Singapore, RoK firms cooperate in water solutions

Singapore's national water agency PUB and leading Republic of Korea (RoK) water firm Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) on April 14 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on knowledge sharing and developing solutions and initiatives related to water.
Singapore's national water agency PUB and leading Republic of Korea(RoK) water firm Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) on April 14signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on knowledgesharing and developing solutions and initiatives related to water.

Accordingly, the two sides will work together in smart water grids,water quality monitoring, water treatment processes and green energy.

PUB's Chief Technology Officer Harry Seah saidtechnology is a key driver in Singapore's journey towards watersustainability, adding that the cooperation will benefit both sides.

Healso expressed his hope that the link would pave the way for otherpartnerships and exchanges between Singaporean and RoK water companies.

Kim Jaebok, K-water Vice-President said the MoU will helpKorean water firms access the Asian water industry, affirming that bothleading national water corporations will play a vital role in thedevelopment of a global water sector in the future.-VNA

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