Discover how Singapore Crawfish and its founder, Desmond Chow, are transforming global food security with innovative aquaculture technologies in Thailand.
For the final episode of Trends Season Three, we are talking food security, aquaculture and multi-crop farming with Desmond Chow, Founder and CEO of Singapore Crawfish. He’s a pioneering force in sustainable aquaculture and he is poised to redefine Thailand‘s agricultural landscape with his innovative approach and technology.
Founded by visionary entrepreneur Desmond Chow, Singapore Crawfish is making waves in the global food security arena by leveraging efficient and sustainable farming practices that are as profitable as they are groundbreaking.
Desmond, a former university lecturer turned aquaculture expert, began this transformative journey in 2018 with a singular vision: to address pressing global food security challenges through sustainable crawfish farming. His passion and expertise have positioned Singapore Crawfish as a leader in the aquaculture industry, with a particular focus on the Cherax Quadricarinatus, a larger, more nutritious species of freshwater crawfish often referred to as “blue gold.”
At the core of Singapore Crawfish’s success are two revolutionary technologies: the Auto Birthing System (ABS) and the Container Recirculating Aquaculture System (CRAS). The ABS, unveiled in 2020, is a modular system that significantly enhances the survival rate of crawfish fries. It is designed to be cost-efficient, space-saving, and easy to maintain, offering a scalable solution for farmers worldwide. Meanwhile, the CRAS “plug and play” system overcomes the high costs and logistical challenges of traditional aquaculture setups, enabling optimal crawfish farming in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Desmond’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond technology. His nine-part aquaculture system incorporates global best practices and promotes a closed-loop, environmentally friendly approach. By doing so, Singapore Crawfish ensures that its farming methods are not only productive but also regenerative, helping to safeguard the future of aquatic ecosystems.
During his recent visit to Bangkok, Desmond shared his vision with Trends host, David Barrett, highlighting the transformative potential of crawfish farming for Thailand. By partnering with small-scale rice farmers, Singapore Crawfish aims to introduce aquaculture as a complementary practice, boosting farmers’ incomes while promoting sustainable agricultural diversification. Case studies from Indonesia, where rice farmers adopting aquaculture have seen significant earnings growth, underscore the viability of this model.
Singapore Crawfish’s ambitions don’t stop at farming. The company is exploring opportunities across the entire value chain, including food innovation. In collaboration with Singapore Polytechnic, it is developing products such as crawfish tail instant noodles, a concept inspired by successful ventures in China and Taiwan. These initiatives reflect a forward-thinking approach to creating high-value, sustainable products that appeal to global markets.
For Thailand, Singapore Crawfish represents more than just a new agricultural opportunity; it marks the beginning of a transformative era for smallholder Thai farmers. By equipping them with the tools and technologies to adopt sustainable aquaculture, Desmond and his team are setting the stage for increased productivity, resilience and economic growth.
“Blue gold,” as Desmond affectionately calls his crustaceans, symbolizes more than a thriving aquaculture product, it embodies hope for a more sustainable and secure global food future. Desmond is one of the few people with a deep understanding of the life cycle of freshwater crawfish. Following several years of research and testing, Singapore Crawfish narrowed down the process of crawfish breeding to three elements; aquaculture technology, genetics and a secret feed formula.
As Singapore Crawfish continues to expand its reach and influence, its innovative methods are not only shaping the future of Thai agriculture but also redefining the narrative of global food security, one crawfish at a time.
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David Barrett is a MICE Consultant, Marketing Strategist and digital video advocate. Founder of DBC Group, Member of Institute of Place Management (MIMP) his motto is “Everybody has a story to tell. Let me tell yours.”
David is a long-term resident of Bangkok having lived and worked in the Thai capital for more than 32 years. He is recognised in the Thai tourism and hospitality industry for his passion for promoting Thailand, his love of Thai food, and his creative approach to marketing.
64 years young, David is a Brit in Bangkok. Born in St Helier, UK, he returned to the UK and set up home in Cornwall during the COVID pandemic. With business back as usual, David has returned to Thailand. He’s a man on a mission to interview leaders and trend-setters in business, sustainability, the arts and entertainment. You can watch his weekly conversations on Trends YouTube channel.
