SIP Commits HKD 1 Million to Hong Kong Aquaculture to Advance Sustainable Seafood Production and Inclusive Employment

Social Impact Partners (SIP) is pleased to announce a HKD 1 million strategic funding commitment to Hong Kong Aquaculture Ltd (Aqua), a pioneering social enterprise that integrates sustainable aquaculture with inclusive employment for youth with special education needs (SEN). Founded in 2019, Aqua operates a chemical-free marine fish farm in Yung Shue Au, blending global farming methods with local environmental stewardship. The enterprise currently employs 15 part-time SEN youth workers, reflecting its dual focus on community empowerment and sustainable food systems.

“Hong Kong Aquaculture offers a winning combination—responsible, environmentally-sustainable food production plus social impact through inclusive employment,” said Josephine Price, Chair of SIP. “We are proud to support Aqua as they scale operations, strengthen governance, and expand job opportunities for SEN youth.”

Aqua’s mission is to lead the local aquaculture industry by producing premium, chemical-free, and fully traceable seafood, while raising public confidence in Hong Kong’s locally grown products. Through its self-developed ozone machine and chemical-free methods, Aqua reduces marine pollution, enhances water quality, and restores ecosystems—creating environmental benefits that extend beyond food production. As Hong Kong’s only brand that combines sustainable aquaculture with SEN employment, Aqua provides autistic youth with hands-on training and paid part-time work that builds skills, confidence, and long-term inclusion.

SIP’s HKD 1 million commitment will support daily operations such as upgrading key fish farm equipment, and expand Aqua’s SEN employment programme and job coaching support. This will strengthen Aqua’s production capacity, modernise infrastructure, and enable the organisation to create more structured career opportunities for SEN youth.

This investment aligns with SIP’s commitment to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. It follows a rigorous due diligence process supported by SIP’s strategic pro bono partners, including legal review by Charltons, financial assessment conducted internally by SIP, management evaluation by HR professional Susanna Lau, and an ESG assessment by Pacific Risk Advisors.

Beyond the funding, SIP will also provide capacity-building support in ESG and governance, helping Aqua align its practices with international standards. SIP will further work with Aqua to develop an impact measurement framework to track environmental outcomes, SEN job creation and retention, training completion, and long-term career progression, ensuring transparency and scalable impact.

About Social Impact Partners (SIP)

Social Impact Partners is a Hong Kong S88 charity promoting the sustainable growth of social purpose organisations (SPOs) through strategic funding and capacity building. SIP activates appropriate financial solutions to empower SPOs to develop scalable models that create lasting impact. Recovered capital is recycled into future investments, ensuring continual support for emerging SPOs.

About Hong Kong Aquaculture Ltd

Founded in 2019, Hong Kong Aquaculture Ltd operates a chemical-free marine fish farm in Yung Shue Au, integrating advanced aquaculture methods, environmental conservation, and inclusive employment. Aqua is committed to producing high-quality, traceable seafood while restoring marine ecosystems and providing meaningful vocational opportunities for SEN youth.

For enquiries, please contact SIP at info@siphk.org.

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