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.
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.
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)