International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia

Frugal innovation – Vertical Aquafarming System. A University Community Empowerment Project

The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) at its Kuantan Campus has several underutilised natural areas around the campus. They have been turned into a ground for an innovative and frugal technique to promote sustainable farming which supplies low-cost, organic and nutritious food for the needy students and local community outside the campus.

The Vertical Aquafarming System (VAS) fully utilises natural resources by integrating fish rearing with vegetable planting under one recirculating system. The project is now a showcase of how IIUM’s responsible research, contributing to the advancement and application of science, aligned with nature. The project is designed so that it can be easily installed by community members.   

Top 3 Learnings

1. We create scientific solutions that fully utilise natural resources to address the issues of hunger and poverty.
2. Nature has all the resources and potentials to be developed as solutions to any human needs.
3. Science and nature are possible through a responsible research and innovation.