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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND WATERKey Events of SIWW, focusing on different sectors of the water value chainProgrammeLee Kuan Yew Water PrizeWater Leaders SummitWater ConventionWater ExpoBusiness ForumsConceptAn international water prize to recognize the achievements of individuals and/or organizations in thedevelopment of breakthrough water technologies or policies and programmes which benefit humanityA by-invitation, high-level event bringing together global water leaders to discuss pertinent water issues andpolicy solutionsA leading-edge international technology and water systems management conference to share and discusstechnical solutionsAn international water technologies exhibition showcasing leading water technologies, products and casestudies of integrated urban solutionsA platform for networking, business matching and sharing of global market opportunitiesSource: PUBit has three key strategic goals: to grow a vibrant base of watercompanies and research institutions; to develop the human andtechnical capabilities of Singapore’s water industry; and to profileand export the capabilities of Singapore-based water companies.EWI is on track to achieve its goals. From 2006 to 2012, the clusterof water companies in Singapore has doubled to 100, alongside 25research institutions. More than 120 test-bedding projects havebeen conducted at PUB’s facilities. Singapore-based water companieshave secured almost S$9 billion worth of overseas projects inthe same period.Co-creating solutions with the global water industryThe Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) represents allof PUB’s water cooperation efforts combined into one global platform.SIWW is a key initiative to profile and grow the Singaporewater industry. The first event was held in 2008, and saw 8,500participants from 79 countries. Over the past five years the eventhas gained traction. The 2012 event saw a strong turnout of morethan 19,000 participants from 104 countries and regions, with over750 participating companies. From 2012 onward, the event willbe held in conjunction with the World Cities Summit (focused onurban solutions) and the CleanEnviro Summit Singapore (focusedon environmental solutions), a unique three-in-one event focusedon urban sustainability.Positioned as the global platform for sharing and co-creation ofinnovative water solutions, SIWW focuses on municipal, industrial,integrated city-water-environment issues, and on forward-lookingchallenges and solutions. With key events focused on differentsectors of the water value chain, the events reinforce each other toencourage participation from the various stakeholders.An important value proposition of water conferences is forparticipants to build relationships and explore collaborationopportunities with a myriad of stakeholders. Thus, one of SIWW’sstrengths lies in its strong emphasis on networking and businessmatchmaking for its participants. Co-location with the WorldCities Summit and CleanEnviro Summit Singapore allows water,environment and urban professionals to discuss integrated issuesand challenges. Other key events such as TechXchange and theIndustrial Water Solutions Forum allow for technology providers,venture capitalists, buyers and sellers to match theirneeds with solutions. SIWW’s dedicated networkingplatforms, such as Connect@SIWW, also help to facilitateinteraction; over 300 meetings were organized viaConnect@SIWW in 2012.With almost 1,300 articles generated across print,broadcast, online and trade from local and internationalmedia during the 2012 event, the intense mediaspotlight on SIWW makes it an excellent platform toshare collaboration intentions and make announcements.Some examples of announcements made duringSIWW 2012 include the opening of Hyflux’s InnovationCentre, the signing of a memorandum of understandingbetween PUB and Rand Water, and an announcementby Saudi Arabia’s National Water Company that itwould be investing approximately S$11 billion oncapital expenditure up to 2017. In all, these contributedto S$13.6 billion worth of announcements at the event.The next SIWW will be held from 1-5 June 2014. Inthe lead-up to the event, PUB is organizing the SIWWWater Utilities Leaders Forum for leaders from theglobal water utilities sector to share issues and challenges,and chart future directions and strategies toimprove each other’s operations. Held in Singapore inSeptember 2013, the invitation-only event will target150 leaders from the global water utilities sector. Within-depth discussions focused on key issues for effectivewater and wastewater management, the forumwill be another excellent opportunity for global waterutility leaders to build relationships and share ideas toimprove their respective operations.With water challenges getting increasingly complex,crossing boundaries and transcending sectors, the needfor water cooperation has never been more important. Tothis end, PUB is pleased to support the United Nationscommitment for greater water cooperation, and looksforward to exploring collaborations with interestedparties to co-create innovative water solutions to meetfuture challenges.[ 274 ]