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Urban Water Rebels

Taking on the urban water challenges of the 21st century needs vision and leadership, something Singapore and the Netherlands have learnt over many years. The water story of both countries is one driven by long-term and visionary planning. It is thanks to the vision and leadership of unique individuals - politicians, engineers, urban designers, ecologists, etc. - and the collective commitment of national institutions that Singapore and the Netherlands succeeded to embrace their natural environment to the advantage of its people.

It is in this spirit and in recognition of the important role the next generations of water leaders have to play in addressing the 21st century urban water challenges, the Singapore-Netherlands Water Challenge in 2014 challenged students worldwide to develop and express their personal vision and leadership on urban water management.

Unleash the Rebels!

The Singapore-Netherlands Water Challenge 2014 was officially launched during the Singapore International Water Week by Mr. Khoo Teng Chey, Executive Director of the Singapore Centre for Liveable Cities and Mr. Ahmed Aboutaleb, Major of the the city of Rotterdam. In the presence of more than a hundred guests, they unleashed two giant floating fish in the Netherlands Water Pavilion at the SIWW exhibition hall. To the excitement of the audience, the fish appeared to be represent exactly the rebellious spirit that this year’s challenge was looking to promote as they flew uncontrollably across the exhibition hall!
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In his speech, Mr. Khoo Teng Chye underlined the importance of international cooperation in addressing global water challenges and the fruitful relationship between the water sectors of Singapore and the Netherlands. As a strong supporter of the Singapore-Netherlands Water Challenge since the very beginning, Mr. Khoo praised the initiative to actively involve young people.

Final @ DutchCham Business Gala

In the last round of the competition, proposals were judged by a team of internationally renowned urban water leaders, chaired by Professor Vladan Babovic of the National University of Singapore (click here for the jury). They announced two winners of the Singapore-Netherlands Sustainability Award: (1) David Gintin, Rayina Rukmina Binol and Tri Handayani from Indonesia for their virtual water campaign "Think Forgotten Water" aimed to create awareness of consumer water usage, and (2) Nishtha Manocha from Singapore who proposed a smart mobile app that leverages mobile technology and social media to collect water consumer data, such as data about water consumption and water quality, that water utility companies can employ to improve their services.

They were presented with their awards by the Dutch Ambassador to Singapore, HE Mr. Jaques Werner, during the Dutch Chamber of Commerce Business Gala in Singapore on 1 April 2015 (photo: the winners with Ambassador Werner).

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The gala was attended by Minister for Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan, former Dutch Minister Professor Dr Pieter Winsemius - whose father was a key economic advisor to Singapore founder Lee Kuan Yew - as well as CEO’s and senior representatives from the Singapore and Dutch business community.

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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