As one of the leading global platforms for the water sector, SIWW2026 brought together water leaders, researchers, industry partners, utilities, and policymakers to exchange ideas and co-create solutions for sustainable water management, coastal protection, flood resilience, and climate-related water challenges.
Throughout the event, CWR researchers contributed to a wide range of SIWW2026 activities, including workshops, technical sessions, poster presentations, technology pitches, and panel discussions. Their participation highlighted CWR’s ongoing efforts to advance water research, promote technology translation, and strengthen collaborations across academia, industry, and international professional communities.
Driving Water Technology and Management Advancement through SIWW Workshops
CWR researchers and collaborators successfully organised two workshops during the SIWW Water Convention.
On 16 June, CWR researchers and industry collaborators co-organised the workshop “Ceramic Membranes for Pretreatment of Seawater Desalination”. Professor Hu Jiangyong, Co-Chair of the workshop, delivered the welcome remarks. Dr Tai Zhong Sheng, Research Fellow in CWR, presented on in-line coagulation coupled with ceramic membrane filtration, sharing research findings on how the process can improve the performance and efficiency of algae-impacted seawater pretreatment. The workshop provided participants with practical insights, evidence-based discussion, and a balanced assessment of ceramic membrane pretreatment. It also supported informed decision-making for the deployment of more energy-efficient and resilient desalination systems.
On 18 June, CWR researchers facilitated the workshop “Cross Sector Collaboration to Accelerate the Circular Water Economy” in partnership with the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the Environmental Engineering Society of Singapore (EESS). The session was chaired by Professor Hu Jiangyong, CWR Director and EESS President; Mr. Keith Hobson, WEF President; and Ms. Laila Sukkariyyah, WEF Secretary. The workshop featured water professionals from Singapore, the United States, China, Spain, Japan, and Korea, who shared perspectives and real-world examples on advancing circular water solutions across different regions and sectors. The discussions generated valuable ideas, fostered new connections, and reinforced the importance of cross-sector collaboration in accelerating the Circular Water Economy. CWR researchers Dr. Tai Zhong Sheng, Dr. Li Liyan, Ms. Fu Yuyao, Mr. Chen Yelong, and Mr. Teo Wee Joon also contributed to the workshop as facilitators.
Showcasing CWR Innovations in Water Science, Technology and Management
CWR researchers presented several research innovations during SIWW2026, showcasing the CWRs contributions to drinking water safety, desalination pretreatment, emerging contaminant removal, and sustainable wastewater treatment.
During the SIWW Water Convention Poster Session, Dr. Li Liyan, Research Fellow in CWR, presented research on drinking water distribution system, addressing the impact from climate change challenges. Dr. Tai Zhong Sheng shared the work on enhancing in-line coagulation coupled with ceramic membrane filtration for seawater pretreatment under elevated algae concentrations. Mr. Chen Yelong, PhD candidate supervised by Prof. Hu, presented research on granular activated carbon adsorption technology for addressing perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination in water.
At the Water Expo, Dr. Xia Zhengang, Research Fellow in CWR, presented membrane aeration-based processes for energy- and resource- efficient wastewater treatment during the Technology Pitch Session at the NUS booth. Dr. Xia also spoke at the Singapore Water Association (SWA) event “Catalysing Product Innovation: Unlock Innovative Water Technologies – From Lab to Industry” on 18 June at SWA Oasis. His presentation introduced innovative solutions developed at CWR to promote water sustainability and highlighted how CWR technologies are moving from laboratory research towards real-world environmental applications.
Chairing Professional Discussions and Co-Chairing SIWW Sessions
CWR researchers also played active roles in chairing SIWW2026 sessions, helping to facilitate technical exchange and professional dialogue.
At the Water Expo, Professor Hu Jiangyong chaired the Technology Forum “The Nanoscale Revolution: Engineering the Future of Ultra-Pure Water”. The session explored how nanotechnology and smart membranes are reducing energy consumption, removing emerging contaminants, and enabling decentralised high-purity water production for industrial, urban, and remote communities. Prof. Hu also chaired the Water Expo Main Stage panel discussion “Decentralised and Small-Scale Wastewater Treatment Systems”. The panel addressed key challenges including financing, regulatory barriers, operation and maintenance, and community acceptance, while highlighting strategies such as strong governance frameworks, sustainable funding models, capacity building, and inclusive stakeholder engagement to support the long-term success of decentralised wastewater treatment systems.
During the Water Convention, Dr. Li Liyan Co-Chaired the technical session “Keeping Water Safe in Distribution Networks”, which brought together researchers and practitioners working on microbial water quality monitoring, disinfection impacts on distribution infrastructure, and smart water network management. Dr. Li also served as Co-Chair in “Mirroring Worlds: The Rise of Digital Twins” session, focusing on the growing role of digital twin technologies in water utilities. Mr. Teo Wee Joon Co-Chaired the technical sessions “Brine Valorization” and “Treatment for Micropollutants”, discussing the pressing concerns regarding resource recovery and emerging contaminant management. Mr. Teo also served as poster judge in Water Convention Poster Session, evaluating research contributions from participants across the water sector.
Through its active participation in SIWW2026, CWR demonstrated its commitment to advancing water research, translating innovation into practice, and fostering collaboration across academia, industry, government, and international professional communities. CWR will continue to contribute to sustainable, resilient, and circular water solutions for Singapore and the global water sector.
