NUS-GE Singapore Water Technology Centre officially opens

23 June 2009

The NUS-GE Singapore Water Technology Centre was officially opened on 22 June 2009 by Chairman of the National Research Foundation Dr Tony Tan. The Centre will provide extensive leadership in Singapore's water quality and resource management, tapping on GE's expertise in water purification and conservation technologies and solutions.

At the launch, Dr Tan said: "Singapore is known internationally for its strong capabilities in water management and is recognised as a leading adopter of new water technologies, especially in the area of membrane applications." He highlighted that Singapore is the world's largest user of membranes per capita and a pioneer and leader in large-scale water reclamation.

The establishment of the S$150 million Centre supports Singapore's multi-year strategy to become a global water technology hub. The Centre currently has more than 30 GE scientists and engineers, working on solutions for low-energy seawater desalination, more efficient water reuse and reclamation as well as complex water and water-related solids analysis. There are plans to hire an additional 40 GE scientists and engineers over the next three years.

NUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan said "This unique Industry-University Aliiance will provide outstanding opportunities for NUS faculty and students to work closely with a global leader in water science and technology. It will help enhance and expand R&D capabilities in NUS and the rest of Singapore."

Prof Tan added that he hopes the NUS-GE Centre will increase the critical mass of first-rate researchers who are leaders in their field, and who will serve as magnets, attracting the bright young minds. He said: "The Centre will provide an added impetus and platform for NUS faculty and students to develop novel applications from their fundamental research so as to contribute to enhancements in water quality and water resources."

Besides research, the Centre also aims to strengthen collaboration with the government and industry in Singapore and beyond. CEO of GE Water & Process Technologies Mr Heiner Markoff said that in line with Singapore's multi-year strategy to become a global water technology hub, it is hoped that the Centre will help commercialise the innovations from the NUS-GE water R&D Centre, serving as a test-bed to demonstrate new-generation water technologies.

In the past, GE Water and Singapore have collaborated to deliver effective water technology solutions. To-date, GE has some 3,300 employees in Singapore.

Speech by NUS President Prof Tan Chorh Chuan at the launch of NUS-GE Singapore Water Technology Centre
Speech by Mr Heiner Markhoff CEO, GE Water & Process Technologies at the launch of NUS-GE Singapore Water Technology Centre