Global leaders, industry experts and researchers gathered in Singapore to advance innovation, partnerships and sustainable water solutions
Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) 2026 opened in Singapore with the participation of 700 global leaders and approximately 25,000 attendees from around the world. Held around the themes of municipal water solutions, industrial water solutions, and coastal and flood resilience, the event aimed to strengthen international cooperation and accelerate innovation to address water and climate challenges.
The opening ceremony commenced with “The Waters We Share”, a performance by students from the School of the Arts (SOTA) celebrating Singapore’s coastal heritage and multicultural identity. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, who attended as Guest-of-Honour, called on the international water community to deepen investment, innovation and cross-border collaboration to build a more resilient future. The week-long programme featured more than 80 sessions, including ministerial dialogues, technical workshops, innovation forums and the Water Expo.
The SIWW Water Expo officially opened at Marina Bay Sands, bringing together 420 exhibitors from 35 countries across six exhibition halls. The exhibition showcased technologies spanning the water and wastewater value chain and provided opportunities for strategic partnerships, industry exchanges and networking among policymakers, utility leaders and businesses.
A key highlight of the opening day was the Ministerial Plenary on “Water Governance for a Circular Economy: From Vision to Action for Prosperity and Resilience”. In keynote remarks, United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Water Retno Marsudi identified water as a strategic economic asset and underscored the need for stronger political leadership and the integration of circular economy principles into national planning. The discussion featured Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu, alongside senior officials from Nigeria, China and the United Arab Emirates, who exchanged views on strengthening water security, climate resilience and integrated water governance.
The event also recognised Professor Joan Bray Rose as the recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2026. During her prize lecture, Professor Rose highlighted the development of Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA), a scientific framework that transformed approaches to understanding and managing waterborne health risks. She outlined how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and omics-based tools, could support future water safety and resilience. A moderated dialogue with Professor Low Teck Seng further explored the importance of research and talent development in safeguarding global water systems.
Source: Source: Singapore International Water Week
Industry leaders gathered during the “Titans of Industry” session to discuss the long-term transformation of the global water sector. Executives from RSK Group, AECOM, Toray Industries, SAUR, Xylem and Jacobs examined how climate change, population growth, regulatory developments and rising resilience expectations were reshaping the industry. Participants highlighted the importance of adaptability, collaboration and digital capabilities in addressing increasingly complex challenges.
The SIWW Keynotes also featured presentations on climate resilience, digital technologies and industry transformation. Dr Winston Chow of Singapore Management University addressed the importance of proactive investment and portfolio-based approaches to water resilience. Professor Dragan Savić of KWR Water Research Institute discussed the convergence of artificial intelligence technologies and the role of ethical governance, while Dato’ Seri Ir. Jaseni Maidinsa of Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad outlined Malaysia’s efforts to restructure and modernise its water industry.
Source: Source: Singapore International Water Week
