Launch 2014

 

Connected by Water

Singapore and the Netherlands have enjoyed strong relations for centuries, resulting in successful cooperation in many areas across industry, education, research, culture and government policy. More than anything else, Singapore and the Netherlands share a special relationship with water.

Both countries are small and very densely populated; they have extensive coastlines and inland waterways, world-class ports, large areas of reclaimed land, unique aquatic ecosystems and only few natural sources of fresh water. In addition, Singapore and the Netherlands face significant challenges in dealing with the combined effects of climate change and urbanisation.

VanOord Singapore

Reaching out to Talent Worldwide

Building on their global leadership in delta and water management, Singapore and the Netherlands joined forces in an innovation competition, the Singapore-Netherlands Water Challenge, which inspires young international talent to make their personal contribution by developing innovative and sustainable solutions for global water challenges.

The challenge reaches out to young talent worldwide. Students and recent graduates from all levels and disciplines are welcome to participate. Since the first edition in 2011, students from more than 15 countries and 20 nationalities joined the program.

A unique feature of the Singapore-Netherlands Water Challenge is the online competition and community platform, BlueSpring, which allows students and participating companies to interact by joining the discussion forums, posting questions, having live chat sessions and, equally important, by connecting with peers around the world to share ideas.

Launch 2014 students

 
Singapore-Netherlands Sustainability Award

Winners of the Singapore-Netherlands Water Challenge are presented with a prestigious award that recognises the long-standing relationship between Singapore and the Netherlands and their joint ambitions towards a sustainable urban delta. The following outstanding young talents have been awarded in recent years:

- Anne Belski, Australia (2012)
- Victor Sim, Singapore (2012)
- Yorick Broekema, the Netherlands (2014)
- Leng Ling, Fan Jingyu, Wu Junhao and Lu Ka Kit, Hong Kong (2014)
- David Gintin, Ravina Rukmina Binol & Tri Handayani, Indonesia (2015)
- Nishtha Manocha, Singapore (2015)

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“When asked if I’d like to develop my idea - of course I said “YES!”. I’d never been to Europe, or worked with smartphone applications, or worked with a Dutch company – I was terrified! Fortunately, everyone was very welcoming. I was amazed at the effort they put into making me feel welcome”
Kevin Loh, Winner Australia 2011
Kevin Loh, Winner Australia 2011
“It was a great experience for us, as Indonesia's young generation, to contribute our ideas for the development of Jakarta Bay. We learn a lot from the Dutch companies and how they think about solutions, which is much more than only engineering. It brought us to a better understanding about Indonesia, our beloved country.”
Aldea Permatasari Firdhaus, Amalia Handini Astari, Mochammad Imron & Aulia Fatwa Farizqa, Winners Indonesia 2014
Aldea Permatasari Firdhaus, Amalia Handini Astari, Mochammad Imron & Aulia Fatwa Farizqa, Winners Indonesia 2014
“The Holland Water Challenge brought me confidence and belief that an innovative idea is more important than gold. When preparing for the final, I spent days and nights to scheme a novel living-style with less carbon and safe water. So Many Thanks to my Dutch Friends, and Wish Our Friendship Forever!”
Li Xiang, Winner China 2010
Li Xiang, Winner China 2010
“An idea is like a projectile. Without a suitable catapult, it is just any ordinary stone incapable of making serious impact. In my case, the Singapore-Netherlands Water Challenge was the perfect platform to launch my idea.”
Victor Sim, Winner Singapore 2012
Victor Sim, Winner Singapore 2012
"We're looking forward to making the most of the opportunity to take our idea to the next level and implement what we believe will be a valuable tool for the water industry and emergency services, both in Australia and internationally. Thanks to Holland Water Challenge for organising and supporting the program!"
Dan Peade & Paul Munro, Winners Australia 2013
Dan Peade & Paul Munro, Winners Australia 2013
"The Singapore-Netherlands Water Challenge really helped us use our knowledge to make a little difference on the issues of water reclamation. The award ceremony was great. The trip to Singapore was also very vauable. We would like to let other students know such a good competition!"
Leng Ling, Fan Jingyu, Wu Junhao & Lu Ka Kit, Winners Singapore 2013
Leng Ling, Fan Jingyu, Wu Junhao & Lu Ka Kit, Winners Singapore 2013
"The Australia-Netherlands Water Challenge offers a great opportunity for young people to make an impact in the area of climate change and disaster resilience. We are thankful to have had this wonderful experience."
Tracey Lloyd & Tom Perfrement, Winners Australia 2015
Tracey Lloyd & Tom Perfrement, Winners Australia 2015
"We love every second of the program and always remember the time being with the program as one of the greatest memories through student life. I hope to see you again with another challenges and programs. We have the youth and capabilities and what we need is a chance to prove it."
Pann Ei Ei Phyoe, Winning Team Myanmar 2016
Pann Ei Ei Phyoe, Winning Team Myanmar 2016