Singapore unveiled plans to invest close to S$100 million in research and development of municipal and industrial water solutions, including a new used water treatment research facility scheduled for 2027 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong announced the funding on June 16 at the opening of Singapore International Water Week 2026, which hosted about 2,000 delegates, including 700 global leaders and 500 exhibiting firms [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Of the total investment, S$85 million will be channeled to the national water agency PUB to advance R&D on desalination and emerging contaminant management, aiming to strengthen water security [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The new research facility will focus on used water treatment by harnessing used water to generate more energy than it consumes, effectively producing electricity [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. This facility will also provide opportunities for collaboration with research institutes and industry partners [5].
The government also announced the completion of the S$120 million Tengah Service Reservoir, built ahead of the new town’s full development to meet future water demand [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Addressing climate risks, Gan Kim Yong said, "So we must act with urgency. But we must also plan with foresight," highlighting that nearly a third of Singapore is at risk of coastal flooding due to rising sea levels [1]. He emphasized that Singapore’s strategy includes long-term investment, innovation, and international cooperation, stating, "Our aim is not only to meet Singapore’s own needs. We also want to develop solutions that can be applied in cities and industries around the world" [2].
Gan further noted the importance of industrial water management for sustainability, saying, "If we can help industrial users reduce, reuse and recycle water more effectively, this will support both economic growth and environmental sustainability" [5].
Singapore International Water Week 2026 marks its 11th edition today, providing a platform for global leaders to collaborate on water technologies and policies [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The new research facility’s development is expected in 2027, marking the next significant step in Singapore’s water innovation efforts [5].
