Regional Virtual Conference

Readiness of Water Sector in Economic Recovery

Regional Water Talks is the first virtual conference focusing on developing Asia’s water sector’s readiness of in economic recovery. This virtual conference, which will be held from 3 – 6 August 2021, will be featuring prominent speakers from the water industry as well as thought leaders and experts from the region and around the world.

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About The Virtual Conference

Regional Water Talks

Readiness of Water Sector in Economic Recovery
Date: 3 - 6 August 2021
Time: *Please refer to each session in the agenda below
Platform: Zoom

The COVID19 pandemic has had a major impact on the world economic and social landscape, and this is undoubtedly a major national agenda to ensure optimal health sector capabilities and continued economic survival. As we fight to tackle this epidemic, economic recovery continues to be driven. In this regard, the water sector is one of the key forces in driving economic recovery as well as promoting people’s health.

EVENT AGENDA

What to expect

0
Days
Virtual Conference

4-days of non-stop high-profile virtual conference events, featuring industry’s best thought leaders

More than
0
+
Knowledge Sharing Sessions

Insightful knowledge sharing and conference sessions on Water and Wastewater Industry

Featuring
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Industry Expert Speakers

Featuring industry expert panelists and speakers to address and provide solutions to current industry issues

0
Days of
Networking Opportunities

4-days of business and networking opportunities not to be missed during this regional virtual conference event

Diamond Sponsor

Ruby Sponsor

Conference Schedule

Event Agenda

This schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Schedule as of 2 August 2021

Registration notes:

Attendees are required to register once, and you can use the same link to access all sessions throughout the 4 days. You will receive a Zoom notification/confirmation email as soon as you completed your registration. Please make sure to also check your Junk Mail.

Conference Guide
Speakers & Moderators

Conference Schedule

Event Agenda

This schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Schedule as of 2 August 2021

Registration notes:

Attendees are required to register once, and you can use the same link to access all sessions throughout the 4 days. You will receive a Zoom notification/confirmation email as soon as you completed your registration. Please make sure to also check your Junk Mail.

Conference Guide

Tuesday | 3 August 2021

Regional Water Industry Expert Dialogue Session

  • 10:00 - 12:00 (GMT+8)

Main Topic:

Lessons Learned from Global Pandemic for Water Industry

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the world’s economic and social landscape, and ensuring optimal health sector capabilities and continued economic survival is undoubtedly a major national agenda. As we fight to tackle this pandemic, economic recovery continues to be driven. In this regard, the water sector is one of the key forces in driving economic recovery as well as promoting people’s health. Reflecting on the diversity of the region, the dialogue will feature experts as they talk about how they are coping, where they are right now and the progress and challenges that we are currently facing.
Presentation Slide

Session Speakers

Mr. Minh Lim

Executive Director,
Cambodian Water Supply Association (C.W.A)

Ir. Dr. Hj. Mohmad Asari Daud

President,
Malaysian Water Association (MWA)

Dr. Ir. Andi Wijaya Adani, M.Sc.

Head of South Sumatera Regional Management,
​Association of Indonesian Drinking Water Companies (PERPAMSI)

Session Moderator

Dato' Teo Yen Hua

Advisor,
Informa Markets ASEAN Water Series

Vietnam Session

  • 15:00 - 17:00 (GMT+8)
Presentation Slide

Topic 1:

Policies and Investment Opportunities in Water Supply in Vietnam

Abstract

Vietnam currently has over 860 urban areas (about 35-36 million urban residents) with a total capacity of 10.6 million m3/day-night water plants (urban water supply rate reaches 89%). Effects of climate change, saltwater intrusion, drought, and pollution of water sources are potential threats to water supply safety not only for Vietnam but also for other countries around the world. It is forecasted that in the period to 2030, the demand for water supply for urban areas in Vietnam will increase by more than 1.5 times compared to the present. Regulations on investment policy on water supply for urban areas in Vietnam have been identified: (i) Authority to select water supply units: Provincial People’s Committees organize the selection of water supply units within the province. , city; The Ministry of Construction shall organize the selection of water supply units for water supply works with inter-provincial scope of water supply, with the participation of relevant provinces; The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development shall organize the selection of water supply units for rural water supply works with the participation of relevant provinces; (ii) Regarding land use: priority is given to reserve the land fund for construction of water supply works; land use levy and land rent exemption for water supply works; (iii) The price of clean water for daily life is calculated correctly, taking into account all factors of production costs that are reasonable, valid and profitable; suitable with water quality, economic – technical criteria, natural conditions, socio-economic development conditions of the locality; The average retail price of clean water must be decided by the provincial People’s Committee. Investment projects on water supply in the inter-provincial region in response to climate change according to Decision No. 2140/QD-TTg dated November 8, 2016 Prime Minister Approving the master plan on water supply in the Mekong Delta region to by 2030, with a vision to 2050, for 13 provinces/cities of the Mekong Delta (with an area of about 40,604.7 km2) with a water supply demand of about 3.27 million m3/day-night; It is necessary to invest in the construction of 05 water plants (in the period of 2025-2030 with a capacity of 100 – 600 thousand m3/day-night) and an inter-provincial transmission pipeline network to supply water to areas with saltwater intrusion sources.

Session Speaker

PhD. Tran Anh Tuan

Vice Director of Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association (VWSA) - Head of Policy Department;
Former General Director, Deputy General Director,
Technical Infrastructure Agency, Ministry of Construction

Topic 2:

Investment Policy for Urban Wastewater Collection and Treatment in Vietnam

Abstract

Vietnam water & wastewater Industry is in the intensive development period, with big efforts being made for expansion of service area, improvement of service quality, with different stakeholders involved. Financial need for 100% urban wastewater treatment is estimated USD 8-10 bio. Main challenges of municipal wastewater management include: Needs in adequate sanitation strategy and specialized wastewater planning; Increase of household connection coverage; Fight with urban flooding and climate change impacts; Sludge management, as well as septic tank and fecal sludge management; Mobilization of alternative sources of funding (Capex); Realization of Cost recovery (Opex). As a new format of private sector participation, there are 10 cities with private wastewater companies providing O&M contracts. Some cities have set the roadmap to increase the wastewater tariffs.

Some Vietnamese policies in urban wastewater management in a coming decade: Development of roadmap for urban wastewater collection and treatment, priority list, required resources; Integrated (river basin) management; Climate change adaptation considerations; Control of ground level and green space in urban projects; Focus on urban flooding control and risk management; Encouraging eco-friendly, sustainable urban infrastructure solutions; Encouraging rainwater harvesting and wastewater reuse; Combination of centralized and decentralized wastewater management solutions; Capacity building activities; Application of O&M Contract bidding for service quality and efficiency; Development of policies for mobilizing of private investors in wastewater sector; Preparation of Law of Wastewater (2021 – 2025).

There are lots of business opportunities in municipal wastewater field, thanks to current intensive development in cities, especially in the coming recovery period after pandemic. There are crucial needs in new technologies in wastewater collection, treatment, sludge treatment, resource recovery, smart system management solutions, etc. The recently issued Law of PPP Investment (2020) encourages PPP investment in 5 sectors, including water supply, wastewater, solid waste management. Private sector participation can be found in large projects in the form of construction, equipment supply, EPC, BOO, O&M contracts. In Decentralized wastewater management, the private sector is a key player.

Session Speaker

Prof. Dr. Viet-Anh Nguyen

Vice President cum Head of Science and Technology Department,
Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association (VWSA);
Professor in Water and Wastewater Engineering, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering (HUCE)

Topic 3:

Multi-basin Operational Water Model and Data Services for Vietnam and Mekong Region

Abstract

GIS-based data portal has been widely used for sharing water data and supporting watershed management in different scales. A friendly frontend decision-support system that integrates data from various sources with support of operational model at the backend, help to make decision processes more effective and transparent. This presentation will introduce the design and development of the Asean Water Portal (http://waterportal.vaci.org.vn/) which provides access and visualization for historical and forecasted high-resolution data for the entire Vietnam and Mekong region. Current essential water variables include precipitation, temperature, ET, streamflow, soil moisture, water level, reservoir inflow/outflow, sediment concentration etc. at different time scale. Forcing data (i.e., precipitation, temperature) at the resolution of 0.25 deg is merged from multi-sources (i.e., satellite, reanalysis, in-situ) using weighted-ensemble method while the other water variables are generated using multi-basin HYPE model and other satellite techniques. The historical data since 1979 is updated once per year to help users understand the characteristics and monitor the variation of the water resources. The forecasting data provides short-term (16-day ahead) and seasonal forecasts (up to 6-month ahead) are updated in near real-time manner to assist decision makers, reservoir operators, and citizens in making plans. The projected impacts of climate change on these water variables are also integrated in the portal for long-term planning application. The portal also provides model performance in different metrics to show the quality control of the provided data and guidance for wider uptake of the data by end users.

Session Speaker

PhD. Duong Du BUI

Director of Water Resources Monitoring Department,
National Center for Water Resources Planning and Investigation (NAWAPI),
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE),
Chair (Water, Ecology & Fisheries) of US-ASEAN S&T Fellow Association

Country Session Moderator

Prof. Dr. Viet-Anh Nguyen

Vice President cum Head of Science and Technology Department,
Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association (VWSA);
Professor in Water and Wastewater Engineering, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering (HUCE)

Wednesday | 4 August 2021

Indonesia Session

  • 9:30 - 12:00 (GMT+8)

The Indonesia Session is sponsored by

Main Topic:

Indonesia’s Coastal Reservoir: Development & Strategy

Abstract

As the fifth largest country in terms of water resources, Indonesia still faces fundamental challenges in its water availability. As a country with huge population and encountered threats posed by climate change, Indonesia must prepare a mitigation plan to secure its water resources. In terms of water use, no less than 90 percent of water is used to meet the needs of the agricultural sector and 10 percent is used to meet domestic, fisheries and industrial needs.

The government has identified the development of coastal reservoirs as a potential means of providing water for the public. And they are now exploring the possibility of developing coastal reservoirs on the coast, especially in the North Coast of Java, to overcome the limitations of land on land to build water storage infrastructure.

In this Regional Water Talks session, we will be elaborating what are the strategies needed for Indonesia’s coastal reservoir development. And this session will also be covering these two sub-topics; “Indonesia’s readiness in coastal development: current challenges” and “Coastal reservoir development to secure water availability & create sustainability”.

Presentation Slide

Topic 1:

Coastal Reservoir Development to Secure Water Availability & Create Sustainability

Topic Speaker

Prof. Dr. Ir. Eko Winar Irianto, M.T.

Director of Technical Development of Water Resources,
Directorate General of Water Resources – Ministry of Public Works & Housing (PUPR) Indonesia

Topic 2:

Indonesia’s Readiness in Coastal Development: Current Challenges of Batam

Topic Speaker

Hadjad Widagdo S. Hut., MM.

Head of Reservoir Management,
Raw Water, Facility & Environment Batam Free Zone Authority (BP BATAM)

Topic 3:

Affordable High Quality Solution for All Water Business

Topic Speaker

Mr. Gert Borrits

Regional Managing Director Southeast Asia,
AVK Fusion

Country Session Moderator

Dian Prasetyawati, ST, MT, MSc.

PhD Student,
Department of Urban Design and Planning,
College of Built Environment,
University of Washington

Philippines Session

  • 15:00 - 16:00 (GMT+8)
Presentation Slide

Topic 1:

Sustainability of Water Resources in the Philippines

Abstract

With the volume of available freshwater being finite, its utilization vis-à-vis the ever-growing demand for it, becomes a rhetorical question. Its finite quantity is even becoming less and less with the introduction of persistent contaminants that even modern-day technology is finding hard to remove. Continually developing water resources alone, to match the constantly growing demand for it, will become a never-ending race. A shift in focus is necessary, i.e., from the supply side to the demand side of the equation.

Session Speaker

Engr. Virgilio L. Bombeta

Manager,
Wells Construction Division,
Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA)

Topic 2:

Water Security of Metro Manila

Abstract

Making potable water available, accessible, and affordable for all customers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces of Rizal and Cavite has never been more important for the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO). Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the MWSS RO, in cooperation with the water concessionaires, continuously strives to become a world class and independent Regulatory Office that equitably protects the interests of the consuming public to clean, adequate, continuous, and sustainable water supply. The Office ensures that Manila Water Company, Inc. and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. meet local, national, and global standards in the delivery of their service obligations under the Concession Agreements, and implement the best practices in addressing the water, sewerage, and sanitation needs of their 17 million customers, with water supply coverage currently at 94%. Apart from evaluating the feasibility of possible new water sources, the MWSS RO is also proactively educating the public on their vital role in protecting our water resources and ensuring the sustainability of our limited water supply through its water conservation campaign on social media

Session Speaker

Atty. Patrick Lester N. Ty

Chief Regulator,
Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO)

Country Session Moderator

Ms. Alma L. Abrasaldo

Director of Philippine Water Works Association (PWWA),
General Manager of Bayawan Water District,
Former President of Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD)

Thursday | 5 August 2021

Thailand Session

  • 10:00 - 12:00 (GMT+8)

Main Topic:

Investment Opportunities In Thailand's Water Services Sector

Abstract

Water resources are important factors in driving the country’s economy in all dimensions including the industrial, tourism, agriculture, and commerce sector. In the past, the Thai Government guidelines in water management originally intended to use only water from natural sources but now promote circulating and recycling water as an alternative water source. For the water service sector – transitioning to a circular economy presents an opportunity to accelerate and scale-up recent scientific and technological advances that support greater efficiency in the sector. It is also necessary to introduce innovations and technologies in water management system which can provide a more resilient and efficient water supply system, reducing costs and improving sustainability.

Participants can be sure to gain insights on the Government Water Management Policy and Plan, the Role of Water Management in the circular economy, and technology currently available.

Presentation Slide

Topic 1:

Water Balance Assessment and National Water Management Guidelines

Session Speaker

Associate Professor Dr. Bancha Kwanyuen

Dean,
Faculty of Engineering at Kamphaeng Saen

Topic 2:

Water Crisis Management in Accordance with Circular Economy System

Session Speaker

Mr. Chuchart Saitin

Committee of Water and Environment Institute for Sustainability,
the Federation of Thai Industries and Managing Director of Amata Water Co., Ltd.

Topic 3:

Alternative Ways of Providing Water Source : Sea Water Desalination Technology

Session Speaker

Mr. Sid Vollebregt

Chief Executive Officer,
Elemental Water Makers BV

Country Session Moderator

Assistant professor Duangrudee Kositgittiwong Kongkitkul, Ph.D.

Department of Civil Engineering,
Faculty of Engineering,
King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi

Malaysia Session

  • 14:30 - 16:00 (GMT+8)

The Malaysia Session is sponsored by

Presentation Slide

Topic 1:

Proposed Changes in WSIA for Water Reclamation and Resource Recovery

Abstract

Protecting public health, water resources and environment are primary objectives of sanitation and sewerage services. Resource recovery including harnessing of renewable energy shall be considered through the whole chain from sewage generation down to byproducts of sewage treatment to minimize pollution and reduce carbon footprint to maintain ecological balance as well as to maximize economic benefits. Resource recovery when structured in line with the needs of sewerage infrastructure development will be advantageous for the public, community, and operators. However, public must be educated and made aware of the safe usage of resources recovered from waste. Otherwise, the take up rate for many initiatives will be extremely low and the opportunities to venture into businesses will be halted. There are many barriers that need to be overcome for these outcomes to be realized as beneficial. One of the prominent barrier is provision in the legislative which is currently being addresses through the proposed amendment to the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655).

Session Speaker

Ir. Muhamad Sobri bin Zakaria

Executive Director of Water & Sewerage Regulatory Department,
National Water Services Commission (SPAN)

Topic 2:

Water Reclamation for Non-Potable Use - Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

With 27 years of experience, IWK is changing the way Malaysians think about wastewater management – from linear approach to circular economy. This paradigm shift in wastewater management is very important in transforming our perspective on wastewater management from a linear ‘use and dispose’ model to a more sustainable circular model, while attaching added values to the resources in wastewater treatment. The technological advancement that IWK uses in the treatment of wastewater should bolster confidence among Malaysians as it is at par with other developed countries. Water Reclamation projects is way forward in creating 2nd tap for industrial use in Malaysia. The high quality standard of treated effluent can be reused as an alternative water source (2nd tap) and IWK has high potential to produce non-potable water. IWK is putting great emphasis and focus on Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) projects, as the outcome from the treatment plants can be reused for non-potable use.

Session Speaker

Mr. Narendran Maniam

Chief Executive Officer,
Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK)

Topic 3:

Challenges of Creating a Climate Resilient Water Infrastructure

Abstract

The impact of climate change is increasingly important for the design, construction, and maintenance of water sector infrastructure. Average global temperatures are on the rise, causing cycles of extreme weather: droughts and flooding are becoming common; seawater level are rising; and many locations are considerably drier, impacting water sources such as lakes and rivers. Water supply system must meet the demands of expanding industry needs and rapid population growth. Pollution adds to the growing threats to water resources, increasing treatment requirements for providing safe water to consumer. Malaysia is also no exception that are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Water Operator are facing an increasing need to improve the management of water resources and associated infrastructure. Diversifying sources of water supply will become increasingly important whether through the construction of new storage facilities, the appropriate and sustainable extraction of groundwater, water trading or conservation, or the use of recycled or desalinated water. Ranhill SAJ Sdn Bhd, a water utility company that manage and distribute water supply in the State of Johor with 1.3 million registered customers faces challenges in its daily operation with the need to upgrade the existing water supply infrastructure and with several other constraints. Planning for the adaptation of resilient water infrastructure to climate change in Johor has been implemented since 2000 through the Business Plan approved by SPAN where some CAPEX projects have been completed and others are still being implemented. In the Business Plan for the Fifth Operational Period (OP5), Ranhill SAJ will implement 50 no. of water supply projects that take into account the needs of climate-resilient water infrastructure estimated at RM 397.8 million and RM935 million for the pipe replacement program. These projects are expected to be completed by 2026. In addition, there are also other projects for water resource infrastructure that will implement under the Ministry of Environment and Water (KASA) to meet the needs of raw water by 2026 and beyond. Ranhill SAJ is also committed to conducting studies on daily operational data and will be embarking on the route to digital transformation with the setting up of a command center enable to gather data on the state’s water supply system and be kept up to date with real-time information in order to use in making forecasts to be ready for any possible weather/climate change in managing the water distribution supply and minimize water disruption.

SESSION Speaker

Tuan Haji Anuar bin Abdul Ghani

Director of Operations,
Ranhill SAJ Sdn Bhd

Topic 4:

Digitalization towards Water Sustainability and Resilience

Abstract

Water is a scares resource which is depleting every single day. Ensuring water sustainability and resilience with the current and future technology is no longer an option. What is the bigger picture of tomorrow water network system?
Digitalization is the answer for the future network water system. The adoption of digitalization has been further accelerated due to the Covid-19 locked down. Smart instrumentations, data transmission and analytics opens up the possibility for water consumption prediction and predictive maintenance. Data integration is scalable and can be fully integrated to any third party or existing cloud via API. In future, artificial intelligence with machine learning will enable plant to be run autonomously. Let digitalization helps you to:

• Maximize transparency of water networks anywhere, anytime to enable operational reliability.

• Automate your distributed sensors to ensure compliance and eliminate manual data collection.

• Optimize your network availability to improve operational efficiency and reduce commercial losses.

Ms. Anne Lim

Division Marketing Manager ,
Endress+Hauser Malaysia

Country Session Moderator

Associate Professor Dr. Norhayati Abdullah

Associate Director,
UTM International Kuala Lumpur,
University Technology Malaysia

Friday | 6 August 2021

Plenary Session 1

  • 10:00 - 11:00 (GMT+8)

Main Topic:

Water Management within Planetary Health

plenary session Speaker

Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang

Secretary General,
Ministry of Environment and Water Malaysia (KASA)

Plenary Session Moderator

Datuk Ir. Abdul Kadir Mohd Din

Immediate Past President,
Malaysian Water Association (MWA)

Plenary Session 2

  • 11:30 - 13:00 (GMT+8)

Main Topic:

Post Pandemic: Public-Private Partnerships for Water Infrastructures

Abstract

In this session, we will see the Chief Economic Advisor for Salcon Engineering Berhad, Dato’ Dr. Tan Yew Chong, sharing his experience and expertise within the scope of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Malaysia. Due to the impact of Covid-19 Pandemic, using PPP model for water and wastewater infrastructure development could reduce the financial burden of the government. The content of this presentation covers the concept and model of PPP; the structure of PPP and its achievements; PPP for water and waste water services, issues and challenges, and the way forward. In addition, this paper intends to share the success stories of Salcon Berhad and how does the company plays a significant role as an integrated service provider in water and waste water services, particularly in water projects investment via PPP model.

plenary session Speaker

Dato’ Dr. Tan Yew Chong

Chief Economic Advisor, Malaysia - China Business Council (MCBC)
Senior Advisor,
Salcon Engineering Berhad

Plenary Session Moderator

Dr. Ir. Ts. Hj. Mohmad Asari bin Daud

President,
Malaysian Water Association (MWA)