Bandar Seri Begawan - The Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien College (SOASC) has become the first school in the country to carry out a freshwater fish breeding project which was officially launched yesterday at the college.

The guest honour was the Assistant Director (Secondary) of the Department of Schools, Cikgu Hj Jumaat Salleh. Also present were officers from the Department of Fisheries and freshwater fish entrepreneurs.

Yesterday's launching started with welcoming remarks by the principal of SOASC Cikgu Hj Ismail Hj Zainal who pointed out that the project aims to provide basic knowledge and skills to the students in entrepreneurship and breeding of freshwater fish as part of the college's efforts to diversify its teaching approach.

It is hoped that the knowledge and skills will enable the students to face future challenges after they leave school.

The college said it is proud to be the pioneer of such project and expressed appreciation to relevant parties, particularly the Department of Fisheries for providing support and assistance towards realising the project.

He disclosed that the project started as a pilot project last year and has had a positive impact on students who were keen to continue the project.

The college will explore similar projects for future implementation as well as provide knowledge and skills in making products from the fish such as fish balls, fish cakes and fish crackers that are popular among the locals.

The students were also taught how to make food such as pizza.

The freshwater fish breeding project uses the Urban Aquaculture Solution technique that utilises canvas as a pond, which is not costly, and utilises easy-to-access materials such as recycled items.

A total of 15 freshwater fish locally known as "Tilapia Merah" were used and the harvesting of the fishes was done in November last year.

This year, the college has added an additional pond for breeding of the freshwater fish.

Following the launching of the event, the guest of honour also initiated the plantation of trees and vegetables by planting the first tree of the project.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin