S’pore offers itself as green technology base

‘Singapore can be the regional emporium for environment technology where countries could shop around for tried and tested solutions offered by different companies.’

— Mr Khoo Chin Hean, director of the Environment Ministry’s Environmental Policy and Management Division.

A FOREIGN company which sold Singapore its first incineration plant several years ago later went on to sell several more to Taiwan — a move prompted by the plant’s successful operation here.

This Is an example of how Singapore can become the environment technology emporium of the Asia-Pacific region. Based on their experience in the Republic, foreign companies can showcase and sell their green technology to the Asian market, said an Environment Ministry official.

Mr Khoo Chin Hean, director of the Environmental Policy and Management Division of the Environment Ministry, was speaking to Australian business executives in the environment technology sector who attended a two-day workshop here.

The workshop, which ended yesterday, explored possible areas of collaboration with the Singapore Government and private sector.

On the benefits of using Singapore as a base, he told the 65 participants at the Australian High Commission of another example when Vietnamese officials were briefed on Singapore’s efforts to clean up its rivers.

The Vietnamese said that the Republic’s experience was applicable to their country, which is seeking to minimise the problem of pollution while embarking on its industrialisation efforts.

Mr Khoo said: "Singapore can be the regional emporium for environment technology where countries could shop around for tried and tested solutions offered by different companies."

the Australian High Corn. missioner, Mr Alan Brown, and ENV’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Tan Guong Ching, Is the first meeting following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on environmental cooperation between Australia and Singapore in October last year.

At the end of the workshop yesterday, officials from both countries agreed to develop and exchange data on environmental management capabilities in each country and to establish a mechanism for matchmaking Australian and Singapore companies.

Business and government representatives will also meet in a few months to review the progress.

The participants, including private sector representatives, academics and government officials from both countries, discussed government-to-government cooperation and commercial opportunities for joint ventures in areas like wastewater and solid waste management.

Mr Khoo said countries like Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, China and Taiwan are possible markets for environmental solutions to the problems of economic development.

The Environment Management Industry Association of Australia, which represents about 200 companies and government organisations, said it is estimated that the market for the next 10 years for East and Southeast Asia will be worth about US$60 billion (S$96 billion).

On collaboration with Singapore, an official of the association said that Singapore’s Asean network and market knowledge would complement Australia’s capability in providing the technological solutions.