The award was first handed out in Singapore in 2005. With this award OFI honours individuals, companies and organizations who have made significant contributions to our industry over the last several years.

Past winners have been:

• In 2007: Mr. Tomey who over 30 years successfully consulted and assisted governments, institutions, companies, hobby associations and private individuals in and on the ornamental fish industry
• In 2006: Dr. Ning Labbish Chao of Project Piaba, Barcelos (Brazil) who has worked towards a sustainable harvest of ornamental fishes, like the cardinal tetra, in the Amazon region.
• In 2005:
  • Dr Ngiam Tong Tau, CEO, Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore who has contributed considerably to the development of the ornamental fish industry in Singapore over the last twenty years.
  • The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) which although mostly focused on the interests of the trade in the UK, has also contributed greatly to the industry on an international scale.
  • Former OFI Chairman Mick Seaby, and former OFI Secretary General and Administrator John & Vivian Dawes who together succeeded in putting OFI on the map and who worked greatly towards making it the international association for all sectors of the ornamental aquatic industry.

This year’s award winner has also been, and still is a very influential voice in many aspects of the pet industry and has represented the industry extremely well internationally.

OFI is the worldwide trade association representing all sectors of the ornamental aquatic industry in some 40 different countries worldwide.