The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) launches a first-of-its-kind research centre in Singapore focussing on research in recovering resources from waste.
The Residues and Resource Reclamation Centre (R3C) will develop home-grown technologies to increase resource recovery that could potentially result in savings of S$70 million every year.
R3C will support local industries in the development of novel technologies in urban waste management for the local and regional markets.
The centre aims to be a world-class resource recovery and remediation research hub for Asia. It will focus on three research themes - waste to materials, waste to energy, and contaminated site remediation. R3C is currently working with waste management leaders such as Keppel Seghers, SembCorp Industries, and the National Environment Agency to develop sustainable urban waste management solutions for Singapore.
The newly launched R3C, along with the DHI-NTU Water & Environment Research Centre and Education Hub (DHI-NTU) and the Singapore Membrane Technology Centre (SMTC), will boost research efforts to sustain the earth's environment.
Part of the NEWRI ecosystem, the centres will collaborate with Singapore's environmental agencies, overseas universities and industry partners on projects that address environmental and water issues, serving as a major resource for Singapore's environment and water industry.
Mr Tan Yong Soon, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and some 100 representatives from industry, government sector and the research community attend a ceremony at NTU today to mark the launch of R3C and the official opening of DHI-NTU and SMTC.
DHI-NTU is a collaboration between DHI Singapore (representing the globally acknowledged DHI Group from Denmark) and NTU. The Centre focuses on urban and industrial environmental issues. To enhance Singapore's research and manpower capabilities in the environment and water industry, DHI-NTU Education Hub provides specialist training and education on urban water management and water technology for engineers and scientists.
SMTC spearheads Singapore's R&D efforts in applied membrane technology for the environment and water industry. The Centre is working with global leaders such as Siemens Pte Ltd, Trojan Technologies and the PUB, to develop new, low-cost, and improved membranes for niche applications.
Sustainability drive
"The NEWRI ecosystem, involving academia, industry and government, is important to NTU's research and development drive in sustainability. The three centres under NEWRI will provide a turbo boost to this drive," says NTU President Dr Su Guaning.
"The multidisciplinary and complementary nature of NEWRI will enhance the competitive edge for Singapore's position as a 'global hydohub', and serve to attract and provide talent for the environment and water industry," adds Dr Su.
Dr Beh Swan Gin, Managing Director, Economic Development Board, says, "We have identified the Clean Technology sector as a key growth opportunity for Singapore. We are pleased that NTU is expanding the scope and deepening the capabilities of NEWRI. This will help attract international companies to Singapore and strengthen our local companies. It will also increase the vibrancy of the fast-developing environment and water industry in Singapore."
"NEWRI's centres focus on several niche areas that Singapore companies have been playing active roles in, both locally and internationally -- membranes, environmental planning, and waste management. Technology development has been identified as the key driver for the growth of Singapore's environment and water industry, thus NEWRI's centres are an integral part of our local environment and water ecosystem. These centres will be instrumental in providing our companies with the necessary manpower and technological innovation to stay ahead of the competition," says Mr Khoo Teng Chye, Executive Director, Environment & Water Industry Development Council.
NEWRI's research in membranes, environmental management, biotechnology, and waste management is supported by the Environment & Water Industry Development Council and the Economic Development Board. To date, NEWRI has forged several partnerships with key environmental players like Sembcorp Industries and Toray Industries Inc, a multinational corporation headquartered in Japan.