The water fringe
Tan Hui Ling, Today Online 27 May 08;
Come next month, Singapore will be home to a gush of water-related events – from a high-level World Health Organisation (WHO) meet to two international awards, to contests for the young.
And that is just on the sidelines of the main event, the Singapore International Water week from June 23 to 27.
In a first for Asia, the Global Water Research Coalition will hold its twice-yearly board of directors meeting in Singapore on June 22 and 23, with 15 of the world’s leading water research organisations.
For the first time in Singapore, WHO experts will gather to review work on the fourth edition of its guidelines on drinking-water quality, used by developing and developed countries.
Yet another first here: A workshop on new concepts in the integrated management of the urban water cycle, organised by the Unesco-IHE Institute for Water Education, Asian Development Bank and the PUB.
To involve the young, three events have been planned. Winners of the inaugural Singapore Junior Water Prize, a contest for 15 to 20-year-old students, will go on to an international event in Stockholm.
There is also a symposium for graduate students involved in water-related research and a water forum for 180 youth leaders from the region.
Two award ceremonies will take place here: The International Water Association Project Innovation Awards, and the inaugural International Desalination Association Fellowship award.
