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International Experts Commend Progress of Research & Development in Singapore's Water Industry
SINGAPORE, Jul 11, 2011 - (ACN Newswire) - The International Advisory Panel (IAP) on Singapore's Environment and Water Technology industry commented on the excellent progress that the Singapore water industry has made in the last five years. The panel held its annual meeting on 8 July 2011, as part of the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW).
Singapore is presently home to a flourishing water industry of more than 70 international and local companies, a significant increase from 50 in 2006. Investments made by these companies in the last five years, when fully realised, will contribute S$590 million of annual value-added to the Singapore economy and generate 2,300 professional and skilled jobs. Singapore-based companies have also been doing well in the international water markets, with a cumulative project value reaching S$8.4 billion since 2006. Through various incentive schemes under the Environment and Water Industry Programme Office's (EWI) Environment and Water Research Programme, there is now a vibrant research community of 23 R&D centres working on more than 60 projects on leading-edge technologies.
The panel is of the view that while building on the good work in water research and technology, there are additional areas and opportunities that Singapore should focus on. EWI should continue to help companies and researchers to better translate their new technologies to viable products for the market and export. In addition, it is imperative to build up talent and develop the skills set in marketing, product development and project management.
The panel is of the view that Singapore should look into understanding and exploiting the nexus and potential synergies between water, energy and waste management, in the context of growing demand for resources and climate change uncertainties. There are research and business opportunities to develop solutions to further harness energy and resources from used water and solid waste.
Co-Chair of the panel, Lord Ronald Oxburgh, expressed his confidence in the role Singapore can take to lead the growth of water industry in the region, "Singapore has progressed very well on water R&D and developed a niche in practical water technologies. There remain opportunities in the water, energy and waste sectors to be tapped, for example, how energy and useful materials can be cost effectively recovered, and how greater efficiency can be achieved in water-energy or wasteenergy areas. With the strong support of the Government, I believe that the industry is ready to capitalise on the rapidly growing business opportunities in the region and beyond."
About Environment and Water Industry Programme Office
The Environment and Water Industry Programme Office (EWI) was set up in May 2006, with a S$330 million funding from National Research Foundation, to spearhead the development of the environment and water industry in Singapore and position Singapore as a global hydrohub. Led by PUB, Singapore's national water agency, EWI also partners with agencies EDB and IES to provide overall direction and coordination of efforts in developing and growing the water industry. The objective of EWI is to build on the strengths of Singapore's water industry to triple its target contribution of $1.7 billion to Singapore's GDP, up from S$0.5 billion in 2003, and to double to number of jobs in the sector to 11,000 by 2015.
About Economic Development Board
The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) is the lead government agency for planning and executing strategies to enhance Singapore's position as a global business centre. We dream, design and deliver solutions that create value for investors and companies in Singapore. Our mission is to create for Singapore, sustainable economic growth with vibrant business and good job opportunities. Visit www.sedb.com for more information.
About IE Singapore
International Enterprise (IE) Singapore is the lead agency driving Singapore's external economy. We promote the overseas growth of Singapore-based enterprises and international trade. With a global network in over 30 locations and our "3C" framework of assistance (Connections, Competency and Capital), we offer services to help enterprises export, develop business capabilities, find overseas partners and enter new markets. At the same time, we work to position Singapore as a base for foreign businesses to expand into the region in partnership with Singapore-based companies. Visit www.iesingapore.com for more information.
Contact:Ms Quek Ai Choo
Assistant Director, Communications
Tel: +65-6731-3293
Mobile: +65-9369-2729
Email: quek_ai_choo@pub.gov.sg
Ms Nawwar Syahirah
Senior Officer, Communications
Tel: +65-6731-3986
Mobile: +65-9667-0061
Email: nawwar_syahirah@pub.gov.sg
Source: PUB
Sectors: Water, Environment, ESG
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