Singapore Water Center

The inaugural Utilities Leadership Training, held in Singapore from June 24–26, 2024, marked a milestone in the launch of the Singapore Wwater Center.

The World Bank Group brought together 32 senior utility and government leaders from nine countries across East Asia and the Pacific, South Asia, and Pakistan to strengthen leadership in resilient water management, utility performance, and innovative financing.

Through expert-led sessions, site visits, and peer learning, participants advanced practical, scalable solutions for sustainable water services.

In early 2025, the Singapore Water Center, together with the World Bank Group and PUB, advanced capacity building on Non-Revenue Water (NRW) management through a combined virtual and in-person learning program.

A global webinar in January engaged 140 participants on improving utility efficiency and financial performance, followed by an intensive in-person training in Singapore in April for 31 technical professionals from seven countries.

These events collectively presented a holistic approach to NRW management—combining strategic insights, practical solutions, and collaborative learning to equip water sector professionals with the knowledge and networks needed to reduce water losses and secure sustainable water systems.

In 2025, the Singapore Water Center advanced regional capacity on flood risk management through a series of virtual and in-person events.

A webinar in May engaged 40 practitioners and policymakers from East Asia and the Pacific, South Asia, and Pakistan to explore urban, riverine, and coastal flood risks, Singapore’s stormwater management practices, and inclusive planning strategies. This was followed by the Advancing Flood Risk Management training in June at the Singapore International Water Week Spotlight, featuring case studies, interactive discussions, and innovative tools such as real-time forecasting and nature-based solutions.

These events provided a holistic approach to flood risk management by nurturing technical capacity, strengthening collaborative frameworks and empowering water sector professionals to drive sustainable responses to the persistent threat of flooding.

On May 6, 2025, the Singapore Water Center and the Southeast Asia Partnership for Adaptation through Water (SEAPAW) co-hosted a high-level roundtable on water sector financing during Ecosperity Week in Singapore.

The event brought together government officials, senior leaders from 15 financial institutions, and World Bank Group representatives, with opening remarks by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who highlighted the critical role of finance in advancing water security and climate resilience.

The roundtable recommended creating a working group to mobilize private capital, leading to the establishment of the Water Finance Working Group in August 2025.

On June 4, 2025, the Singapore Water Center participated in the 25th ASEAN Working Group on Water Resources Management Meeting in Bali, Indonesia.

The meeting brought together regional water leaders to discuss shared challenges and opportunities, including an open consultation with the United Nations Water Convention on transboundary water cooperation.

It also presented an opportunity for the Singapore Water Center to share its mission, programs, and collaborative approach, strengthening partnerships and supporting ASEAN efforts toward sustainable and innovative water management across the region.

From June 11–13, 2025, the Singapore Water Center (SWC) participated in the Indonesia Water and Wastewater Expo and Forum in Jakarta, engaging a broad range of stakeholders from the water and wastewater sectors.

The World Bank Group and the SWC led workshops and speaking sessions, including a full-day workshop on alternative financing and utility creditworthiness, featuring experts from Indonesia, Singapore, Portugal, and the Philippines.

The event sparked insightful discussions and fostered collaboration among key stakeholders who share a common interest in strengthening regional partnerships for resilient water management.

In 2025, the Singapore Water Center delivered the New IBNet and Digitalization Training in Hanoi, Viet Nam, to strengthen utility benchmarking, digitalization, and performance improvement.

The program engaged 55 virtual and in-person participants from the Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association, equipping them with essential skills for the country’s upcoming utility monitoring system.

Sessions highlighted Singapore PUB’s expertise, innovations from Singapore companies, and World Bank digital tools to advance utility transformation and enhance data-driven management to support water utility transformation.

In 2025, the Singapore Water Center and World Bank hosted the Climate-Resilient Sanitation Webinar, engaging 50 practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders from East Asia and the Pacific, South Asia, and Pakistan.

The event focused on citywide inclusive sanitation (CWIS), wastewater management, water reuse, and climate resilience, highlighting technical, financial, and social strategies to advance wastewater reuse in line with circular economy principles.

It also facilitated exchanges of technical knowledge and case studies, equipping participants with essential expertise and knowledge on the critical topics of NEWater, CWIS, and climate resilience.

From October 7–10, 2025, the Singapore Water Center (SWC) delivered a training program on wastewater management, treatment, reuse, and circular economy approaches.

Participants engaged in interactive lectures, site visits, and group exercises, drawing on Singapore and international case studies.

The program strengthened technical expertise, expanded professional networks, and equipped utility leaders to implement innovative, inclusive, and sustainable water solutions, advancing SWC’s mission to promote cutting-edge sanitation practices and capacity development.