The Prime Group International, along with its aquaculture division, Prime Aquaculture Pte Ltd, initiated a collaborative endeavour with Nanyang Polytechnic, with the support of a grant from Enterprise Singapore (ESG), to create a working viral vaccine affecting Asian seabass (Barramundi).  Without this vaccine, the viral disease caused alarming mortality rates of up to 70-80%. The primary goal was to safeguard the seabass population ensuring their survival and maintaining a consistent supply of fish to Prime's supermarkets and the Singapore market.

Led by Dr. Seng Eng Khuan, Jeffrey, from the School of Applied Science, the team pioneered techniques for swift isolation and identification of the deadly virus. This was then followed by the development of prototype autogenous vaccines for field trials.  In the Phase 1 field trial, fish vaccinated with the viral vaccine showed high efficacy and protection with 70-80% survival rate while the non-vaccinated had a survival rate of only 50%. This breakthrough holds the potential to increase fish production and play a vital role in Singapore's pursuit of self-sufficiency in fish supply.

Advancing to Phase 2, Dr Jeffrey from Nanyang Polytechnic and personnel from Prime Aquaculture are working hand in hand to conduct a larger field trial involving 15,000 fish. The aim is to refine the dosage administered to the fish during vaccination to maximise the protection rate. In addition, Dr Jeffrey assisted Prime Aquaculture in scaling up the vaccine production to meet the demands of Prime Aquaculture farm. This project showcased Nanyang Polytechnic's expertise in aquaculture and positioned it as the leading solution provider to industry partners seeking sustainable options to enhance local production and build Singapore’s resilience in the face of fish supply challenges.

Our collaborator from Prime aquaculture Pte Ltd, openly shared the benefits that the vaccine has brought to their seabass production operations.

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