constant threats. Third, market-related issues: price volatility and global buyers demanding strict sustainability standards put pressure on farms that may not yet have the resources or systems to comply. The fluctuations in the market price also makes it harder for farmers to justify the input required to raise standards whilst juggling to balance their business.
Q3: Achieving ASC certification is no small feat. What were the biggest challenges during the process, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was aligning every part of the supply chain—from farm workers to feed sourcing, processing, fisheries and customers—with ASC’s rigorous requirements. It demanded not just compliance but a complete shift in mindset: transparency, meticulous record-keeping, continuous improvement and a great deal of trust in our business partners. We overcame this through awareness, teamwork, training and by engaging local communities, NGOs and governmental offices. Certification isn’t achieved by paperwork alone—it requires everyone on the farm to live the standard daily, and all our stakeholders to trust and support what we do.
Q4: What motivated you to pursue ASC certification, and what does it mean for the company and Malaysia’s aquaculture industry?
We pursued ASC certification because we wanted to show that aquaculture in Malaysia not only can meet the highest global standards of sustainability and social responsibility, but also coexist with nature. For Sankina, it validates years of hard work and opens premium market access. For Malaysia’s aquaculture industry, it sets a precedent: that responsible farming isn’t just possible, but also commercially rewarding. It sends a signal that Malaysia is serious about producing seafood that is good for people, the planet and the economy.
Q5: Are there any unique practices Sankina has pioneered that could serve as a model for other farms in the region?
Yes. We’ve pioneered AI-precision probiotics tailored through genetic water sequencing, which reduces disease risk without antibiotics. We’ve also integrated mangrove restoration and bio-filtration to enhance biodiversity and water quality. The utilization of nano-oxygen generating devices can efficiently enhance the dissolved oxygen and reduce energy consumption greatly. These practices not only improve farm performance but also create positive environmental impacts, proving that aquaculture can regenerate ecosystems rather than deplete them.
Q6: Do you see increasing demand from Malaysian consumers for sustainably farmed seafood?
Yes, the awareness is growing. Traditionally, Malaysian consumers focus on price and freshness, but in recent years we’re seeing more retailers, suppliers and younger consumers asking about origin, farming practices and certifications. While it may take time to reach the same level as Europe or the US, the trend is clear – sustainability is becoming part of the value proposition, and farms that can demonstrate it will be ahead of the curve.
