Water Guardians

PUB’s inaugural Watermark Award was presented to individuals and organisations for their outstanding contribution to the water cause.

Tan Jia Sheng, the youngest winner.

Polytechnic student Tan Jia Sheng spends his leisure hours educating friends and the public about good water practices. Mr Albert Phee, an information and communication technology executive with a primary school, encourages family and friends to conserve water by helping them install water-saving thimbles in their homes.

For their sterling environment-friendly efforts, these individuals, along with seven other water champions, were lauded at PUB’s first Watermark Award held in July 2007. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, presented the awards at a ceremony held on Marina Reservoir’s floating platform. Recipients took home a glistening sculpture of a water drop designed by established local sculptor Baet Yeok Kuan. Among the award winners were three educational institutions, two organisations in the building industry and a voluntary group.

Mr Pek Lian Guan, Director of Tiong Seng Contractors hoists the Watermark trophy.

Mr Albert Phee with Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources.

Spearheaded by PUB, the Watermark Award recognises the national water agency’s Friends of Water who have gone the extra mile to do their part for water. To date PUB has 1,800 Friends of Water.

“With the opening up of our blue corners for new community and recreational spaces, it is important for all of us to cultivate a sense of ownership of our waters. The Watermark Award recognises and applauds the tireless efforts of our water heroes to help ensure that Singapore can have a sustainable water supply for generations to come,” noted Mr Yap Kheng Guan, PUB’s Director of 3P Network.

WINNING EDGE

The Watermark Award winners were selected by a panel of judges led by PUB Chairman Mr Tan Gee Paw. Winners were picked based on factors such as the frequency and variety of activities organised, the amount of resources invested and impact of the activities on promoting water sustainability in the community.

Said youngest winner Tan: “There is no age limit when it comes to water conservation. Everyone and anyone can play their part: take shorter showers, use a half flush for liquid waste and do your laundry when you have enough for a full load. For a start, shorter showers help conserve nine litres of water for every one minute of showering time reduced!”

HONORARY WINNERS

PUB also presented the Watermark Honorary Award to Professor Tommy Koh, Dr Geh Min and the Waterways Watch Society (WWS) for their exemplary work in the water and environment fields.

Professor Koh, Singapore’s Ambassador-at-Large, and the Chairman of the Asia- Pacific Water Forum, is renowned for his contributions to the environment locally and internationally. Dr Geh Min, President of the Nature Society of Singapore, was the co-chairman of a public consultation that reviewed the Singapore Green Plan 2012. A pioneer group of volunteers who spend time every weekend cleaning up the Singapore River, the WWS has a broader aim of educating the public on the importance of keeping the waters clean.

Said WWS Chairman Mr Eugene Heng: “This award goes to all members of WWS. We are very humbled to have received it and be recognised by PUB.” He added: “Singaporeans need to recognise that there is a real challenge for all of us. Recycling and valuing water, and keeping our waterways clean and litter-free will make a difference to our future.”

2007 WATERMARK AWARD WINNERS

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