more dry and wet extremes<\/span><\/a>, while in the longer term \u2013 if nothing is done \u2013 nearly a third of Singapore would be at risk of coastal flooding as sea levels rise.<\/p>\nAt the same time, the economy would need increasing amounts of water to feed water-intensive industries.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, we must act with urgency. But we must also plan with foresight,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Singapore\u2019s approach to water challenges has been through long-term investment, harnessing innovation and international cooperation.<\/p>\n
Under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 plan, $85 million will be awarded to national water agency PUB to strengthen Singapore\u2019s water security and sustainability, by advancing R&D in areas such as desalination and the management of contaminants of emerging concern.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur aim is not only to meet Singapore\u2019s own needs. We also want to develop solutions that can be applied in cities and industries around the world,\u201d said Gan, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we can help industrial users reduce, reuse and recycle water more effectively, this will support both economic growth and environmental sustainability.\u201d<\/p>\n
PUB said in a statement that part of the funding will go to a new research facility that harnesses used water to generate more energy than it uses, so that it can generate electricity.<\/p>\n
Due for development in 2027, the plant will provide opportunities for research institutes and industry partners to develop solutions on used water treatment with the agency.<\/p>\n
Another $12 million given to PUB is allocated to developing solutions that boost water efficiency and facilitate water recycling for wafer fabrication and data centre sectors.<\/p>\n
The two sectors were selected as they are critical to Singapore\u2019s economy and are among the most water-intensive, noted Gan.<\/p>\n\n\nDeputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong speaking at the opening of Singapore International Water Week at Marina Bay Sands on June 16.<\/p>\n
ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
PUB said it will bring together universities, trade associations and other stakeholders to develop and validate technologies that support these sectors.<\/p>\n
It added: \u201cSuccessful projects will be consolidated into a portfolio of water recycling and cooling technologies for local deployment and commercialisation opportunities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese projects will also be considered for deployment overseas, reinforcing our position as a global hydrohub for advanced water technologies, and generating longer-term economic and technological value for Singapore.\u201d<\/p>\n
Two agreements will be signed at the Singapore International Water Week to kickstart alliances that develop solutions for the wafer fabrication and data centre sectors.<\/p>\n
Separately, PUB said the construction of the Tengah Service Reservoir, which cost about $120 million, was completed in November 2025.<\/p>\n
Service reservoirs are critical infrastructure in Singapore\u2019s water supply network, storing treated drinking water from PUB\u2019s treatment plants before it is piped to homes and businesses.<\/p>\n
Gan cited the reservoir as an example of how Singapore invests in water infrastructure to support a growing population and economy.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe planning for the service reservoir, in fact, started 10 years ago, back in 2016,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is what long-term planning and investment means in practice. It is not only about expanding capacity. It is about building resilience ahead of demand, integrating water planning with urban and economic planning, and ensuring that future generations inherit systems that are robust and reliable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Located at the highest point of Tengah Town, the reservoir was built to support the projected rise in water demand of upcoming residential developments and businesses in Tengah.<\/p>\n
The building has the capacity to hold about 22 Olympic-size swimming pools\u2019 worth of potable water, according to PUB.<\/p>\n
The agency said the service reservoir\u2019s construction was the first time it had used the slipform construction method.<\/p>\n\nIts senior deputy director for network construction, David Loh, said the method enabled each tank wall to be completed over seven days, while eliminating the need for horizontal construction joints in these walls.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis minimises potential leakage and enhances the watertightness and performance of the reservoir over its service lifetime,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
When operational by the end of 2026, the Tengah Service Reservoir will join more than 10 service reservoirs that are operated remotely and monitored round the clock at PUB\u2019s joint operations centre.<\/p>\n
PUB said it had implemented measures to minimise impact on the surrounding habitat, as the service reservoir was developed in a patch of Tengah forest.<\/p>\n\n\nA wildlife crossing (bottom) near the Tengah Service Reservoir (top) to help animals get around.<\/p>\n
ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
This was based on an environmental impact study for the service reservoir that was completed in November 2019, before mandatory disclosure was required for most projects.<\/p>\n
Loh said several species of flora and fauna of conservation importance were identified. These included the locally vulnerable grey-headed fish eagle and the globally critically endangered straw-headed bulbul.<\/p>\n
Implemented measures included a wildlife shepherding plan, inspections for active birds\u2019 nests prior to vegetation clearance, and adjustments to the service reservoir design to reduce its footprint and affected forested area.<\/p>\n
The Singapore International Water Week at Marina Bay Sands runs from June 16 to June 18.<\/p>\n