From Shrimp Postlarvae to Aquatech: Driving Transformation in Vietnam’s Shrimp Sector
Following over two decades of investment in postlarvae breeding and genetic technology, technological capabilities are expanding to deliver aquaculture solutions tailored for international markets—against the backdrop of Vietnam’s shrimp sector transitioning from natural advantages to competing through science, technology, and value addition.
Twenty-five years ago, when Vietnam’s shrimp industry faced significant constraints in seed quality, strategic investments in research, science, technology, and human resources helped catalyze the sector’s transition from relying on natural advantages to competing on knowledge and technology.
Founded in 2001 in Binh Thuan, Viet Uc pioneered the application of science and technology in selective breeding, progressively mastering and advancing molecular genetics (Genomics) while expanding across the aquaculture value chain. Today, the Group comprises 18 member companies nationwide.
Viet Uc Group’s 25th Anniversary Celebration
YIELD, GENETIC RESOURCES, BIOTECHNOLOGY, AND THE VALUE CHAIN WILL DEFINE COMPETITIVENESS
Speaking at Viet Uc Group’s recently held 25th Anniversary Celebration, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Vo Van Hung emphasized the pivotal role of pioneering enterprises in driving the industry’s development.
“To build a strong maritime nation, we must have strong enterprises. To have strong enterprises, we must master technology. And to master technology, we must invest in science, innovation, and human capital,” Deputy Minister Hung remarked.
This strategic orientation aligns seamlessly with the imperatives outlined in Resolution No. 20-NQ/TW on building and developing Vietnam into a strong maritime nation, as well as Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on national development in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation..
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Vo Van Hung: ‘The history of any economic sector is always shaped by pioneering enterprises—those that dare to lead, dare to invest in long-term value, and dare to place the interests of the nation and the industry above short-term gains.’
The Deputy Minister noted that the future competitiveness of aquaculture will no longer rely solely on production volume, but will increasingly depend on genetic resources, biotechnology, data, automation, traceability, and value chain integration capabilities.
Over the past 25 years, starting from the postlarvae segment, Viet Uc has progressively expanded into other stages of the shrimp value chain. In 2005, the enterprise entered the whiteleg shrimp market, and by 2015, it was licensed to produce G3 whiteleg shrimp broodstock in Vietnam. By 2023, the company stated it had completed its fully integrated shrimp value chain, shifting its investment focus deeper into research, science, and technology.
“Following our restructuring phase, Viet Uc is fully prepared for its next growth chapter. Beyond maintaining our leadership position in domestic selective breeding and postlarvae production—aiming to increase our market share from 32% to 50%—we have outlined concrete plans to bring Vietnamese shrimp and technology to the global market.”
Mr. Ton That De, CEO of Viet Uc Group
Among these initiatives, Genomics genetic technology has become a long-term investment focus. Over 15 years of data accumulation for selective breeding programs has built a database of more than 1 million genetic data points, laying the foundation to transition from breeding methods reliant primarily on production data and pedigrees to molecular-level analysis—thereby identifying the genetic traits of individual specimens.
This process has been closely tied to research collaborations with international partners, including the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) of Australia, through which the company has progressively received and mastered genomic-based selective breeding technology.
Professor Nigel Philip Preston, former Director at CSIRO and Independent Board Member of Viet Uc Group, shared that the partnership began with a visit by Viet Uc’s Chairman, Mr. Luong Thanh Van, to CSIRO’s laboratories in Australia. At the time, Professor Preston was conducting research on the Mekong Delta and its shrimp farming systems, recognizing that investing in regional shrimp hatcheries could yield significant impact.
According to Professor Preston, this marked the starting point for a shrimp research and selective breeding program spanning over two decades and involving numerous scientists. “This clearly demonstrates the benefits of research collaboration,” Professor Preston stated.
In March 2026, Viet Uc announced its VU-S26 postlarvae line powered by Genomics technology, focusing on four key performance traits: growth, adaptability, survival rate, and overall yield.
EXPANDING FROM DOMESTIC LEADERSHIP TO GLOBAL MARKETS
From its foundational base in the shrimp seed segment, Viet Uc has progressively evolved into an integrated ecosystem spanning genetic research, postlarvae production, feed, commercial farming, processing, and specialized aquaculture solutions.
After 25 years, Viet Uc announced its strategic transformation from an Aquafarm model into an Aquaculture Technology Corporation (Aquatech)—broadening its scope from aquaculture operations to technology, products, services, and solutions for the entire industry.
Under this new direction, Genomics genetic technology remains a key technological foundation for Viet Uc. The company is preparing to launch its Genetic and Genomic Research Laboratory, integrating big data processing tools and artificial intelligence (AI), while expanding research into multiple aquatic species.
A group representative shared: “Building on our success with whiteleg shrimp, Viet Uc is extending Genomics genetic technology to pangasius, tilapia, black tiger shrimp, and various other farmed species. The Genetic and Genomic Research Laboratory will soon be operational, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery integrated with AI to enhance big data processing capabilities—meeting the specific seed requirements of different ecological zones.”
Hand in hand with shifting its core focus to technology, the enterprise aims to bring its aquaculture products, services, and tech solutions to international markets. According to the published roadmap, China will be its first overseas market. Concurrently, the group plans to establish a biological and genetics research institute in the United States to connect with advanced scientific and technological networks, supporting R&D, advisory services, technology transfer, and product commercialization.
For the 2025–2030 strategic phase, Viet Uc has set a revenue target of $1 billion USD by 2030. However, transitioning from a hatchery operator into an Aquatech model requires expanding R&D capacity, technology commercialization, and value chain integration, rather than relying solely on production scale.
Guided by the “Lead Local – Go Global” strategy, the company stated it will continue to consolidate its domestic operations in Vietnam while progressively exporting its domestically developed aquaculture tech capabilities to the global market.
From an industry management perspective, Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung expressed expectations that Viet Uc Group will continue mastering the core technologies of the shrimp sector; developing green, circular, and low-emission shrimp farming; and building an innovation ecosystem connecting businesses, scientists, local authorities, and farmers—thereby elevating the value and global brand of Vietnamese shrimp.
With more than two decades of working in the seafood industry, Mr. Luong Thanh Van - Chairman of the Board of Directors of Viet Uc Seafood Corporation has always been a pioneer in promoting the Vietnamese shrimp industry towards self-reliance and sustainable development. Let's listen to him share about the challenges, opportunities and strategies shaping the future of the shrimp breeding industry in Vietnam.
On the morning of March 3, the 2023 Shrimp Industry Development Conference chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development took place in Soc Trang. The program was attended by Mr. Phung Duc Tien - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Lam Van Man - Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Soc Trang Provincial Party Committee, along with many leaders of agencies, leaders of key shrimp farming provinces and cities, associations and enterprises.
On June 23, the 8th Vietnam Shrimp Forum 2023 took place in Bac Lieu with the theme: High-tech shrimp farming - towards sustainability and efficiency". The forum was organized by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Bac Lieu province in coordination with the Department of Fisheries (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), Vietnam Fisheries Association, WWF Vietnam, and Bac Lieu Shrimp Association. The program attracted a large number of shrimp farmers, businesses and shrimp farming associations in the Mekong Delta region.
Mr. Seokhee Won is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in international business, currently serving as President and CEO of APAC & Europe for Global Food Business Division – CJ CheilJedang.
He is known for his ability to exceed performance targets, expand global markets, develop brands and optimize operations at minimal cost. He is regarded by his peers as a thorough, pragmatic and trustworthy expert in delivering sustainable and profitable business results.
Mr. Luong Peter Chuong
Member of the Board of Directors Investment Strategy Development
Mr. Luong Peter Chuong is a multidisciplinary expert with extensive experience in strategic management, business development, and international startups. He currently serves as a Board Member and Investment Strategy Lead at Viet Uc Seafood Group, where he plays a key role in planning growth strategies, expanding into international markets, and strengthening the Group’s competitive capabilities.
Before joining Viet Uc, Mr. Peter accumulated over a decade of leadership experience in technology and investment companies across Australia, Singapore, and Vietnam. He was a managing partner at 3 Comma Capital Group – an investment firm focused on high-potential startup models – and also served as a board member for Australian companies such as Roll’d Australia and VTPA Group.
Throughout his career, Mr. Peter has demonstrated outstanding ability in team building, executing effective market expansion campaigns, and fostering regional investment networks. His international strategic mindset, adaptive leadership style, and constant drive for innovation have defined Mr. Lương Peter Chuong’s leadership, making a strong contribution to Viet Uc’s journey toward regional and global prominence.
Mr. Ton That De
Member of the Board of DirectorChief Excecutive Officer of Viet Uc Seafood Group
Mr. Ton That De is currently a core member of the Board of Directors and General Director of Viet Uc Seafood Group. He leads the Viet Uc’s development and growth strategy through a closed shrimp value chain model and an expansion orientation to the international market.
Under his leadership, Viet Uc has continuously brought quality products and services to both farmers and consumers, with the vision of making Vietnam a global leader in clean and sustainable shrimp production.
With more than 25 years of experience in operations and strategy development in the fields of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), food & beverage (F&B) and agriculture, Mr. Ton That De has held many senior leadership positions at multinational and domestic corporations such as Unilever, Coca-Cola, Masan Consumer and Nova Consumer Group. In particular, he plays a key role in building business strategies, designing breakthrough models – typically the “Farm-to-Table” model, perfecting and developing the organizational structure, and optimizing operations. His leadership style is always associated with sustainable growth in revenue and profit, while creating real value for customers and contributing to the long-term success of the business.
Mr. Luong Thanh Van
Chairman & Founder of Viet Uc Seafood Group
Mr. Luong Thanh Van is the quintessential self-made entrepreneur — a visionary with relentless ambition, sharp strategic thinking, and a pioneering spirit. Starting from zero in Australia, he launched his first business in the garment industry and later pivoted successfully into photo development, eventually becoming one of the most successful Vietnamese entrepreneurs abroad. His landmark acquisition of Kodak’s operations — including a 6,000-agent network and $50 million in annual revenue — stands as a testament to his ability to turn bold visions into reality.
Despite his overseas success, Mr. Van always harbored a deep desire to return to Vietnam and contribute to its growth. In the early 2000s, he took on a new challenge in a completely unfamiliar field — aquaculture — and founded Viet Uc Seafood Group. Driven by the mission to elevate Vietnam’s shrimp industry to global standards, he brought with him world-class knowledge, experience, and unwavering determination.
He spearheaded the establishment of Vietnam’s first and only broodstock shrimp breeding program, enabling the country to produce high-quality shrimp seed stock, reduce dependence on imports, and enhance national competitiveness. His philosophy is clear: in any sector he enters, the goal is not just to lead the market, but to create value that elevates the entire industry.
With the mindset that “Only when farmers succeed, do we truly succeed,” he has heavily invested in research, technology, and a fully integrated shrimp value chain. Under his leadership, Viet Uc has grown to become a dominant force in shrimp seed production and a pioneer in sustainable aquaculture — edging Vietnam closer to becoming a top global shrimp exporter.
As Chairman, Van has guided Viet Uc Seafood Corporation to build a comprehensive aquaculture ecosystem with nearly 2,000 employees, holding over 30% market share in shrimp seed. The group continues to pursue its mission of “Elevating Vietnamese Shrimp” — pushing the industry forward through technology, innovation, and sustainable development.
More than just a business leader, Mr. Luong Thanh Van is a passionate industry steward, driven by the belief that:
“Vietnam’s shrimp industry can master technology, elevate its position, and leave a mark on the global aquaculture map.”
Mr. Ma Tung
Member of the Board of Directors Deputy General Director of Technology Development
Mr. Ma Tung is currently a core member of the Board of Directors, and Senior Vice President of Research and Development, Technology & Quality of Viet Uc Seafood Group.
He is a passionate technology leader who always takes logical thinking and passion for discovery as a compass to realize vision and lead all technological innovations. He has the ability to turn leading technologies into proprietary assets that bring value to the business, contributing significantly to the journey of making Viet Uc a pioneer in the shrimp industry.
With more than 30 years of experience in the field of engineering and production at many domestic and foreign corporations, Mr. Ma Tung has made outstanding contributions in technology transfer, building operating systems, and developing organizational capacity. He made a special mark at Viet Uc Group as a pioneer in researching and applying advanced water treatment technologies, standardizing shrimp seed production processes, and implementing the first shrimp parent selection program in Vietnam – the foundation that helped Viet Uc lead the high-tech shrimp seed industry.
Mr. Nigel Philip Preston
Independent Member of the Board of Directors
Dr Nigel Preston is a leading expert in aquaculture with over 25 years of international experience. He has held roles as Director General of WorldFish and ISC Chair of the Fish Research Program (FISH CRP), as well as numerous leadership positions at CSIRO – Australia.
With over 90 publications, he has made extensive contributions to the ecology, genetics, nutrition and environmental management of aquatic species. He is currently a Visiting Professor at the University of Queensland and holds a PhD in Marine Biology from the University of Sydney.
Mr. Le Quang Minh
Member of the Board of DirectorsDeputy General Director of Finance & Information Technology
Mr. Le Quang Minh is currently a member of the Board of Directors and Deputy General Director of Finance and Information Technology of Viet Uc Seafood Group.
He is a veteran financial and auditing expert with more than 20 years of experience in domestic and multinational corporations, Big 4 – including Deloitte and especially the position of Partner at Ernst & Young Vietnam – the pinnacle of the auditing industry with sharp strategic thinking.
Having held many senior management roles, he has directly built and operated internal control systems, planned financial systems, advised on IPOs and mobilized international capital for many large enterprises such as Khang Dien, Hung Thinh, and companies listed on HOSE.
