Singapore-Netherlands magazine

WATER COOPERATION

SINGAPORE THE NETHERLANDS

Partnerships for water challenges

THE HUB INTO SOUTH EAST ASIA FOR THE DUTCH WATER SECTOR IN SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE - THE NETHERLANDS

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SINGAPORE THE NETHERLANDS PARTNERSHIPS FOR WATER CHALLENGES

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REINFORCING PARTNERSHIPS, CO-CREATING SOLUTIONS “Work towards enhancing our water resilience so that we are prepared for the challenges that lie ahead”

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he Netherlands and Singapore share a special and longstanding friendship. I recall with appreciation the contributions of Dr Albert Winsemius, who played a significant role in shaping Singapore’s economic development in our early years of independence during his term as Singapore’s Chief Economic Advisor from 1961 to 1984. I am heartened to know that Singapore’s friendship with the Dutch continues to flourish today, having strong bilateral cooperation ties spanning across a wide range of fields, including water management.

Water is a topic close to Singaporeans’ heart, as much as it is so for the Dutch. The dearth and glut of water is nothing less than an existential issue for both countries, and while our trajectories in resolving water-related problems differ, we are similar in the sense that we have been able to overcome them, and turn these vulnerabilities into strengths despite our challenges. Today, both countries enjoy internationally reputed success on water management - the Netherlands with its strong expertise in flood protection and water technology, and Singapore with its integrated approach to water management in an urban environment. Even then, we recognize the importance of continually developing our water sectors to respond to future challenges, particularly the impacts of climate change on small, densely populated states like The Netherlands and Singapore.

In Singapore, water is both a strategic resource and an economic asset. Through clear political will, Singapore has transformed our vulnerability into a strategic asset in half a century, tapping on technology and innovation, and embarking on ambitious engineering projects. Singapore’s National Water Agency, PUB, created the Four National Taps – water from local catchments, imported water from Malaysia, NEWater and desalinated water to diversify and strengthen our water supply. This would not have been possible without visionary leadership, conscious planning and hard work by our forefathers.

It is vital that we continue developing a vibrant water industry to support our needs. PUB and the Economic Development Board have

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been working closely with relevant government agencies to nurture and grow Singapore into a leading global hydrohub. Singapore’s Global Hydrohub now comprises over 180 water companies and more than 20 research centres, and we welcome further international collaborations to develop and commercialise new products and solutions.

We have a strong presence of Dutch companies in Singapore, many of which have collaborations with PUB and have since grown to establish successful and strong business-to-business partnerships in Singapore and Southeast Asia. A notable case in point is the collaboration between PWN Technologies (PWNT), UGL and Metawater to employ PWNT’s ceramic membrane technology (CeraMac®) in the upgrade of Singapore’s Choa Chu Kang Waterworks. The new CeraMac® plant, when completed in 2018, will be one of the largest ceramic membrane plants for drinking water treatment in the world, with a daily capacity of 40 million gallons per day. Another successful Netherlands-Singapore collaboration that has yielded fruitful and positive outcomes is NUSDeltares - a strategic alliance partnership between the National University of Singapore and Deltares which draws on the expertise of both institutions to develop innovative and game-changing solutions in urban environments. NUSDeltares has to date contributed extensively to the work of Singapore agencies, with its expertise spanning across a spectrum of disciplines that include management of surface and groundwater resources and information systems for coastal water quality to name but a few.

I encourage aspiring companies to leverage on the Singapore International Water Week as a platform to reinforce partnerships and co-create innovative solutions, as we continue in our bid to devise novel water solutions and work towards enhancing our water resilience so that we are prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

Masagos Zulkifli Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Republic of Singapore

PREFACE

PARTNERSHIPS FOR A SUSTAINABLE URBAN LIVING ENVIRONMENT “Now, looking ahead, the Netherlands would like to continue its tradition of strong cooperation with Singapore”

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ingapore and the Netherlands have a lot in common. Our countries are both small and densely populated and face comparable challenges in the fields of spatial planning and water management. I recall Mr Albert Winsemius, a well renowned Dutch economist who had the honour to advise Singapore as Chief Economic Advisor for more than two decades on a wide range of subjects, like spatial planning.

So our cooperation goes back for many years. Also Dutch companies and institutes have been working together with the Singaporean government and universities for several years now in areas like water safety, water supply (Marina Barrage), dredging and port development. In their unique ways, Singapore and the Netherlands are leading in the field of water innovation.

It is clear that we can learn a lot from each other’s experiences.

However, since both our countries are leaders in the field of water innovation, there is more to it than a learning experience. Our leading positions in the water sector have brought us safety and prosperity, but that leadership also obliges us to continue to invest and innovate in our own countries as well as abroad. In other words, it obliges us to use water innovation for urban resilience by building partnerships and assisting other countries in challenges faced due to climate change. Furthermore, it pushes us to look for opportunities in other countries for sustainable development in order to secure a safe, healthy and prosperous life. The latter should be addressed by the government, but also in partnership with e.g. companies and knowledge institutes that operate around the world and have excellent reputations.

in urban deltas and increase the Netherlands’ contribution to these efforts. For efforts in a.o. Vietnam, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Indonesia this means that together with the Dutch water sector, the aim is more sustainable and efficient water use, more effective risk prevention, poverty reduction, greater food security and a circular economy.

Now, looking ahead, the Netherlands would like to continue its tradition of strong cooperation with Singapore. I do hope we can learn from each other and assist each other further in the challenges which both our countries are facing the coming years.

And maybe in the future, use our ability to jointly generate a crucial push towards resilience in the ASEAN region.

Melanie Schultz van Haegen Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment The Kingdom of the Netherlands

This magazine shows the relationship between the Netherlands and Singapore and highlights work of the Dutch water companies in Singapore and (in the rest of) South East Asia. The Dutch government strives for further exchange and spread of knowledge and expertise worldwide. Our main goal is to enhance water security

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COLOPHON Singapore – The Netherlands Published by the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP), the Netherlands Embassy in Singapore and Singapore Netherlands Water House (SNWH) and the Dutch Government Content and Editing: Bauke ter Braak, Annemijn Kooman, Christina Boomsma, Sandra Schoof Coordination by: Marjolein de Vries, Annemijn Kooman, Frodo van Oostveen Concept and realization: Kris Kras context, content and design For more information please contact: Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) P.O. Box 82327 2508 EH The Hague The Netherlands T + 31 (0)70 3043700 E info@nwp.nl I www.dutchwatersector.com

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CONTENT

A FLOURISHING FRIENDSHIP, EVOLVING ECONOMIC TIES

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SIWW & AIWW: STEPPING STONES IN THE TRANSITION TOWARDS RESILIENT CITIES & THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

CONTENT Preface

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A flourishing friendship, evolving economic ties

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Relationship based on long history of cooperation

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SIWW & AIWW: Stepping stones in the transition towards resilient cities & the circular economy

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From the perspective of the Dutch water sector in Singapore

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Small countries cooperate to meet big climate challenges

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Contact

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A FLOURISHING FRIENDSHIP, EVOLVING ECONOMIC TIES

The Netherlands has an extensive history with water. It is in fact embedded in the country’s DNA as it has overcome many water related challenges in the past. Over the centuries, water transformed from being a threat to a world renowned field of expertise of the Dutch. With an outward oriented economy, relying mostly on the export industry, it has long looked at establishing international partnerships, also in the water sector. The Netherlands and Singapore have shown significant interest in each other’s methods, including but not limited to: water treatment, irrigation and land reclamation.

The Netherlands and Singapore are on a level playing field with regards to water, although the timelines may differ.

Singapore’s water story is rather exceptional.

Over a span of 50 years, the tiny island-state of Singapore, through the work of its national water agency (PUB – Public Utilities Board) has surmounted its earlier challenges of polluted rivers, water shortages and widespread flooding to establish a highly efficient and sustainable water management system.

This system has undergirded Singapore’s development and prosperity, and transformed its water vulnerability into a strength.

The following outlines the water stories of Singapore and the Netherlands and conveys the relevant interactions within the different spheres of society.

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THE SINGAPORE WATER STORY: TAKING A LONG TERM VIEW TO ADDRESS WATER CHALLENGES Guided by a long-term water masterplan, PUB has taken an integrated water management approach: managing water, used water and drainage as an interconnected system, with the aspiration to to collect every drop of water, reuse water endlessly and desalinate more seawater. With this strategy, PUB “closed” the water loop and established a diversified and sustainable water portfolio comprising four National Taps (local catchment, imported water, NEWater and desalination), strengthening Singapore’s water resilience and bolstering it against weather extremities such as droughts and floods.

PUB also balances Singapore’s competing economic and social needs with sensitive, environmental planning through judicious land-use planning in collaboration with other government agencies, Singapore was able to embrace rapid urbanisation without severely impacting the quality of its water resources. In the 1970s, the then-Ministry of Environment coordinated a multi-agency effort that included PUB to clean up the Singapore River that runs through the city. This tenyear programme turned the river from an open sewer to a clean and free-flowing river, converting more land into water catchments and beautiful public spaces.

DEMAND MANAGEMENT Active and sustained public engagement initiatives promote close partnerships and rally the community to do their part to keep the waters clean. For example, the ABC (Active, Beautiful, Clean) Waters Programme transforms Singapore’s water bodies beyond their

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traditional functions of drainage, flood control and water storage into scenic waterscapes for recreational activities, hence inspiring a sense of collective ownership over water. Besides engaging the public in good water practices, PUB encourages water conservation by pricing water correctly and mandating standards for efficiency in water usage.

GROWING SINGAPORE’S WATER INDUSTRY Water is both a key strategic resource and economic asset in Singapore. With water technology as a key pillar, PUB and the Economic Development Board (EDB) work closely with relevant government agencies to nurture and grow Singapore into a leading global hydrohub. This is done by offering a variety of avenues to support research and development. Singapore’s water industry now comprises over 180 water companies and more than 20 research centres in Singapore. PUB welcomes international collaborations to commercialise new products and solutions, including Dutch players, such as: PWN Technologies (water treatment technology), Optiqua (water quality monitoring), KWR Watercycle Research Institute (knowledge sharing) and Deltares (applied research).

Recognising the need for international collaborations to address future global challenges, Singapore works with partners to share solutions and knowledge with other nations through capacitybuilding initiatives and bilateral agreements. NUSDeltares is such an example of a multiyear research collaboration between a Singaporean (National University of Singapore) and a Dutch organization (Deltares).

A FLOURISHING FRIENDSHIP, EVOLVING ECONOMIC TIES

MR NG JOO HEE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE PUB “Singapore and the Netherlands are both preoccupied with water. […] We are certainly natural coconspirators in this great enterprise, to tame and to husband this most vital resource for the good of our peoples. In the process, both our countries have, quite incredibly, turned a vulnerability into strength.”

Mr Ng Joo Hee, Chief Executive of PUB, said that “Singapore and the Netherlands are both preoccupied with water. For the latter, it is keeping it at bay and avoiding the constant threat of inundation. For us, it is finding enough of the stuff to keep things going. Indeed, for Singapore, water and its management is nothing less than existential. And true to the national characters of our two countries, both of us have diligently and creatively applied the whole of our ingenuity and resourcefulness towards solving our water challenges. We are certainly natural co-conspirators in this great enterprise, to tame and to husband this most vital resource for the good of our peoples. In the process, both our countries have, quite incredibly, turned a vulnerability into strength.”

THE NETHERLANDS AND WATER Although the Netherlands is in part below sea level, it is one of the safest deltas in the world. The Netherlands’ history revolves around adaptation to water. Since the early middle ages, it has reclaimed and defended land from the sea.. The constant threat of flooding laid the first foundations to our integrated water management approach: not only focussing on technical solutions but also on issues such as governance, finance and capacity building. As a vulnerable river delta, more recent events of flooding in the Netherlands have led to a different perspective on our water management. Instead of fighting the water and building higher and hard defences, the mindset shifted to ‘living with water’. In short, water has become a way of life, a culture, and this knowledge and expertise is used in governance, policies and investments. Flood protection is what the Netherlands is best known for, but the country’s expertise when it comes to water purification, supply, treatment and reuse of water is equally ingrained in the country’s DNA. As the Netherlands is the delta of three major rivers that flow out into the sea after passing through the European hinterland, the Dutch have had to become masters in water purification. The chlorine free drinking water for all households extracted from these rivers is a testament to the expertise in water technology.

BOOSTING RESILIENCE MR HENK OVINK, SPECIAL ENVOY FOR INTERNATIONAL WATER AFFAIRS “Water is the greatest global threat but also the best key to prosperity, quality of life and equality. Water connects us all. Strong international cooperation is therefore crucial. Singapore and The Netherlands invest and step up to this global challenge. In our global collaborations we strengthen partnerships, build capacity, innovate and inspire across the world. We have no time to waste!”

The scale, urgency and complexity of the water challenges the world faces requires a comprehensive international approach combining diplomacy, innovation, partnerships and new funding mechanisms.

This approach is translated into ‘the International Water Ambition 2016-2021’, the focus of the Dutch government with the goal to increase the water safety and water security of urban deltas.

As part of its’ international water ambition and to actively seek out partnerships and exchange knowledge, the Dutch government has appointed Mr Henk Ovink, the world’s first Special Envoy for International Water Affairs.

One of the international partnerships is the Delta Coalition, launched by Minister Melanie Schultz van Haegen, the Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment in May 2016. The governments of the Netherlands, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, France, Myanmar, Indonesia, Japan, Mozambique, the Philippines, South Korea and Vietnam are joining forces to prevent floods and render urban deltas resilient against climate change.

Read more on: www.dutchwatersector.com/delta and www.deltacoalition.org

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A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT FOR INNOVATION Dutch knowledge institutes, government, business and NGO’s work closely together to accelerate innovations with aspiration to really change and have impact.

Furthermore, water is designated a ‘top sector’ by the Dutch government. This means that the government will make specific investments in the sector, together with companies and the science sector to stimulate innovation.

THE DUTCH WATER SECTOR; A VERSATILE PORTFOLIO The integrated approach is a hallmark of the Dutch Water Sector.

The sector can offer solutions for complex water issues, looking at all aspects involved. From water supply and sanitation to water and agriculture, from monitoring and sensoring to flood management.

In closing, the ambition is that the Singapore – the Netherlands relationship may evolve over the years to come and maybe in the future, use our ability to jointly generate a crucial push towards resilience in the ASEAN region. The SIWW and the AIWW are exemplary efforts in solving global water challenges through partnerships.

More about Dutch Water and Singapore: www.dutchwatersector.com/singapore

The City of Nijmegen in The Netherlands, an example of ‘building with nature’, giving rivers more room 12

A FLOURISHING FRIENDSHIP, EVOLVING ECONOMIC TIES

THE LEE KUAN YEW WATER PRIZE One of the key highlights of the Singapore International Water Week, the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize honours outstanding contributions by individuals or organisations towards solving the world’s water challenges by applying innovative technologies, policies or programmes which benefit humanity. In 2009 and 2012, Dutch experts were the proud winners of the prestigious prize.

REVOLUTIONISING WASTEWATER TREATMENT A true science man, Professor Mark van Loosdrecht invented Anammox, a breakthrough wastewater treatment method that significantly reduces the energy needed as compared to conventional ways. Now, the 2012 winner of the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize is working on taking water treatment a step further: recovering useful materials and making the process pay for itself.

WATER: A SOCIAL GOOD Professor Gatze Lettinga, the 2009 winner of the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, has spent the past four decades addressing what he thinks are the world’s most pressing issues – social ills and injustice. Water pollution is one of them.

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RELATIONSHIP BASED ON LONG HISTORY OF COOPERATION The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands was one of the first to be established in Singapore after independence.

The start of today’s intensive water cooperation between Singapore and the Netherlands. A few examples.

1960 - 1965 Economic mission UN

1983 Maritime project management

Dutch economist Albert Winsemius (1910-1996) is called upon to provide economic advice in the aftermath of independence from Malaysia. Winsemius first leads a UN economic mission to Singapore, and was Singapore’s economic advisor from 1961 to 1984.

Strong maritime project management: Boskalis and Ballast Nedam finish the oil terminal at Pulau Busing.

Dutch dredgers and maritime companies have been involved in almost all of Singapore’s land reclamation and maritime projects over the past 35 years. Singapore’s own Keppel offshore and marine has a strong presence in the Netherlands.

1965 First Dutch Embassy The Dutch government acknowledges the existence of Singapore in August 1965. The Embassy is officially established in December.

2007 Marina Barrage Nijhuis Pompen BV* supplies seven pumps with a capactiy of 40 cubic metres per second for Singapore’s Marina Barrage. The aim of the project is threefold: water supply, flood protection and the creation of leasure facilities. *now: Fairbanks Nijhuis, part of Pentair

2012 NUS Deltares Deltares and National University Singapore prolong their water research alliance in NUSDeltares. The water alliance, known as NUSDeltares, aims to pursue high-impact water research and specialist consultancy services in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

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RELATIONSHIP BASED ON LONG HISTORY OF COOPERATION

2012 Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition

2016 Optiqua & PUB

The Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition (DSGC) is announced at the World Economic Forum at Davos.

President and former Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende announces a visit to Singapore. The DSGC is made up of Dutch multinationals AkzoNobel, DSM, FrieslandCampina, Heineken, KLM, Philips, Shell and Unilever, all of whom have offices and regional headquarters in Singapore.

Optiqua and PUB Singapore enter into an R&D collaboration (since 2010) to develop next the generation rapid sample analysis for MiniLab. Optiqua’s MiniLab technology provides a rapid sample analysis platform for a range of contaminants in treated water and has been developed in an ongoing partnership between Optiqua and PUB.

2013 Royal visit

2016 resilient cities

Queen Beatrix visits Singapore with Prince WillemAlexander and his wife Máxima. A few months later, she abdicates in favour of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.

Singapore and Rotterdam ports discuss future port strategies at round-table meeting

2016 At home in Singapore 2015 Ceramic membranes National water agency PUB will collaborate with PWN Technologies (PWNT), UGL and Metawater to employ PWNT’s ceramic membrane technology to upgrade part of the water treatment system at Singapore’s Choa Chu Kang Water Works (CCKWW).

Almost 1300 Dutch companies have established themselves in Singapore according to figures from ACRA. This ranges from large multinationals such as FrieslandCampina and AkzoNobel to small and medium sized companies like Witteveen+Bos and innovative startups such as MediaMonks and virtual reality builders XVR.

2016 PUB - Waternet Waternet, Amsterdam’s public water utility and the worlds’ first water cycle company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency. It will form the basis for our cooperation in the coming years based on the exchange of knowledge.

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The Singapore and Amsterdam International Water Week:

STEPPING STONES IN THE TRANSITION TOWARDS RESILIENT CITIES & THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY Singapore and the Netherlands are hubs for water expertise. The countries face different water challenges and have therefore developed expertise in different fields. Both are water leaders in their own right and have much to offer the world when it comes to water solutions. At the Singapore International Water Week and the Amsterdam International Water Week, the countries exchange knowledge, thus building up expertise and solutions from event to event.

THE SINGAPORE WATER WEEK 10 – 14 JULY 2016

URBAN RESILIENCE AND ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

The Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) is the global platform to share and co-create innovative water solutions. The biennial event gathers stakeholders from the global water industry to share best practices, showcase the latest technologies and tap business opportunities. SIWW is part of the strategic programme of the Singapore Government to grow the water industry and develop water technologies. The Singapore Water Week has a broad focus on city solutions in which water plays a central role.

Edyta Wisniewska, Netherlands Water Partnership and coordinator Resilient Cities Leaders forum Amsterdam International Water Week

THE AMSTERDAM INTERNATIONAL WATER WEEK 30 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2017 What do we need to solve the worlds’ main water issues? The Amsterdam International Water Week (AIWW) identifies the main challenges and matches the right professionals to tackle them.

From investment to technology, from governance to industry.

At the AIWW, a unique combination of professionals gathers to realise breakthroughs and innovations. Disruptive and innovative technologies are showcased in the Netherlands, the living lab for water expertise. This magazine offers a preview of three of the areas the Amsterdam Water Week will be focusing on: Resilient Cities, Water solutions for industry, and smart and innovative utilities.

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“More and more people move to urban areas. These areas are facing an accumulation of challenges: flooding, soil subsidence, erosion, pollution of fresh water sources. And climate change puts it all into a higher gear.

The Dutch strength is the integrated approach connecting the water challenges to economy, energy, food, governance. And we always focus on connecting stakeholders. Government, industry, citizens, everyone’s co-owner. The integrated approach must always be the starting point. Otherwise we solve only part of the problem and create a new problem elsewhere.

We strongly believe in finding solutions through partnerships.

For example in New York, Ho Chi Minh City, Cape Town and Beira, Mozambique. And in Europe, where we work together with Germany and France on a common integrated approach for the basin of the Rhine. Appropriate finance is often an essential part of any real solution. That is why we like to work intensively with the World Bank.

Every approach should be adaptive. Work for the long term, but have the strength and agility to adjust to the changing climate and other developments. We are proud of the many operational, often nature based projects that we realize worldwide today. “

THE ROTTERDAM ADAPTATION STRATEGY IS AN EXAMPLE OF URBAN RESILIENCE. FOR MORE EXAMPLES VISIT WWW.DUTCHWATERSECTOR.COM/RESILIENTCITIES

EDYTA WISNIEWSKA, COORDINATOR RESILIENT CITIES LEADERS FORUM AMSTERDAM INTERNATIONAL WATER WEEK

XANDER DE BRUIJNE, COORDINATOR INDUSTRIAL LEADERS FORUM AMSTERDAM INTERNATIONAL WATER WEEK

‘Every approach should be adaptive’

‘The industries’ sense of urgency is growing’ 17

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THE CERAMAC IS ONE OF THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IN PURIFICATION AND DRINKING WATER SUPPLY. FOR MORE INNOVATIVE WATERTECHNOLOGY: WWW.DUTCHWATERSECTOR.COM/WATERTECHNOLOGY

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION & INDUSTRIAL RESPONSE: REDUCE, REUSE, RECOVER Xander de Bruijne, Water Footprint Network and coordinator Industrial Leaders forum Amsterdam International Water Week “Economic growth and industrial productivity are interlinked, and lead to a growing demand for more raw materials, more energy and more fresh water consumption. For industry, sustainable use of resources, including water, is no longer a matter of publicity, but a matter of survival. Sustainable production involves the whole product chain, from tier one suppliers to consumers.

The industry is a major water user. The challenge is to seriously look into water stewardship throughout the water cycle, and at the same time achieve commercial success. The industries’ sense of urgency for finding new solutions is growing. There is a huge desire for efficiency, to reduce the water footprint throughout the production chain, due to the scarcity of water that will only increase. In production processes for which a lot of water is needed, the industry wants to reduce water use, reuse process water and treat wastewater.

The Dutch private water sector is known for developing hightech solutions in this field. The sector has launched innovative technologies such as the Nereda and Ceramac as very interesting alternatives to existing technologies for water purification. Dutch companies show that they are technology innovators, enablers and enablers in the nexus of water-energy-waste, and the nexus of waterenergy-food: they create new solutions – and implement them. Also by creating partnerships and seeking cooperation with governments, NGOs and citizens.”

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URBAN UTILITIES & THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY Job Rook, Amsterdam public water utility (Waternet) and coordinator utility leaders forum: Singapore and Amsterdam International Water Week have challenges in common “As the global economy grows, so will the need for water. Water utilities will be confronted with growing competition in access to diminishing water resources. More urban waste water needs to be treated; rain water harvesting, water reuse and water saving are options to relieve urban water stress. New infrastructure is desperately needed, older infrastructure has to be modernized.

Waste water is becoming a valuable resource.

Waternet, Amsterdam’s public water utility and the worlds’ first water cycle company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency. It will form the basis for our cooperation in the coming years based on the exchange of knowledge.

Singapore is particularly interested in the way we are working with the integration of wastewater and solid waste treatment in the Netherlands. For us new emerging substances are an important issue. For example how to prevent or deal with micro pollutants in the water cycle. Also interesting is the construction in Singapore of a deep sewerage system at no less than 55 meters. In Amsterdam, we have an aging infrastructure, which must be replaced. The Singapore solution may be an attractive option. Finally we both face the challenge of becoming rainproof: creating awareness combined with concrete measures for the storage of rain.

In our experience, the need to connect stakeholders is evident; it is essential for a sustainable and integrated approach. Utilities in the Netherlands have more than a thousand years of experience in working with a governance model based on broad consensus and support; we ourselves are the living example. With the combination of advanced technology, sound governance and a focus on cooperation we can make a difference internationally, towards sustainable utilities. That’s our offer.”

JOB ROOK, COORDINATOR UTILITY LEADERS FORUM SINGAPORE AND AMSTERDAM INTERNATIONAL WATER WEEK

‘It is essential to connect stakeholders for a sustainable and integrated approach’ WATERNET AMSTERDAM: PUBLIC UTILITIES ARE BECOMING SUPPLIERS OF VALUABLE NUTRIENTS SUCH AS PHOSPHATES

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FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE DUTCH WATER SECTOR IN SINGAPORE In Singapore the Dutch water sector unites in the Singapore – Netherlands Water House (SNWH), the water committee of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Singapore. The companies member of the SNWH compiled their individual expertises to offer a market perspective on the relation between Singapore and the Netherlands in terms of water. Since most of these companies have regional offices located in Singapore, their activities extend into South East Asia – a unique display of Dutch practice in the region. The compilation of projects, so called showcases, is a clear demonstration of the reach of the Singapore – the Netherlands relationship in the regional water sector.

The contribution from the Dutch water sector active in Singapore (and beyond) is varied and addresses different modern day water related dilemmas. A guideline to the companies’ choice of project was to address a common (societal) water issue. Hence, the resultant themes of the Amsterdam International Water Week (AIWW) and the holistic theme of the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW; City Solutions), acted as effective means to categorize the different company contributions. The showcases were categorized under the following: 1 - Projects that ensure urban resilience & adaptation to climate change 2 - Projects that assure sustainable production & industrial response: reduce, reuse and recover 3 - Projects that contribute to urban utilities & the circular economy These showcases are a portrayal of combined expertise of the SNWH; the Dutch Water body in Singapore.

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DELTARES IMPROVING RESILIENCE THROUGH INFORMED DECISION-MAKING: RAPID FLOOD MAPPING ON THE BASIS OF PUBLICLY AVAILABLE SATELLITE DATA In the coming decades, the majority of the world’s population is expected to be urban, and will mostly be situated in coastal areas. For these growing urban delta populations, water is essential for their subsistence, but at the same time may pose a threat, in the form of for instance flooding. Climate change is expected to further exacerbate these problems. Deltares, an independent institute for applied research in the field of water and subsurface, is constantly working on smart solutions, innovations, and applications for people, environment and society, to address these issues.

In 2015 Deltares presented a new method to evaluate flood extent and permanent water by combining several remote sensing datasets in Google Earth Engine: Landsat and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission. With this new method, flood maps all over the world (with details up to 30 meters) can be produced, going back up to 1999.

This innovative approach has been developed on the basis of research in a.o. the Mekong Delta, and can lead to major time and cost savings.

The research has come out of the SERVIR-Mekong project, which is funded by USAID and NASA and implemented by the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center and its partners, including Deltares. The aim of the project is to help governments and other decision-makers in Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam make use of publicly available satellite imagery, geospatial data, and maps to better cope with floods and other natural disasters and increase resilience to the negative effects of climate change.

The research conducted by Deltares in cooperation with Delft University of Technology shows that it will now be possible, with only one single application, to look at any location in the world and see where it was flooded in the last fifteen years.

The flood maps we create are not based on single images but on a time series of images. Deltares combines information with knowledge about the flow of water over the terrain and OpenStreetMap open GIS data. The storage and calculation are arranged by Google through its Earth Engine.

The research project is an example of how satellite

imagery can be used to help key stakeholders in increasing resilience by ensuring they can make informed decisions regarding aspects such as water management, land use planning, disaster risk reduction, infrastructure development and natural resources management.

Dr. Peeranan Towahiraporn, Deputy Executive Director, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center: “Deltares has been our partner in implementing regional and national projects in Asia for several years now. This unique collaboration always combines Deltares’ analytical and water modeling capability and ADPC’s disaster risk management knowledge and strong linkages with Asian governments, creating an environment that enables the countries to sustain what are produced as project outcomes long-term. We look forward to continuing this strong partnership into the future“.

For more information, please email Jaap Schellekens: jaap.schellekens@deltares.nl or visit: www.deltares.nl/en/ 21

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DMC WATER MEETS CITY Coastal and Delta areas are some of the most densely populated areas in the world. The coastal areas have always been important to trade and transport and as such are vital links in the world’s economy. Protecting these areas surrounded by water and the billions of people living there against flooding is a major challenge as the interaction between land and water creates complex environments.

Throughout four decades, Delta Marine Consultants (DMC), has been providing wide ranging expertise with regards to this challenging environment.

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DMC has been active for more than 25 years in Singapore. The company has expertise in the fields of urban infrastructure, large-scale transport infrastructure, ports and harbor development and coastal engineering. Offices of Delta Marine Consultants are located in various places in the Netherlands, Dubai, Jakarta, Panama and Perth.

effective construction of the marine promenade deck. The marine promenade deck is visited by many people to enjoy the skyline of Singapore and to be aware of the interaction between water and build up urban areas.

DMC has been engaged by many Singaporean clients for the design of their marine infrastructure.

The complexity of our projects is increasing. The projects are often large-scale and multidisciplinary in character. The combination of Building Information Modelling, LEAN methodologies and concurrent engineering allows a more sustainable, safer, faster and more cost-efficient management during the design, construction and maintenance of projects.

One of our showpiece projects in Singapore is the structural design of the marine promenade deck along the waters of Marina Bay. Rationalizing the pile layout and the extensive use of standardized prefabricated elements together with a close cooperation with the contractor McConnell Dowell lead to a fast track and cost

Recently DMC has been awarded for excellence by the Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards (MCIEA) for the contribution to the iron ore import wharf of Brazilian mining company Vale in Lumut, Malaysia. This import facility, commonly referred to as ‘the Vale iron ore jetty’ was built to receive Valemax, the largest class bulk vessels, filled with iron ore from Vale’s Brazilian mines for processing and further distribution throughout Asia

For more information, please visit: www.dmc.nl

URBAN RESILIENCE & ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

NUSDELTARES THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Deltares has been active in Singapore for over two decades, and has developed a close collaboration with the National University of Singapore through the strategic knowledge alliance NUSDeltares. In this alliance we undertake applied research and specialist consultancy projects, focusing on four interconnected research topics: High Density Living; Urban Water Management; Adaptation to Climate Change; and Data, Models and Hydroinformatics. Within each of these themes, we aim to connect the highlevel fundamental research of the NUS with the innovation-driven applied research and application of Deltares in order to develop innovative, game-changing solutions that address pressing societal questions. Working with and for the knowledge sector, business and industry partners, government and NGOs, we provide an international platform for knowledge exchange and technology transfer.

NUSDeltares has undertaken various studies and projects for Singapore Agencies and Boards, including PUB, HDB, NEA, NParks, BCA and more. These projects relate, amongst others, to flood prediction, identification and management of surface- and groundwater resources, information systems for coastal water quality, land reclamation and other methods to create new land, multi-functional use of space in an urban environment, and ‘building-with-nature’ approaches. In all these projects, innovative approaches and solutions have been developed. They are always based on a thorough understanding of the dynamics of the Singapore subsoil- and water systems, be it autonomous or evoked by external pressures like human interventions or climate change.

Knowledge of the underlying processes and their interactions is a key factor in this.

To make our approach a success, a strong connection to different groups and players in Singapore’s society is essential. Our high-level Advisory Panel plays an important role in this.

The Advisory Panel consists of high profile persons from both Singapore and the Netherlands: Prof. Tommy Koh (Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Mr Henk Ovink (Special Envoy for International Water Affairs, Kingdom of the Netherlands), Mr Khoo Teng Chye (ED, Centre for Liveable Cities), Mr Ng Joo Hee (Chief Executive, PUB), Mr Cederic Cremers (VP Commercial & New Business Development Asia, Royal Dutch Shell), Prof Chan Eng Soon (Vice Provost, Keppel Chair Professor, National University of Singapore), Mrs Jane Madgwick (Chief Executive, Wetlands International) and Dr Shawn Lum (President, Nature Society). This panel of esteemed advisors is well connected to society, providing us with valuable feedback and input on the direction of our work.

For more information, please visit our website:www.nusdeltares.org.

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URBAN RESILIENCE & ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

KWR PUB AND KWR TAKE NEXT STEPS IN WATERSHARE PLATFORM PUB AND KWR TAKE NEXT STEPS IN WATERSHARE PLATFORM PUB and KWR are working together in the Watershare platform, which aims to promote the transfer of knowledge and expertise within the water sector. Watershare is a global network of some of the most reputable water-research organisations that share their research outcomes for competence building and implementation in practice. To date, the network consists of 17 members from all over the globe.

CONCEPT AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE WATERSHARE PLATFORM Essentially, the concept of Watershare is to encapsulate knowledge from research in easily accessible web-based tools for further use in action research and implementation projects.

The current tool suite encompasses a variety of benchmarked tools designed for all areas of water supply, i.e. water-resources management, water treatment, water distribution (e.g. non-revenue water management), water quality and health, sustainability and asset management.

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Quality assurance of the tools is guaranteed by solid scientific underpinning (e.g. peer-reviewed publications) and a practical track record. The tools are available through the Watershare website (www.watershare.eu).

WATERSHARE MEMBERS AS PER MAY 2016 Members of the platform work together in Communities of Practice (CoP) on specific themes to develop tools, to share competences and to shape implementation projects.

As part of the upcoming SIWW, KWR will organise a launch workshop, hosted by PUB, for a Watershare CoP on emerging contaminants.

The ultimate objective of the workshop is to gather data on occurrence and fate of the most relevant emerging pollutants in the water cycle.

The workshop also aims to design a format for a database which provides easy access to data on the removal performance of water-treatment systems. The occurrence and fate of emerging pollutants are closely linked to climate change, which will impact the quantity and concentration

of these substances. Apart from data collection, a climate resilient water sector requires the development of tools and instruments to describe climate related risks and the effects of adaptive measures, including strategic measures (e.g. alternative water sources, groundwater protection zones) and operation measures (e.g. catchment, treatment and distribution of water).

For more information, please email: Theo van den Hoven: Theo.van.den.hoven@kwrwater.nl or visit: www.watershare.eu

URBAN RESILIENCE & ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

ROYAL HASKONINGDHV TACKLING SINGAPORE’S WATER AND MARITIME CHALLENGES SINCE THE 70’S Connectivity is increasingly important for the world’s megacities. With growth of urban areas air traffic is increasing consistently, marking the development of regions such as South-East Asia and others. Many of these urbanized areas and its airports are vulnerable to weather extremes which are increased by the effects of climate change.

Given the important roles of airports in development as well as during disasters and hazards, planning for resiliency is critical.

With knowledge of the infrastructure and the vital functions it performs as well as understanding of the risks associated with climate change, these pressing challenges can be addressed and risks mitigated.

Singapore’s high density infrastructure can be seen as a model for megacities all over the world.

Royal HaskoningDHV’s water and climate change experts work closely together with the firm’s leading aviation specialists to conduct a climate change study for Singapore’s airports. Singapore’s economy is for a large part dependent on air connectivity. By assuring that future risks to its airport operations are sufficiently mitigated, addressing climate risks at the civilian airports benefits the society as a whole. By combining our expertise in both airport planning and flood risk reduction we provide with unprecedented access to international airports (for airport planning), as well as best practices in the field of flood risk reduction and water management.

Since Singapore airports are among the world’s best airports and a frontrunner in addressing climate risks; the project sets an example for vulnerable infrastructure worldwide and airports subject to the risk of climate change in particular.”

“Royal HaskoningDHV is an independent, international engineering and project management consultancy with over 130 years of experience.

Our professionals deliver services in the fields of aviation, buildings, energy, industry, infrastructure, maritime, mining, transport, urban and rural planning and water. Backed by expertise and experience of nearly 7,000 colleagues across the world, we work for public and private clients in more than 130 countries. We understand the local context and deliver appropriate local solutions. We are active in the Singapore water sector since the 1970’s, feel at home in it’s high-standard environment and look forward to jointly tackle Singapore’s water challenges of the future.”

For more information, please visit: www.royalhaskoningdhv.com

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URBAN RESILIENCE & ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

WITTEVEEN+BOS BUILDING WITH NATURE: A NEW APPROACH FOR COASTAL RESILIENCE The ‘Building with Nature’ project in Northern Java envisages a safe delta coastline, enabling vulnerable communities and economic sectors to prosper, be more self-reliant and resilient against hazards. Building with Nature makes use of the power of nature instead of fighting against it; an approach that proves to be valuable in coping with climate change and sea level rise. The approach is being implemented at the North coast of Java.

This project was recently recognised with a Dutch annual award for innovative engineering solutions, and is located northeast of Semarang, Demak district, Java. Originally there was a mangrove greenbelt along the coast that served as a coastal defence and protection against erosion and that fulfilled other functions within the local ecosystem and economy.

However, many trees were cut when the local community needed to expand aquaculture operations.

This resulted in coastal erosion. Over time, the fish ponds only produced small numbers of fish, which impacted local community’s livelihoods.

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Initially, seawalls were constructed to restore the coast and address coastal erosion. This ‘hard’ civil engineering solution failed because of a weak solid foundation for the seawall.

able economic development through sustainable aquaculture. The local population is closely involved in construction and maintenance of the dams and aquaculture ponds. Project partners aim to scale up this approach and possible appli-

A Dutch consortium consisting of Witteveen+Bos, Deltares, Ecoshape, Wetlands International, Wageningen University & Research Centre and Imares developed an ingenious solution in accordance with the ‘Building with Nature’ principle: permeable dams of bamboo poles and brushwood fill. Tom Wilms, Building with Nature specialist at Witteveen+Bos, explains, “This low-tech solution enhances coastal resilience for local residents by preventing further coastal flooding and erosion.

Along the most heavily eroded sections of the Demak coastline, permeable dams are constructed to attenuate waves and trap sediment. This brings massive coastal erosion to a halt and promotes natural regrowth of the mangrove greenbelt. In addition, coastal protection by mangrove greenbelts will restore the ecological value of the area.”

cation elsewhere in Indonesia through capacity building, knowledge exchange, and embedding the approach in policies and planning. This is done together with Indonesian government ministries.

This ‘Building with Nature’ project also provided residents with a long-term perspective for sustain-

For more information, please visit: www.witteveenbos.com

“The same approach and type of solutions can be replicated in many other parts of the world that are threatened by logging and coastal erosion”, says Tom Wilms.

The ‘Building with Nature’ approach offers a cost-effective method for natural restoration of mangrove green belts, in combination with the restoration of the regional economy. It is a valuable approach in coping with sea level rise and increased hazards due to climate change.

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION & INDUSTRIAL RESPONSE

HA-CE ENGINEERING AN AFFORDABLE SOLUTION FOR SMALL SCALE ”TIDAL ENERGY” IN SE ASIA, TO COMPLEMENT THE ARRAY OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS To most of its South-east Asian neighbors, Singapore’s electricity grid provides by far the most reliable power to every household, and secure supply to industries that keep the economy growing. Blackouts on any scale are almost non-existent, which is not so common for many other parts in the region.

Chronic power shortages and blackouts affect some of the region’s most populous nations, hampering economic growth. Additionally, the lack of a reliable infrastructure for transport of electricity to the more remote and relatively less populated area’s is a growing challenge. As a result, these areas’ rely on electricity mostly generated by costly and polluting fossil fuel generators, powering not only the homes, but also the industry, waste water treatment plants and fresh water production facilities.

According to the UN climate Change Secretariat, 65% of the (global) growth in energy consumption is going to come from South-east Asia in the next two decades.

Ha-Ce Engineering and Orange Delta have joint

forces and developed an integrated turn-key solution to harvest renewable energy from tidal currents, which are present in a wide range of areas in South East Asia.

The energy from tidal current is extremely reliable and predictable, making it a technically and economically viable alternative (or addition) to solar and wind energy, as well as grid connected solutions.

A single floater with 2 or up to 8 turbines (turbine dependent) can supply electricity to around 170 households. An array of floaters will not only increase the capacity, but also reduces installation cost.

The strength of the design (patent pending) is simplicity and does not require heavy and costly installation equipment. It allows for the adaptation of various brands of tidal turbines, and composite materials are utilized to reduce weight of mast and wings.

As a result, the complete system is reliable, and has a long life time expectancy with little maintenance cost (life cycle cost). Moreover, the installation and operation is aimed to be done

by-, and with the support of local resources and companies.

Altogether, this results in a competitive price for the generated electricity compared to fossil fuel generated power.

The generated power can be connected to the local power grid, or an integrated solution can be developed in with solar, wind or hybrid power generation plants. Alternatively, the tidal energy can be directly utilized for power peak independent processes, such as fresh water generationor waste water treatment plants.

Integration of sensors and a monitoring system combined with cloud based data collection, will enable the operator to have on demand access to the performance of the system (such as generated power and performance), whether this is a single system, or an array of floaters.

For more information, please visit: orangedelta.sg 27

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION & INDUSTRIAL RESPONSE

PWNT INNOVATION ENGINE IN WATER TREATMENT

PWN Technologies is unique in its formation and mission to make our parent company PWN’s 95 years of experience and innovations in water treatment available worldwide. Our extensive R&D programmes focus on the development of efficient and sustainable solutions capable of treating a wide variety of water sources based on Suspended Ion Exchange (SIX ®), ceramic membrane applications (CeraMac ®) and advanced oxidation.

All our solutions offer lower life cycle costs, higher efficacies and much lower environmental impact. We work closely with our clients to create optimal results. We strongly believe in partnering with highly recognized universities and globally respected companies for continuous improvement. As a leading innovator and technology provider, PWN is a real game changer in the world of water treatment.

PWN Technologies is proud to have been a Founding Sponsor of the Singapore International Water Week since 2009 Singapore’s Choa Chu Kang Waterworks (CCKWW) will become the first wa28

terworks in Singapore to use ceramic membrane technology to increase the plant’s operating efficiency and reliability.

Ceramic membrane technology is one of the latest technological breakthroughs in membrane technology in the water industry. It is energy efficient, with a much smaller footprint. Its life cycle cost is also expected to be lower compared with existing membrane systems. PUB will collaborate with PWN Technologies (PWNT) to employ the use of PWNT’s CeraMac® membrane technology to upgrade part of the water treatment system at CCKWW. Ceramic membrane technology is a sustainable solution, which has already been validated in Japan, by PWN Technologies’ partner METAWATER, with more than 137 plants at present utilising ceramic membranes similar to those that will be installed at CCKWW. The first of these membranes were first installed as early as in 1998. There have been more than 17 years of continuous operation with no known membrane breaks, replacements or membrane-related shutdowns.

The new CeraMac® plant at CCKWW will have a daily capacity of 40 million gallons per day

(mgd) and will be operational in 2018. Upon completion, the plant at CCKWW will be one of the largest ceramic membrane plants for drinking water treatment in the world. This full-scale plant comes after a rigorous 18-month trial of PWNT’s CeraMac® demonstration plant was conducted from September 2011 to validate the efficiency and reliability of its ceramic membranes in water treatment.

Harry Seah, Chief Technology Officer, PUB “PUB is always on the lookout for more innovative and cost-effective ways of treating and producing water. We have been studying and testing the merits of ceramic membrane technology for a few years now, and we are satisfied with the results. Both polymeric and ceramic membranes can now be considered in our other waterworks when they are due for upgrading.”

For more information, please visit: pwntechnologies.com

URBAN UTILITIES & THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

OPTIQUA A NEW APPROACH TO WATER QUALITY MONITORING: “WE PROVIDE THE EYES IN THE DRINKING WATER NETWORK” Optiqua Technologies Pte. Ltd., a DutchSingapore firm has developed a monitoring system that water utilities can use to monitor the water quality throughout their networks in real time. The Eventlab system has been developed in close collaboration with Singapore’s national water agency PUB and is now used by a range of water utilities globally.

“The beauty of this concept is that it uses refractive-index measurements, and therefore reacts to any chemical contaminant, any contamination of the water matrix,” said Melchior van Wijlen, Optiqua’s managing director. “That makes it possible to use one single sensor to monitor the full spectrum of possible chemical contaminations.”

EventLab’s chips are incorporated into sensors that can be placed throughout pipes and other accessible locations in the network, and can provide the important water quality component of a smart city infrastructure.

EVENTLAB 2.0, PUB first reviewed EventLab in lab tests, then rolled it out in a small network and is now pre-

paring to expand the roll out on an operational scale. Singapore uses about 1.7 million cubic meters of water a day. The first network of 25 EventLab systems has already been deployed in the Central Business District of PUB’s distribution network while other potential locations, besides the distribution network, include water works and transmission mains. PUB’s objective is to tap on such sensor technologies such as EventLab to safeguard its water quality and security. The EventLab sensors send their data in real time and Optiqua combines those sensors with software and data algorithms that help clients like PUB make sense of the changes detected. The PUB operator will receive an alert when a water quality incident is detected and can review the data to assess its severity as well as whether it appears to be spreading to another part of the network. This kind of information can also help utilities to prioritize their inspections and maintenance, and respond more quickly to areas where alerts recur. ”Eventlab will complement our existing network sensors to provide more information and closer monitoring of the water quality in our drinking

water networks”, said Mr Harry Seah, PUB’s Chief Engineering and Technology Officer.

EXAMPLE INSTALLATIONS OF EVENTLAB IN SINGAPORE Objective tests, performed by one of Optiqua’s clients, showed that the unique concept of EventLab outperforms traditional parameters when it comes to early contamination detection and monitoring the overall stability of the water quality. It has convinced water companies globally to adopt this new approach to water quality monitoring, either in the distribution network or at the treatment plants. A good example is Dutch water utility Vitens that recently started with the full operational roll out of an EventLab network covering the northern province of Friesland. Examples in the Asia Pacific region where Optiqua is involved in similar EventLab projects are the Philippines (Iloilo, Manila), Australia (Tasmania) and China (Shandong province).

For more information, please visit: www.optiqua.com 29

URBAN UTILITIES & THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

WAVIN TRENCHLESS REHABILITATION METHOD FOR DURABLE NEW WATER SUPPLY PIPELINES Water Supply Pipelines, meant to serve the population with sufficient safe drinking water, often suffer from a significant amount of non-revenue water (so called NRW), causing shortage of supply, sometimes even leading to rationing in major cities. Fighting NRW is therefore a challenge for many local and national governments. Especially in metropolitan cities like Shanghai, Hongkong and Kuala Lumpur, where the existing water supply pipes are below very congested areas. Blocking the road for traffic to replace the old (steel) pipes with new ones creates a mess in traffic at high costs. Rehabilitation of existing pipelines is one of methods that helps to reduce NRW at minimal hassle for the daily life of people.

requires a few holes in the street, the traffic has less disturbance and the costs are limited. In comparison to (open trench) digging, this costs significantly more labour time, hassle for people on the street and missed income for enterprises down the road.

The rehabilitation technique has been successfully applied for multiple applications (sewer, water, gas) in Europe and beyond, like China, Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines, Australia, South Africa and in Colombia.

Recent studies on technical, operational, economic- social and sustainability aspects show major advantages of trenchless methods above open trench methods. The duration of trenchless work is substantially shorter than with an open trench. Life-cycle costs, and social and environ-

Wavin Compact Pipe® a rehabilitation technique that fully takes over the function of the existing pipeline by creating a new, structural, corro-

mental aspects are more positive with Compact Pipe®. Traffic impact is the dominant socio-economic factor influencing the pipe replacement or rehabilitation methodology. Hence contributing to the durability and circularity of urban water utilities.In Hong Kong, the Water Supplies De-

sion-free, new plastic pipeline with improved flow characteristics inside the existing one. As the installation of this rehabilitation pipe only

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partment (WSD) embarked on a major pipeline rehabilitation programme in 2000, covering new installations (replacement) and rehabilitation of the existing water distribution network. For the rehabilitation of the smaller sized pipelines (150-450mm) Compact Pipe® has been applied since 2004 by different contractors in several projects in various districts in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. In total some 100 kms of pipelines were rehabilitated with Compact Pipe® and with great success.

Non-revenue water is currently a big issue in Malaysia as on an average 30 % of the water that goes into the water supply pipe network will get lost through leaking. An extensive rehabilitation programme is initiated by the government and is expected to start in the second half of 2016.

Compact Pipe® is currently being considered to fight the non-revenue water, amongst others in the greater Kuala Lumpur region.

For more information, please visit: www.wavin.com.sg

CAPACITY BUILING

HOLLAND WATER CHALLENGE INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF WATER LEADERS

As the world faces increasingly urgent and complex water-related challenges, it is critical for the international water sector to attract capable professionals with a passion for water. Supporting this joint responsibility, the Holland Water Challenge reaches out to students and young professionals around the world to engage them with key water problems in their own country and team-up with professional experts to develop their own ideas and solutions.

SINGAPORE-NETHERLANDS The Singapore-Netherlands Water Challenge was launched in 2011 by PUB, the Netherlands Embassy, Deltares, NUS and several private sector companies. Since then, the program has been reaching out to students across Asia Pacific, challenging them to submit ideas on topics that are key to the cooperation between Singapore and the Netherlands, such as climate adaptation, urban water management and Building with Nature.

The Holland Water Challenge specifically appeals to the interests, skills and capabilities of young people and challenges them to apply their own original and independent thinking. Since its start in 2010, hundreds of students and young professionals from over 10 countries and 40 universities across Asia Pacific have participated in the program.

EXCHANGING KNOWLEDGE

“The Singapore – Netherlands Water Challenge comes at an excellent time as we press forward in our efforts to address future challenges in watershed and delta management. It is my pleasure to express our support.” Khoo Teng Chye, Executive Director, Singapore Centre for Liveable Cities (2014)

PROJECT FEATURE: MYANMAR SMART DELTA ACADEMY The first Myanmar-Netherlands Water Challenge in 2016 introduced an exciting 3-day Delta Academy program in which 40 students and young professionals from 9 universities and institutes across Myanmar worked together with a team of experts from Arcadis, Deltares, Van Oord, Royal HaskoningDHV and the Netherlands Embassy to develop their own ideas for the sustainable development of the Ayeyarwady Delta. The program offered a unique opportunity for students to learn about the delta, the interests of different stakeholders and how to develop integrated, sustainable urban delta solutions.

For more information, please visit: www.hollandwaterchallenge.com

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SINGAPORE - THE NETHERLANDS

SMALL COUNTRIES COOPERATE TO MEET BIG CLIMATE CHALLENGES Ahead of the 7th Singapore International Water Week, Mr. Ridzuan Ismail, (Director Catchment & Waterways Department) PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, spoke of his impressions and similarities of water management approaches between Singapore and the Netherlands, together with Mr. Marten Hillen, Director Business Development and Technical Manager for Water Asia Pacific of consulting group Royal HaskoningDHV.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS, BEST EXPERTISE Hillen detects a pragmatic approach by the Singaporeans to get the best expertise to the table and a willingness to learn against the backdrop of the citizen’s expectations of high performance from their infrastructure.

Ridzuan says: “An example of where we draw on the best expertise is around NEWater and desalination where we have looked to research and innovation for water solutions. PUB works with international experts to help us in addressing our challenges such as ensuring sustainable water supply. Our NEWater analyses are supervised by a panel of local and international experts.”

We also formed the Expert Panel on Drainage Design and Flood Protection Measures in 2011 to advise us on our stormwater management strategies. The complexity of water issues often requires close collaboration with partners both locally and globally – including governments, international organisations, research institutions and industry players – to foster strong and mutually beneficial networks.

It is in this spirit of sharing and co-creating innovative water solutions that PUB conceived the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) in 2008.”

RAINFALL INTENSITY TREND How exactly is Singapore building resilience to the impact of climate change such as more frequent and intense rainfall? Ridzuan explains 32

that historical data has shown that over the last three decades, Singapore has experienced more frequent bouts of intense rainfall and rainfall intensities have also increased. These trends are expected to continue with climate change. Furthermore, growth of urban areas has led to greater stormwater peak flows from developed areas into canals.”

Although Singapore’s land is situated above sea level and is naturally shielded from some of the significant coastal threats such as storm surges or tsunamis, more intense storms demand a system-wide approach. This is particularly important with reference to drainage systems and PUB is introducing flexibility and adaptability in these by adopting three broad strategies of (I) providing adequate drainage ahead of new developments, (II) implementing flood protection measures, and (III) continual drainage improvement. It also takes a Source-Pathway-Receptor approach that covers the entire drainage system by addressing flood protection not just along the drains and canals (Pathways), but also in areas generating stormwater runoff (Source) and where floods may occur (Receptors).

Hillen adds: “It is exciting to see that Singapore is taking measures that will mitigate impacts for the coming decades. By acting now efficiency can be evaluated and costs are kept acceptable. This degree of planning is recognizable in both countries, but may be more action-driven in Singapore which maintains a very high standard for infrastructure including smart water management.”

He also admires the way in which water is celebrated as an asset in

SMALL COUNTRIES COOPERATE TO MEET BIG CLIMATE CHALLENGES

landscaped drain in Singapore - photo by M.M. Hillen, RHDHV

Singapore: “Water is very accessible and visible - the Marina Barrage is not only a flood control measure, but also designed as a ‘lifestyle attraction”. The Marina Reservoir provides a beautiful engineered backdrop in the heart of the city.

“Both countries,” says Hillen, “have a long-term approach towards climate challenges.”

Riszuan adds: “The Netherlands’ and Singapore are similar in our drives towards overcoming our respective water challenges and exploring new and innovative ways to address future ones.” He points out that the strong focus on flood risk management in the Netherlands is especially evident in the country’s new National Water Plan where the aim is to ensure communities and the economy can flourish. This is achieved by revising existing flood safety standards, and pursuing a progressive flood risk management policy based on cost benefit analyses and group risk analyses.

“Though the traditional approaches have proven to be effective, there is still openness to new ways of thinking in the Netherlands. One example is the Room for River programme where innovative ways are sought to provide more space for the rivers instead of the conventional approach of trying to contain the river between dykes.”

ECOSYSTEMS OF EXPERTS Ridzuan reflects on the strong ecosystem in the Netherlands that

brings the government, water companies and universities together to create solutions that addresses water challenges and the similar approach in Singapore. “In Singapore, we believe that such an ecosystem is necessary for research in water technology to be sustainable and for innovation to eventually reach the market. With water technology as a key pillar, PUB has been working closely with relevant government agencies to grow Singapore into a leading global hydrohub.”

“PUB welcomes international collaboration to commercialise new products and solutions.” The result is impressive - Singapore’s water industry now comprises over 180 water companies and more than 20 research centres in Singapore.

Ridzuan concludes, “It has been a pleasure working with Dutch companies such as Royal HaskoningDHV and I have always been impressed by their openness and adaptability in understanding the specific challenges here in Singapore. We have learnt much from each other, and we look forward to more of such collaboration in future.”

The 7th Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) is the global platform to share and co-create innovative water solutions. The Singapore-Netherlands Water House will be present at the Netherlands’ Pavillion at this biennial event which gathers stakeholders from the global water industry to share best practices, showcase the latest technologies and tap business opportunities.

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CONTACT NETHERLANDS EMBASSY IN SINGAPORE The Dutch water sector is world-leading and has much to offer.

Building connections and supporting Dutch business is the mission of the economic team at the Netherlands Embassy in Singapore.

Singapore, like the Netherlands, has an innovative and vibrant water sector. The Dutch business community has found a welcoming home in Asia’s water hub. Dutch companies have demonstrated strong abilities to creatively problem solve and innovate technology and processes in order to benefit both society and the bottom line.

Innovation advisors within the Embassy build connections between Dutch and Singaporean businesses, knowledge institutions and government agencies – the “triple helix”. They identify opportunities, actively engage partners, organise networking events and matchmaking opportunities.

The Embassy’s trade department works to support the entire Dutch business community – with more than 1,300 companies in Singapore – and Dutch companies expanding into Singapore. From spotting tenders and alerting interested parties in Singapore and the Netherlands to searching for business partners in Singapore, connecting to local industry networks, and organizing Holland Pavilions and industry networking events. The Embassy’s priority is to provide strong support to start-ups and SME’s in innovative subjects like fintech, cyber, medtech, serious gaming, etc.

complimentary advice and consultation to foreign companies planning to establish, expand or diversify their business operations in the Netherlands and European markets.

The Netherlands is the global expert in water solutions for safe drinking water, wastewater management, flood protection, and maritime infrastructure. The water sector is focused strongly on continuous innovation. Foreign companies in the water sector that set up an operation in the Netherlands, benefit greatly from becoming part of this highly advanced cluster of companies and institutions.

It allows them to source the latest technology developments and recruit specialized water engineers. They can also partner with other companies in the Netherlands to enter markets around the world.

There is always a need for supply of equipment and components, but also for marketing networks in third countries.

For more information on the work of the Netherlands Embassy in Singapore, please visit our: Website: http://singapore.nlambassade.org/ Facebook: https://nl-nl.facebook.com/DutchEmbassySingapore/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/embassy-of-thekingdom-of-the-netherlands-in-singapore/ For investments in the Netherlands, please contact Mr. Elmar Bouma, Executive Director South East Asia at Email: bouma@nfia-singapore. com or visit www.investinholland.com

The Embassy also provides support for Singaporean and ASEAN companies who are looking to invest in the Netherlands. Within the Embassy, the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) offers

NETHERLANDS WATER PARTNERSHIP: UNITING DUTCH WATER EXPERTISE The Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) is your gateway to the Dutch Water Sector. Companies, NGOs, Knowledge Institutes and Government have joined forces in this public-private partnership.

From water purification to spatial planning, from governance to land reclamation, from small scale solutions to mega structures, the partnership has the expertise. The members of the partnership work together to offer sustainable, multifunctional water solutions for people, planet and profit worldwide.

The partnership, consisting of 183 members, acts as a centre of information on water expertise, policy developments and market opportunities. But NWP is more than an information source; the organization also initiates, coordinates and executes projects for its members and organizes trade missions, exhibitions and conferences. Let’s work together!

P.O. Box 82327 2508 EH The Hague The Netherlands T + 31 (0)70 3043700 E info@nwp.nl I www.dutchwatersector.com

SINGAPORE – NETHERLANDS WATER HOUSE In Singapore the Dutch water sector unites in the Singapore – Netherlands Water House (SNWH), the water committee of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Singapore.

It is a platform for Dutch water expertise in ASEAN, to share our best practices, to cooperate with Singaporean partners and to strengthen the local water sector. It is one of the key initiatives of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (DutchCham), and it is supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Singapore.

The Singapore – Netherlands Water House connects you to Dutch water expertise, creates awareness of the sector, and gives access to a network of partners for your water-related challenges.

Fore more information contact: Frodo van Oostveen E: netherlands-water-house@dutchcham.sg I: www.dutchcham.sg/water

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AMSTERDAM INTERNATIONAL WATER WEEK 30 OCT-3 NOV 2017

Make the connection, come to the Amsterdam International Water Week in 2017!

AIWW Conference | Aquatech Trade Exhibition | Sarphati Sanitation Award | Young Professionals Programme | Excursions

www.internationalwaterweek.com @AmsterdamIWW