PUB seeks innovative solutions to enhance operational resilience
Singapore, 22 September 2025 – National water agency PUB continues its pursuit of innovative and smart solutions with the fifth edition of its Global Innovation Challenge (GIC). PUB leverages technology across our operations, enabling automation of operational processes and enhancing productivity, efficiency, and reliability.
2 This year’s GIC features three unique challenge statements to enhance PUB’s operational resilience across our water management infrastructure.
Reduce repair time during pipe leaks
3 Our first challenge statement calls for suitable internal repair methods to address pipe leaks, reduce repair time and minimise water supply disruption to our customers. Our extensive pipeline network supplying potable water to households and businesses across Singapore measures approximately 6,000km long. While PUB has implemented a comprehensive leak detection survey programme using acoustic devices and the deployment of 1,500 permanent leak detection sensors, temporary water supply disruption to customers may occur during urgent repair works. An internal repair method would help minimise the disruption by eliminating the time-consuming process of excavating the ground.
Leverage 3D printing for maintenance of water infrastructure
4 PUB’s second challenge statement seeks to leverage the transformative potential of 3D printing technology to enhance our water utility operations. There are opportunities to harness 3D printing in the manufacturing of critical components and spare parts to support ongoing and urgent maintenance of our water infrastructure, which will enhance operational resilience through the provision of alternative supply sources with significantly reduced turnaround time. The diverse applications of 3D printing can be explored for the production of smart equipment or components to support ground operations and monitoring capabilities.
Enable proactive maintenance of pipelines in desalination plants
5 The final challenge statement is aligned with PUB’s goal to adopt a predictive maintenance regime to assess and pre-empt any potential equipment failure. To ensure continuous operations and maintain uninterrupted water production and supply, we are finding solutions to detect and/or monitor potential weak spots in glass reinforced plastic (GRP) pipelines at our desalination plants. This will enable PUB to reduce unforeseen pipeline failure and carry out timely repairs before any leaks occur.
6 Said Dr Gurdev Singh, PUB’s Chief Engineering and Technology Officer: “We view technology as an enabler in enhancing our operational resilience and productivity. With this new GIC cycle, PUB shows our continued commitment to searching for advanced and innovative technologies to enhance our operations through collaborative partnerships with industry leaders. Through the GIC, we have cultivated symbiotic relationships with our partners, enabling us to tap on their vast expertise and knowledge within the field of water research and engineering.”
Please refer to Annex for details of the three challenge statements.
Positive collaborations
7 Over the previous four editions of GIC, PUB launched a total of 17 challenge statements. More than 230 proposal submissions were received from companies based in 28 countries, reflecting the significant global reach and interest in GIC. Subsequently, 8 projects were identified to have the potential for integration within PUB’s operations.
8 One shortlisted project from the 2nd edition of GIC was submitted by the Hydroinformatics Institute (H2i) in collaboration with StarHub. The proof-of-concept project leverages StarHub’s Commercial Microwave Links (CML) or cellular signals to estimate rainfall intensity for enhanced spatial rainfall monitoring. The technology has the potential to provide accurate and reliable rainfall intensity estimates. This supports PUB’s work in flood investigations and drainage performance assessments.
9 The completed pilot project achieved high accuracy rainfall intensity estimates when compared to rainfall measurements from traditional rain gauges. PUB has commenced a demonstration R&D project to conduct further testing and validation of the technology, targeted for completion in end-2025. Following this, PUB will assess its outcomes and consider it for island-wide implementation.
10 Said Mr Shivakumar Kannan, H2i’s Chief Operations Officer: “PUB’s GIC has accelerated our innovation journey by allowing us to showcase our transformative solutions in addressing today’s water challenges. Through our participation in GIC, H2i’s suite of innovative technologies have gained valuable exposure, and fostered collaborations with industry partners from across the water sector ecosystem.”
11 For more information on the GIC, please visit PUB’s website at https://go.gov.sg/gic5.
Annex: Three challenge statements
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