Novus International Launches Aqua Research Center at Nong Lam University

New research facility to be center of excellence for Novus worldwide

December 6, 2008

Novus International Launches Aqua Research Center at Nong Lam University

Novus International, Inc., has launched the Novus Aqua Research Center at Nong Lam University, Vietnam. The company said the collaboration between Novus and Nong Lam University exemplifies Novus’ commitment to the sustainability of the industry through the development of healthy science-based, innovative products and programs for the aquaculture market.

Located at the Nong Lam University Campus in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the new 1,000 square meter research facility employs three full-time staff. With an investment of US$ 500,000, the facility includes a fish hatchery with re-circulating tanks for Pangasius Basa catfish, tilapia and shrimp, a water process laboratory, feed processing laboratory and general laboratory with microbiology equipment and glass aquaria.

Thad Simons, President and Chief Executive Officer of Novus International, Inc, said, “With a growing population, approaching 86 million people, Vietnam is one of the fastest growing economies in Asia. The current global financial crisis has slowed down economies including Vietnam but Novus is committed to Vietnam in the long term. This new research facility shows our commitment to aquaculture and to be our center of excellence for Novus worldwide."

Novus will award two scholarships each academic year to graduate-level students of Nong Lam University. These students will participate in research to find pragmatic solutions for industry issues with the underlying goals of profitability and environmental sustainability. This is part of the Novus Scholar Programs which are awarded to support the research and work of students and professors who are or will be industry leaders in agriculture. In addition to scholarships, Novus will share its own internal resources, industry contacts, and research methodologies to offer program participants exposure to new perspectives and practices.

Nong Lam University student body consists of 15,000 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students in 37 fields of study. Undergraduate aquatic degrees are offered in Aquaculture, Aquatic Product Processing and Aquatic Animal Health Management. Aquatic degrees are also offered at the Graduate and PhD levels of study.