Banner website 2012

Adaptive Solutions for Climate Change

Theme of the second edition of the Singapore-Netherlands Water Challenge was Adaptive Solutions for Climate Change.

Singapore and the Netherlands share huge challenges in dealing with the combined effects of climate change and urbanisation. Both countries are relatively small and very densely populated; they have extensive coastlines and inland waterways, unique aquatic ecosystems and only few natural sources of fresh water.

It is therefore no surprise that Climate Change Adapation is high on the agenda of both Singapore and the Netherlands and one of key research areas of the newly established NUSDeltares water alliance - a partnership between the National University of Singapore and Deltares from the Netherlands. 

 

Blue Energy & Greywater Treatment

The winners, Yorick Broekema from the Netherlands and a team led by Leng Ling from Hong Kong, were presented with the prestigious Singapore-Netherlands Sustainability Award by His Excellency Jacques Werner, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Singapore. The event was held at the National University of Singapore’s University Town, was attended by some 80 representatives from industry, academia and government of both countries.

Ambassador Werner lauded the winners for their original papers addressing this year’s theme on climate change adaptation: “Creativity and resourcefulness are keywords to deal successfully with climate change adaption. Singapore and the Netherlands are dependent on the innovative and creative input of young talent. The Embassy supports the Singapore-Netherlands Water Challenge as it encourages students from all over the world to find innovative solutions for current water problems.”

Singapore Final 1 October 2013 003

In his proposal on the use of blue energy in a delta environment, Yorick Broekema explored the potential of generating blue energy by using excess flood water. He evaluated the applicability and value of his ideas for Singapore and the Netherlands, considering the specific circumstances in both countries. Yorick is currently enrolled in the NUS-TU Delft Double Master Degree Programme in Water Resources Management and Hydraulic Engineering.

design drawing

Leng Ling and his team are doing their Masters in Environmental Engineering at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. They looked at the growing freshwater shortages and the disadvantages associated with the current use of seawater for toilet flushing in Hong Kong. They proposed a compact and environmentally friendly greywater treatment and reuse system based on a parallel operation of two processes to deal with flow variations.

Final 2013 


 

 

 

 

“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