The United Kingdom and Singapore are focussing on innovative technologies and business tie-ups to promote further cooperation and collaboration between the two countries in the water industry.
Some 200 representatives from industry and academia are meeting today to share the latest in water technologies and to explore new opportunities for collaboration in the strategic area of water security.
Gracing the inaugural UK-Singapore Water Futures Forum held at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore is His Royal Highness The Prince Andrew, The Duke of York, who is visiting Singapore in his capacity as the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.
The heightening of the UK-Singapore cooperation in water and wastewater management underlines the increasing challenge facing national governments today. This can be seen in the rapidly escalating demand for water due to population growth, growing industrialisation and urbanisation and the threat of climate change. International cooperation, together with innovative water technologies and strong policies is therefore vital in determining the sustainable supply of water, more so for small city-states like Singapore.
The Duke of York said: "The UK and Singapore enjoy excellent business ties in many diverse areas. One area in which cooperation could be further encouraged is in the area of water management and supply. The inaugural Water Futures Forum organised by UK and Singapore is thus a good opportunity for representatives from both countries to share the latest in water technology that may provide improved solutions in the security and supply of water."
The Water Futures Forum is organised by NTU's Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute (NEWRI), UK Trade & Investment and the UK-Singapore Partners in Science. The Forum is also supported by the British High Commission Singapore, British Water, The Royal Society of Chemistry and PUB Singapore.
Apart from presentations by leading experts on the latest research and industry applications of water technology, the Forum is also a platform for unique networking opportunities between UK and Singapore companies and water related agencies. A key objective of the Forum is the bringing together of companies from both countries that could sprout exciting new tie-ups and linkages in advancing the field of water and waste water management.
NTU President, Dr Su Guaning said that the Water Futures Forum is an excellent opportunity for both countries to exchange views, establish new contacts and renew acquaintances.
"Water is a strategic resource globally, more so for a small city-state like Singapore. The Forum is thus in line with Singapore's quest for a stable and secure supply of water through the utilisation of innovation and technology. The sharing of expertise and knowledge between participants from the UK and Singapore will be beneficial to both Singapore's research community as well as the rest of the water industry, through the creation of new synergies and value in water research," says Dr Su.
NTU engages both academia and the industry in the environmental science and technology field through NEWRI. NEWRI serves as the door through which industry and research partners can access NTU's environmental science and engineering education and R&D expertise.
"NEWRI is an eco-system of research groups and centres which provides a contiguous value chain from education and research through to translation, development and application. NTU, being a leading player in the environmental and water technology domain, we are pleased to co-organise the Water Futures Forum and provide the opportunity for partners from industry and academia to interact," says NEWRI's Executive Director, Professor Ng Wun Jern.
The Duke of York, who is in Singapore on a two-day official visit, also witnessed today the signing ceremony of the collaboration between NTU and University of Warwick, UK in the field of neuroscience research.
Media Contact:
Hisham Hambari
Assistant Director, Corporate Communications Office, NTU
Tel: +65 6790 6447
Mobile: +65 9008 5172
Email: mhisham@ntu.edu.sg
Esther Au Yong
Director of Communications
British High Commission Singapore
Tel.: +65 6424 4271
Mobile: +65 9739 4503
Email: esther.auyong@fco.gov.uk