Kelvin Kuek Hann Yih, chairman of the Malaysian Water Association Sarawak branch, aspires for the upcoming Borneo International Water & Wastewater Exhibition & Conference to catalyse future transformative solutions for the South-east Asian region
What can attendees expect from the upcoming Borneo International Water & Wastewater Exhibition & Conference (BIWWEC) that differentiates it from previous editions?
The upcoming event from October 23-25, held Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, marks the sixth edition of the biennial BIWWEC.
We have outlined four focal areas for this year’s conference, namely sustainable water management, water and energy, financial sustainability for water assets and advancements in digital water innovation.
Recently, Kuching, the state capital of Sarawak, was recommended by the International Water Association (IWA) to host the World Water Congress and Exhibition (WWCE) in 2028. Our bid for the IWA WWCE was framed as a bid from South-east Asia, underscoring our regional cooperation rather than solely representing Malaysia. This achievement is significant as Malaysia is the first country from the South-east Asian region to host the IWA WWCE.
In light of this, we plan to launch a Roadmap to IWA WWCE 28 during BIWWEC2024. This initiative will bring together representatives from IWA and water associations across South-east Asia, such as the Indonesia Water Supply Association, Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association, Cambodia Water Supply Association, and Singapore Water Association.
Together, we will delve into the common challenges faced by South-east Asia and explore potential synergies in the region and the resources available within IWA. This collaborative effort aims to pave the way for a successful and impactful IWA WWCE in 2028.
What do you hope to achieve from this event?
We hope to position BIWWEC as the premier event for international and regional water industry players to showcase their solutions and innovative technologies. Additionally, we seek to foster partnerships between these players, and local and regional entities, to implement their solutions and products to address some of the challenges.
Within the digital water innovation theme of the conference, technologies such as Digital Water Twin and Smart Meters will be discussed. We also aim to leverage the power of Artificial Intelligence and big data to automate processes in water treatment and distribution, wastewater treatment, and to construct large-scale digital models for water catchment management, river flow and contamination modelling. These models will allow us to simulate the effects of climate change and identify potential catastrophic events.
Could you provide insights into efforts made by The Malaysian Water Association Sarawak branch to engage with international stakeholders and organisations at this year’s event?
We have fostered close relationships with international and regional water associations over the years. Our engagement intensified during the bidding process for the IWA WWCE, which allowed us to strengthen our relationship with the IWA.
Leveraging the Malaysian Water Association’s longstanding relationship with IWA, as well as its connections with other regional members such as the South East Asia Water Utility Network (SEAWUN), we have garnered tremendous support for the upcoming BIWWEC.
We will also extend invitations to water associations across the South-east Asian region and, through IWA, to international communities of water practitioners to participate in BIWWEC 2024. Players in the sustainable energy field, particularly those involved in hydro-electric generation, have also been invited.
How does BIWWEC 2024 aim to address pressing challenges or issues in the water and wastewater sector?
Our primary objective is to pinpoint the challenges encountered in South-east Asia. South-east Asia comprises 10 countries with a collective population of approximately 650 million, each at various stages of development and facing distinct needs and challenges concerning water supply, sanitation, flood control/mitigation, and climate change adaptation.
Singapore stands out as one of the most advanced members, boasting an exceptionally sophisticated water infrastructure and management system tailored to its requirements, due to its scarcity of freshwater sources. While Singapore’s experiences are unique, they offer valuable insights applicable to more urbanised parts of South-east Asia.
Nevertheless, many regions within South-east Asia, including parts of Borneo, grapple with the daunting task of providing adequate clean water to rural populations. The potential solution may lie in a decentralised and off-grid approach. Any solutions devised to address Borneo’s challenges can be adapted, modified, and replicated across the region.
Tell us more about the Malaysian Water Association.
The Malaysian Water Association was formed and registered in 1988 as a non-profit organisation. Our objectives include promoting and advancing the science and practice of engineering and management in the water supply and wastewater industries.
We also provide a forum for exchange of views among various sectors making up the water and wastewater industries, including water authorities, research bodies, consultants, manufacturers, suppliers and contractors. We also give advice and information on water supply and wastewater to the public and private bodies.
How does the association support capacity building and professional development opportunities for individuals working in the water service industries value chain?
The Malaysian Water Association’s Malaysia Water Academy (MyWA) plays a pivotal role in providing training programmes aimed at developing human capital for industry. Additionally, we host technical talks featuring leading industry players, including solution and product manufacturers, to ensure that our members stay updated on the latest developments and trends.
The MWA Sarawak branch recently signed a Service Level Agreement with the Institute of Engineers Malaysia Sarawak branch to facilitate the sharing of training facilities at the International Engineering Centre located in Isthmus, Kuching. We are excited about expanding our training programmes and technical talks not only to MWA members but also to those of IEM and other professional bodies.
