Elements for Life

activities. This will not only enhance the overall quality of life

for Singaporeans, but will also help foster a greater sense of envi-

ronmental ownership, leading to a deeper awareness of the

environment and the importance of its precious resources.

Our next step

As a small-island state, Singapore is far from immune to the

effects of globalization. In order to keep pace with global tech-

nology developments, Singapore needs to continue to invest

heavily in research and development to ensure technological

relevance in this fast-changing world. As such, the Singapore

government has ear-marked USD5 billion to fund R&D

projects in three sectors, including the environmental and

water technology sector, with an Environment and Water

Industry Development Council (EWI) set up to map out

strategies and oversee growth in this sector. It is Singapore’s

goal to be a Global HydroHub, the centre of a vibrant global

industry, a place for the generation and exchange of ideas in

the field of water.

Running parallel to this strong belief in the merits of idea

exchange is PUB’s active participation in global water events

such as at the 4th World Water Forum in Mexico, the

International Desalination Association Forum in Tianjin, China

last year and of course, the World Water Week in Stockholm.

Singapore will also be playing host to the International Water

Association’s Leading Edge Technology conference in a few

months time. Singapore’s HydroHub and the existing opportu-

nities for international partnerships not only complement each

other, but are vital if progress in this sector is to be maintained.

Climate change is no longer speculation, it is reality. For PUB,

the key areas of concern will be the impact of rising sea levels

on flooding and coastal supply infrastructure. As such, PUB is

currently monitoring developments in the international arena

to facilitate forward planning. Through such measures, PUB

hopes to reduce water supply uncertainty as a result of meteo-

rological events.

The road forward

Implementing an integrated water management system requires

vision and proper planning. However, these factors alone are

not sufficient. The key to the success of a multi-stakeholder,

multi-use system is strong political will and good governance.

It is only through a cohesive national effort that any large-scale

system can attain its goal.

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Photo: PUB – Singapore’s National Water Agency

Active, beautiful and clean waters: transforming our waterways – Rochor Canal (before and after)

Reverse osmosis membranes for NEWater production