Leaving behind a decade-long career in banking for agriculture might seem like an unlikely path, but driven by passion and a quest for fulfilment, Logan Tee made the bold move. Tee, 40, a former banker, turned his passion for gardening into a business venture in 2021 by establishing Amaneco, an aquaponics farm-cafe that integrated fish farming and hydroponic crop production.
Tee's interest in gardening began during the Movement Control Order (MCO), leading him to explore aquaponics, a sustainable farming method. Despite having zero knowledge of aquaponics, Tee dedicated a year to studying farming techniques before launching the business.
In 2021, Tee and his partner started with a 6,000-square-foot farm in Bukit Jalil, later moving to a larger space in Kajang in 2023. Amaneco currently cultivates nearly 30 varieties of leafy vegetables, herbs, and three types of freshwater fish. The farm's fish are mainly sold to wholesalers and restaurants, with occasional direct sales.
Tee credits the Selangor Agriculture Department for supporting small-scale farmers and helping him secure land. He also praised the government's proactive efforts to revive Malaysia's agricultural industry. Despite the challenges of transitioning from finance to farming, Tee's background in business planning and accounting proved helpful in managing his startup. Looking ahead, he plans to expand the farm's offerings and bring aquaponics to other parts of Malaysia.
Source: www.bernama.com