Attendees at Singapore International Water Week find it is easy to understand why the event has grown into one of the world’s premier forums for the technology innovators, business leaders, and policy makers in water. Following are just a sampling of “Quotable Quotes” from SIWW 2012 that were first published as tweets by PUB, the Singapore national water agency, and by Global Water Intelligence, a leading trade journal in the water industry. I also published a total of 8 blogs for Black & Veatch, which can be found on the www.waterdialogue.com site.

1. Key editorial in Sunday Times praises water progress in S’pore. Says now water less a strategic nightmare & more a potential bs. oppy #siww
2. Peter Holme Jensen, Aquaporin: ‘Nature is pretty smart and pretty sustainable, as long as we don’t interfere too much.’ #siww
3. Harry Heng, Water Optics Technology, foresees biggest sales challenge will be financial–convincing customers to pay initial capex #siww
4. At nexus of energy-water-waste are several outstanding new ‘disruptive’ technologies being featured in TechXchange workshop. #siww
5. Wendy Broley, MaxWest, has biogasification technology to reduce volume of sewage sludge >90% with energy-neutral process #siww
6. Wendy Broley, MaxWest, said processing biosolids can amount to up to 50% of cost of wastewater treatment #siww
7. Florian Bollen, memsys, thermal separation technology process V-MEMD, is scalable w small footprint with low capex and opex. #siww
8. Paul Barrett, Bilexis, recommends running technology trials with real not synthetic wastewater. #siww
9. Dr Piers Clark, Thames Water Utilities, said that success only comes when you out-deliver and outperform expectations #siww
10. Assaf Barnea, Kinrot Ventures, pointed out how utilities are ‘wired differently’ to entrepreneurs, but said PUB may be the exception #siww
11. Assaf Barnea, Kinrot Ventures, said Lux Research found water tech investments rebounding in 2012,eg increase no. of growth equity transactions. #siww
12. Harry Seah, Singapore PUB, gave tips to start-ups: Don’t oversell, don’t treat us like cash cow, value and respect the partnership team. #siww
13. Jonathan Clement, PWNT, need more innovators who understand full-scale engineering & more outside leaders as water industry incestuous. #siww
14. Mark Lane, Pinsent Masons, holds Wet Tuesdays, etc, invites tech cos. in to pitch&emphasizes importance of dealing early with IP issues #siww
15. Prof. Mark van Loosdrecht, our Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2012 laureate, will deliver the Singapore Water Lecture Water Lecture #siww
16. Record-breaking year for SIWW 2012. Day 1 launches with successful TechXchange workshop and GWI was there to capture highlights. #siww
17. Paul Barrett, Bilexis, said beachhead for their new technology is food/beverage industry as relatively cash rich. #siww
18. Wendy Broley, MaxWest, said processing biosolids can amount to up to 50% of cost of wastewater treatment #siww
19. Assaf Barnea, Kinrot Ventures, said technology innovators need to have good references, scalability and data. #siww
20. Assaf Barnea, Kinrot Ventures, quoted Vladimir Nabokov as saying, ‘A genius is an African who dreams of snow.’ #siww
21. Harry Seah, Singapore PUB, presented the end user perspective & said ‘If it’s a good idea, we will take the journey with you.’ #siww
22. Mark Lane, Pinsent Masons, ‘A fence at the top of the cliff is better than an ambulance at the bottom.’ #siww
23. Dr Piers Clark, Thames Water Utilities, pointed out challenging dynamics of different corporate characters with different viewpoints #siww
24. Dr Piers Clark contrasts corporate character of risk-embracing, fast-moving tech start-up&a risk-averse, frustratingly slow utility #siww
25. Dr Piers Clark pointed out similarities between tech entrepreneurs&utilities: both are technically competent and enthusiastic about tech #siww
26. Opening ceremony featured panel of world leaders discussing integrated challenges of increasing urbanisation and improving water management. #siww
27. Pamela Cox, World Bank, is setting up a global hub here to spread Singapore best practices in infrastructure and water management. #siww
28. Roland Busch, Siemens, said urban research shows that incremental development is not doing the trick so we need more pioneering solutions. #siww
29. HE Kamal Nath, India, promotes urbanisation by design not default&said dispersal of economic activity&urbanisation depends on better transport. #siww
30. Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore, PPP not substitute for l-t planning, but private sector can provide rigorous financial discipline&more radical proposals #siww
31. HE Kamal Nath, India, answered audience concern about corruption by saying transparent, participatory procurement process will help avoid potential. #siww
32. PM Lee Hsien Loong said in a city 1/2 size of London&1/3 Tokyo, S’pore has turned water from a strategic vulnerability into a strength #siww
33. Helen Clark, UNDP, said ‘we need stronger urban governance for sustainability which also takes into account the needs of urban poor.’#siww
34. HE Kamal Nath, India, listed challenges they face, such as optimal use of land assets, governance, mobility&urbanisation of youth. #siww
35. Djoko Kirmanto, Indonesia, presented solutions to challenges they face with an urban population to rise from 52% to 65% in 2025. #siww
36. Pamela Cox, World Bank, cited best practices with community-based approach to urban poverty&slum upgrading with diversified housing supply #siww
37. Henri Proglio, France, called cities the ‘motors of the economy’ responsible for highest use of energy, water and waste. #siww
38. Roland Busch, Siemens, said we need holistic approaches to planning, eliminating silo mentality, encouraging civil engagement and benchmarking. #siww
39. Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore, said that the quality of the environment is an enduring competitive advantage for a city. #siww
40. This year’s Water Expo provided 26,000 square meters (and 2 sore feet) of informational exhibits, with a wide range of technology on display #siww
41. Cool giveaways in the Water Expo, like clips for crisps, chocolates, reusable bags, etc. Best giveaway Wally Waterdrop keychain at PUB booth. #siww
42. Prof Mark Van Loosdrecht, Lee Kuan Water Prize winner, talked about innovations in water treatment during his Prize lecture. #siww
43. Loosdrecht: We need better integration of functionality in a city, building or office to create environment that stimulates innovation. #siww
44. Loosdrecht: Schumpeter definition of innovation is ideas applied successfully in practice vs invention, which is an idea made manifest #siww
45. Loosdrecht: Combination of 3 drivers–scientific questioning/curiosity, technical challenges and market demand–will lead to innovation #siww
46. Loosdrecht: Innovation is traditionally linear, so long time to market is result&emphasis is on product development, not innovation or inspiration #siww
47. Loosdrecht: New model isn’t linear but a cyclic innovation model circle of interacting progress, where innovation builds on innovation. #siww
48. Loosdrecht: Anammox development required curiosity and innovation #siww
49. Loosdrecht: The technology availability is less a challenge than managing the task of finding ways to recover investment costs from public #siww
50. Water Leaders Summit roundtable, led by Mr Khoo Teng Chye, focused on theme of Water Planning for Liveable and Sustainable Cities. #siww
51. Prof Wim Kuijken, the Netherlands: Three values form the foundation of the Delta programme: Solidarity, sustainability and flexibility. #siww
52. Prof Tony Wong, Australia: Problems like urban heat are emerging in Melbourne that require diffuse solutions as well as centralized ones. #siww
53. Dr Emilio Gabbrielli, IDA: Technology is tool to spread supply of water&make cities resilient, but still society needs to appreciate it&be ready to pay. #siww
54. Dr Bindu Lohani, ADB: Key issues are access to sanitation, pricing policy, urban water losses (up to $90bn yr), contamination and lack of info needed. #siww
55. Christopher Gasson, Global Water Intelligence, presented challenges to quantify water risk& predicted biotech will shape industry’s future. #siww
56. Christopher Gasson, GWI, addressed Industrial Water Solutions Forum and concluded: ‘Efforts to quantify water risk are doomed.’#siww
57. Christopher Gasson, GWI, at Industrial Water Solutions Forum: ‘Marginal cost of water usage is increasing.’#siww
58. Christopher Gasson, GWI, added: ‘Cost of water technology is shaping the market for water technologies.’#siww
59. Christopher Gasson, GWI, predicted: ‘In the longer run, biotech will revolutionize relationship between water and industry.’#siww
60. Jeremy Bentham, Shell: ”Someone once said, ‘If you want to run fast, go alone. if you want to go far, go together. We must go fast&far.” #siww
61. Doug Brown, Fortescue Metal Group: Mining water key influencers–scale, schedules/timing, appropriate technology, robust engineering. #siww
62. Jeremy Bentham, Shell, talked about the zone of uncertainty and extraordinary opportunity or misery during era of volatile transitions. #siww
63. Doug Brown, Fortescue Metal Group: Mining water challenges–quantity, quality, catchment scale, environ/heritage approvals & closure. #siww
64. Korea Business Forum: President of Korea’s Water Forum and Korea’s ambassador to Singapore delivered opening address to packed room. #siww
65. Korea Business Forum moderator Prof Eun Namkung, praised Korea’s great progress in water quality and quantity. #siww
66. China Business Forum: NeWater means new life, new opportunity, new birth for Singapore. It’s a proud product for Singapore. #siww
67. China Business Forum: With industrial wastewater, the problem is enforcement–need more dynamic process to solve issues. #siww
68. China Business Forum: ‘If you hate someone, send him to live downstream’ should be ‘If you love someone, you should clean the water upstream.’ #siww
69. Margaret Catley-Carlson, China Business Forum: The big dragon in the corner is agriculture accounting for 70-80% of water use. #siww
70. Margaret Catley-Carlson, China Business Forum: Companies you want to attract are those that are very transparent with clear value expectations. #siww
71. Yoshiro Mori, former PM of Japan: Tsunami/floods/heavy rain continue to trouble Japan so people-without any choice-must deal with these issues. #siww
72. Yoshiro Mori, former PM of Japan: There’s a saying that ‘If you are able to control the water, you are able to control the country.’ #siww
73. Yoshiro Mori, former PM of Japan: Noted significant changes in Singapore, a model ‘water city,’ and noted its contribution to tourism here. #siww
74. Japan Business Forum: Tokyo’s water loss rate is currently at only a little over 3% #siww
75. Norio Iijima, Tokyo’s water utility president said road to full recovery after natural disasters is long, hard one and thanked all for support. #siww
76. Norio Iijima, Tokyo’s water utility president: To meet water demands, need tech innovations, develop standards/guidelines, efficient management. #siww
77. Norio Iijima, Tokyo’s water utility president: Two of biggest challenges for Tokyo are capacity building and capability building. #siww
78. Norio Iijima, Tokyo’s water utility president: Another key issue is decreasing revenue due to population decrease leading to lower future demand. #siww
79. Margaret Catley-Carlson, China Business Forum: Instead of 3x growth with 6x more water, China has great growth w/o much increase in water use. #siww
80. China Business Forum: Critical to have clarity and transparency in tariff adjustment formula. #siww
81. China Business Forum: In China, you don’t always know where the bottom line is. #siww
82. During Korea Business Forum, wide range of public/private sector companies presented experiences and scope of services in water industry. #siww
83. Yoshiro Mori, former PM of Japan, at 5th annual Japan Business Forum: Singapore & Japan share same vision of preserving precious water. #siww
84. Norio Iijima, Tokyo’s water utility president at Japan Business Forum: When water assets match economic growth, high sustainability is possible. #siww
85. GWI sponsored 2nd in series of Global Water Leaders Group dialogues, with 2 dozen at breakfast event focused on value of water. #siww
86. The GWI Global Water Leaders Group breakfast dialogue attracted two dozen thought leaders to discuss the value of water. #siww