Singapore, Nov 7, 2008 - (ACN Newswire) - From water microbiology to disinfection, from innovative technologies to revolutionary water policies, the nominations for Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2009 showcased not only a wide spectrum of water solutions but also new disciplines in water research and applications. 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 low-pressure 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 experts in the industry 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 multi-national 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.
For more information, log onto www.siww.com.sg
About 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. Comprising the Water Leaders Summit, Water Convention, Water Expo and Business Forums, it culminates in the presentation of the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, a prestigious international award to recognise outstanding contributions in solving global water issues. The 5th Singapore International Water Week, themed "Water Solutions for Liveable and Sustainable Cities", will be held from 1 to 5 July 2012, in conjunction with the 3rd World Cities Summit and the inaugural CleanEnviro Summit Singapore. For more information, plase visit www.siww.com.sg.
Contact:
Feisal A Rahman
Account Director
BANG Public Relations Pte Ltd
DID: +65 6327 3565
HP: +65 9675 1517
Email: feisal@bang.com.sg
Lee Ling Ling
Consultant
BANG Public Relations Pte Ltd
DID: +65 6327 3561
HP: +65 9647 8917
Email: lingling@bang.com.sg
For further information, contact (Singapore International Water Week):
Wong Mai Yun, Wong_Mai_Yun@pub.gov.sg
Sally Toh, Sally_Toh@pub.gov.sg
Yeo Li Li, Yeo_Li_Li@pub.gov.sg
Source: Singapore International Water Week
Topic: Corporate Announcement
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