Singapore PUB wins prize at World Water Week 2007

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Aug. 15, 2007 -- As the world grapples with water scarcity, drought, polluted rivers, floods and global warming, Singapore has emerged as a shining example of sustainable water management.

PUB Singapore, the country's national water agency, today won the Stockholm Industry Water Award at the World Water Week in Stockholm. PUB Chief Executive Khoo Teng Chye received the award from Peter Forssman, Chairman of Stockholm Water Foundation.

In its citation for the Stockholm Industry Water Award, PUB was said to be "an exemplary model of integrated water management in a framework of good policy and innovative engineering solutions."

Khoo said: "We are honored to win the Stockholm Industry Water Award. PUB has worked hard over the last 40 years to overcome our water challenges and put in place a sustainable water supply for our people through the establishment of the Four National Taps strategy. This strategy is driven by a clear vision of what it takes to be sustainable in water, investing in technology, timely and cost-effective execution by public sector agencies and close partnerships with the business sector and the community."

A wellspring of water solutions
At a time when there is an urgent need globally for solutions to solve water woes, Singapore is fast recognized as a model city for good water management.

"In trying to overcome our water challenges, we have turned our vulnerability into a strategic asset for the country. We can share this expertise and the good practical solutions that have worked well for us with other cities. We are attracting international water companies to do research here, set up centers of excellence and make Singapore a focal point of their business in the region. Through participating in PUB's various mega water projects, our local companies have matured through the years and built up a good track record. All the necessary elements are present for Singapore to develop into a hub of water technologies -- a wellspring of water solutions that can help other cities solve their problems," said Khoo.

To boost the local water industry, the government is investing S$330 million to develop the water sector over the next five years. The water industry is expected to triple the value add of the economy to S$1.7 billion by 2015.

So far, international water companies such as GE Water, Siemens Water Technologies, Black and Veatch and Delft Hydraulics have invested in Singapore by setting up centers of excellence for water. Multi-nationals like Black and Veatch and CH2MHill have made Singapore a key focus in their business expansion plans by setting up their regional headquarters here. The International Water Association also set up its regional office in Singapore recently.

Singapore International Water Week
Next year will be a watershed year for the Singapore water industry when the Singapore International Water Week will be held for the first time. So far, it has received strong support from the industry. Within a month of marketing the event, more than S$3 million in sponsorship monies have been pledged by local and international water and engineering companies.

"We are grateful to the local and international players such as Black and Veatch, Dayen, Hyflux, Keppel Corporation, Salcon, SembCorp Industries, United Engineers and Veolia Water for being among the first to come on board as Founding Sponsors. Also, the Singapore Millennium Foundation has pledged S$1.5 million over the next five years as the sole sponsor of the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize," said Khoo.

The inaugural Singapore International Water Week will be held from 23-27 June 2008 and will be the meeting place for the who's who in the international water community. More than 6000 government officials, industry leaders and water specialists are expected.

The highlight of the Singapore International Water Week is the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, which is named after the country's premier statesman. The prize is worth S$300,000 and will be presented annually to an individual and organization who has contributed towards solving the world's water problems.

"This is an international prize which we hope will inspire and spur innovative ideas in helping to solve the world's water problems. The award is named after Singapore's founding father, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew who played an instrumental role in ensuring that Singapore achieves sustainability in its water supply," said Khoo.

Besides the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, the water week will also comprise the Water Leaders' Summit, Water Convention and the Water Expo. The event will further establish Singapore's position in the international water community and boost its aspirations to be a global hydrohub.

The 2007 Stockholm Industry Water Award is PUB's second international award for good water management. Last year, PUB was named the Water Agency of the Year 2006 by Global Water Intelligence in its annual awards in Dubai.

Established in 2000, the Stockholm Industry Water Award recognizes innovative corporate development of water and wastewater process technologies, contributions to environmental improvement through improved performance in production processes, new products and other significant contributions by businesses and industries that help improve the world water situation.

PUB is a statutory board under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. It is the water agency that manages Singapore's water supply, water catchment and sewerage in an integrated way. PUB was named Water Agency of the Year at the Global Water Awards 2006.

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