28 May 2026
VentureTECH Sdn Bhd, a government-backed company in Malaysia, has invested in Pacton Technologies Sdn Bhd to accelerate the growth of its AI-powered aquaculture platform, FishSpeak, according to a report from bernama.com. The move aims to strengthen digital adoption in fish and shrimp farming across Malaysia and key Asean markets.
The companies said the investment will support Pacton’s next growth phase. This includes enhancing its AI models, scaling commercial deployments, and expanding into Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei, and the Philippines. FishSpeak integrates computer vision, AI advisory tools, and selective IoT systems to deliver real-time insights for aquaculture operators.
VentureTECH CEO Azizan Jaafar said the investment aligns with the firm’s focus on advancing Bumiputera-led companies in high-growth sectors. He noted that Pacton’s technology addresses persistent challenges in aquaculture, including productivity gaps, operational inefficiencies, and long-term sustainability concerns.
Mr Azizan added that FishSpeak also supports national priorities in food security and agri-tech innovation. He said technology-driven solutions will help improve farmer outcomes and strengthen industry competitiveness as aquaculture continues to evolve.
Pacton founder and Managing Director Faisal Shadli said farmers face rising feed costs, disease risks, and limited access to reliable data. He explained that FishSpeak was designed to make advanced AI accessible at the farm level. The platform uses computer vision and familiar tools such as WhatsApp to help operators make faster and more informed decisions.
Mr Faisal said the investment will accelerate Pacton’s mission to improve productivity, sustainability, and profitability for aquaculture operators across Asean.
The companies noted that aquaculture still struggles with delayed disease detection, feed wastage, and slow digital adoption. These issues continue to affect productivity and long-term operational resilience.
FishSpeak has shown measurable improvements in pilot deployments. These include stronger feed efficiency, better farm visibility, and earlier detection of operational risks. The platform has also gained traction through the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation’s Digital AgTech Program, with deployments across more than 50 sites nationwide.
The companies said regional expansion is underway, including commercial opportunities in Indonesia. Operators there are seeking scalable digital tools to improve productivity, disease management, and operational efficiency.
The investment also reinforces VentureTECH’s role in nurturing technology-driven companies that support socio-economic development. This includes improving farmer incomes, enabling digital adoption among smallholders, and strengthening sustainable food production systems. The initiative aligns with the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035, which aims to advance Bumiputera participation in high-value industries.
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