High Quality Nominations Received for Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2009

In addition, more nominations from the Asia-Pacific region, including China, India and Sri Lanka, have been received for the second Water Prize.

When nominations closed on 31 Oct 2008, a total of 39 nominations from 19 countries were received, similar to 2008’s record of 39 nominations from 17 countries.

The nominations for Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2009 covered a wide range of solutions including application of innovative technologies, implementation of revolutionary water policies and programmes, management of water resources, hydrology and ecology, water research, as well as the administration of humanitarian aid. Compared with last year, the spectrum this year has also been extended to more niche areas, such as water microbiology, disinfection and used water treatment. All showed a strong understanding of today’s needs and showcased innovative yet sustainable solutions.

The Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize is the highlight of the Singapore International Week held annually in Singapore. Named after Singapore’s first Prime Minister and present Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, this prestigious international water prize honours outstanding contributions by individuals or organizations towards solving the world’s water problems by applying innovative technologies or implementing policies and programmes which benefit humanity.

The inaugural Water Prize was awarded to Canadian researcher and technopreneur, Dr Andrew Benedek, for pioneering the development of lowpressure membranes. His contribution, which made water treatment affordable, has benefited many countries worldwide.

“The quality of this year’s nominations is as high as last year’s because the selection of Dr Benedek has set the standard for the Water Prize. Most of the submissions this year demonstrate significant contributions in the water field, says Michael Toh, Managing Director of Singapore International Water Week.

“Greater awareness of the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize created by wide and sustained international publicity also resulted in continued strong nominations from the United States and Australia. At the same time, we see more nominations from countries in the Asia-Pacific region,” Toh adds.

Almost half of the total number of nominations comes from the Asia-Pacific region that includes China, India, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Nominations of the Water Prize are only accepted from water practitioners, academics and policy makers, and will go through a rigorous selection process by the Nominating Committee headed by Mr Tan Gee Paw, Chairman of PUB Singapore. The winner of the Water Prize will then be decided by the Prize Council. Chaired by Dr Tony Tan, Chairman of the National Research Foundation, Singapore, the Prize Council comprises of individuals of high international standing from academia, international organizations and multinational companies.

The recipient of the Water Prize will receive S$300,000, an award certificate and a gold medallion. The Singapore Millennium Foundation, a philanthropic body supported by Temasek Holdings, is the sole sponsor of the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, pledging S$1.5 million over five years starting 2008.

The winner will be announced early next year, ahead of the Singapore International Water Week 2009. The award ceremony, which is the highlight of the Water Week, will be held on 24 June. The second Singapore International Water Week, themed “Sustainable Cities – Infrastructure and Technologies for Water” to be held from 22 – 26 June 2009 at Suntec Singapore, will coincide with the Asia-Pacific Infrastructure Ministerial Forum and International Water Association’s Leading Edge Technologies Conference (LET).

The other flagship programmes of Singapore International Water Week 2009 include the Water Leaders Summit, Water Convention, Water Expo and Business Forums. Delegates can also tap Singapore’s rich experiences in mega projects such as the newly-completed Marina Barrage, Deep Tunnel Sewerage System and NEWater through the Water Week’s Technical Tours.

About the Singapore International Water Week

The Singapore International Water Week is the global platform for water solutions. It brings policymakers, industry leaders, experts and practitioners together to address challenges, showcase technologies, discover opportunities and celebrate achievements in the water world.

The inaugural Water Week, held from 23 to 27 June at Suntec Singapore, centred on the theme “Sustainable Water Solutions for Cities”. Some 8,500 delegates and trade visitors from 79 countries attended the event to discuss the latest challenges, best practices and technologies in the water industry. The annual event features the Water Leaders Summit, Water Convention, Water Expo, Business Forums and Water Festival, as well as the presentation of the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize for innovative contributions in solving the world’s water problems.

The first winner of this prestigious international award is Dr Andrew Benedek, a Canadian researcher and successful technopreneur, who delivered the Singapore Water Lecture during the Water Week. In addition, business deals totaling more than US$270 million were sealed and collaborations were announced by industry players on the sidelines of the Water Week, including several important MOUs signed between Singapore and various countries. The Singapore International Water Week is organised by Singapore International Water Week Pte Ltd, a company set up by Singapore’s Ministry of Environment and Water Resources and PUB, Singapore’s national water agency. The coorganiser is Singapore Airshow & Events Pte Ltd.