KOTA KINABALU: With an initial investment of merely RM5,000, Jonathan Wong, a notable young entrepreneur and athlete from Sabah, has developed a flourishing aquaculture business that generates over RM1 million in annual revenue within just nine years.
In acknowledgment of his accomplishments, Jonathan was awarded the ‘Penternak Ikan Jaya’ title by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the award ceremony and closing event of the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day (HPPNK) 2025, which took place at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) today (Aug 3).
He was presented with a trophy and a cash prize of RM20,000 from Anwar, alongside Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, and Deputy Chief Minister cum Agriculture and Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
“I want to express my gratitude to my company and team for their commitment and effort, as well as to my family for their steadfast support.
“It is thanks to all of you that I am honored to receive this national Penternak Ikan Jaya award and recognition today,” Jonathan remarked in an interview following the award presentation.
Jonathan is the eldest son of distinguished Sabahan entrepreneur and Chinese community leader Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen and Datuk Wong Ten An.
In addition to his role as the executive director of WSG Group, he has also launched and grown his own aquaculture venture in Tuaran.
Jonathan mentioned that he founded his company in 2016 with just RM5,000 in initial funding. After nine years of diligent work, research, and development, the business now achieves over RM1 million in annual revenue.
The primary activities of the company encompass the cultivation of white shrimp, milkfish, hydroponics, egg farming, and related processed products.
Moving forward, Jonathan said his company aims to adopt more IoT-based systems to increase both production output and quality through smart farming technologies.
“We will implement more modern technologies and methods to improve the survival rates and the quality of aquaculture products,” he said.
Jonathan is known for his boldness in innovation, having cultured duckweed as a key ingredient in fish feed, a breakthrough that earned him the Most Outstanding Commercial Collaboration Award in Eskpo Kecemerlangan Reka Cipta (Excocipta) 2024.
Jonathan is not only a successful young entrepreneur with a sharp business acumen but also a world-class athlete, having represented Malaysia in international long jump competitions.
He has won numerous major awards, including two gold medals at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix and making it into the Paralympic finals twice, bringing glory to the nation.
Jonathan is also dedicated to nurturing future athletes. He currently serves as the president of the Sabah Para Swimming Association, which, under his leadership, achieved an impressive 17 gold, seven silver, and three bronze medals at the XXI Sukma Para Games in Sarawak last year.
The “Penternak Ikan Jaya” award is one of Malaysia’s prestigious agriculture sector honours that aims to honour individuals or businesses with outstanding achievements in aquaculture, especially fish farming.
Recipients are recognised for their innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and positive contributions to the community.
These awards do not only honour personal or corporate achievements but also aim to inspire more people to venture into agriculture in an effort to promote technological advancement and stimulate economic growth within communities.
