Speech

The Launch of WaterHub, Singapore Water Association & Water Network

Speech by Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, at the Launch of the Waterhub, The Singapore Water Association and The Water Network, 10 December 2004, 10.00am at the Waterhub

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen

Introduction
1. Today we mark an important milestone in our journey in the management of water resources in Singapore. The three new entities that are being launched today, namely the WaterHub, the Singapore Water Association, and the Water Network, are important in our journey towards maintaining a sustainable and affordable water supply for all. They will also help contribute towards the development of a thriving water industry, and enhancing the relationship Singaporeans have with our water resources.

WaterHub
2. The name Waterhub is not just meant to refer to the building we are now in. It symbolises a centre where partners and stakeholders in water can engage one another actively. In fact, members of our partners in the 3P sectors, or the people, public and private sectors, have started using the Waterhub for technology development, learning and networking.

Technology Development
3. One of PUB's main goals is to facilitate Singapore's development as a hub for water technologies. PUB has already invested some $30 million in research and development projects which have contributed to our efforts to keep our `four national taps[1] plan on track. Currently, ten internal technology groups are studying ways to further raise Singapore's water production, conservation and treatment capabilities to greater heights. These technology groups comprise about 200 people, mainly PUB officers as well as research scientists from the Centre for Advanced Water Technology, and professors from the Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculties of NTU and NUS. The learning and exchanges that are taking place, as well as the research and development outcomes, will be valuable to the local water industry.

4. Some of these projects by the technology groups are on display at the WaterHub this morning. I am glad to hear that one of these projects, the Membrane Bio-reactor, which is an application of cutting-edge membrane technology for more effective wastewater treatment, has already been successfully tested in PUB installations with involvement from the universities, membrane system suppliers, as well as in the Centre for Advanced Water Technology.

Learning
5. Complementing PUB's focus on technology is its strategy to promote continuing learning among managers and workers to raise professional standards in the water industry. PUB has been working with academic institutions, research centres, local and foreign industries and associations to develop training programmes to be held at the WaterHub. A key training programme at WaterHub is the 'Waterman' course that provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the entire water loop; from water collection, treatment and supply, to water reclamation, sewerage and drainage management. Nearly 700 PUB officers had attended this course as part of its efforts to upgrade its staff on new technology, and I understand that PUB may be extending this course to the industry and international participants.

Networking
6. A third objective of the WaterHub is to support networking among local and international water companies, public sector agencies, as well as consultants, contractors, system integrators and suppliers. This is in line with PUB's 3P approach to foster a greater sense of ownership of our water resources by all. The WaterHub also represents an extension of PUB's ongoing effort to promote the capabilities of Singapore's water industry at international conferences and to foreign delegations.

The Singapore Water Association
7. The second entity we are launching is the Singapore Water Association or the SWA. The SWA is the industry association for the water industry and it reflects the water industry's increasing presence and participation in water issues. I am happy to see it officially launched today and based here at the WaterHub.

8. The SWA is a self-funded industry effort which aims to network the different players in Singapore's water industry to facilitate and enhance their collaborative efforts. The SWA's mission is to develop a vibrant and dynamic Singapore water industry. With a membership of more than 30 companies representing different segments of the water value chain, I believe SWA is gearing up itself well in its goal to promote Singapore as a regional hub for water services and technologies. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Singapore Water Association on its official launch today, and I wish its President, Ms Olivia Lum, and her members success in this noteworthy endeavour.

The Water Network
9. Today we also witness the launch of the Water Network, a partnership panel that will work with PUB to reflect the 3P sectors' views and suggestions on PUB's policies and programmes. The panel will be providing feedback and views to PUB on water conservation and keeping our waterways clean, among others. I am told that the Water Network aims to organise a public dialogue session in early 2005 as part of the public consultation on the use of the Bedok and MacRitchie Reservoirs for more recreational activities.

10. The Water Network will have 20 members mainly made up of leaders of recreational organisations, environmental volunteer groups, the media, professional associations, as well as other private and public sector organisations. Mr Lee Tzu Yang, Chairman of Shell Companies in Singapore, is the Chairman of the Water Network. I would like to thank him and his fellow members for their participation on the panel. The high level of expertise and experience on the panel will be useful to our efforts in getting everyone to cultivate a stronger relationship with water.

Conclusion
11. It is indeed timely that the Waterhub, Singapore Water Association and the Water Network are launched at the same time today, for together they represent a vital step towards our goal of establishing a stronger network of partners and customers in managing, caring for, and enjoying our water resources. I would like to thank all who were involved in one way or another in setting up these institutions.

Thank you

[1] Singapore's four national taps are (i) catchment water, (ii) imported water, (iii) NEWater, and (iv) desalinated water.