Water management prize awarded

Dr Andrew Benedek, Canadian researcher and technopreneur, has received the inaugural Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize in Singapore. 

The Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize is an international award recognising an individual or organisation for outstanding contributions in the world of water management. 

Benedek pioneered the development of low-pressure membranes that enabled drinking water to be produced from even highly polluted water. Benedek’s water treatment stood out in a field of 39 international nominations. 

Low-pressure membranes use less energy, lower operating costs and greater ease of operation compared with conventional water purification technologies. The widespread adoption of low-pressure membranes has made the technology even more affordable. 

In addition, low-pressure membranes are also used in the pre-treatment stage in seawater desalination. This makes the process more cost effective and therefore more viable in many countries.

The award is the highlight of the inaugural Singapore International Water Week which will be held at Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 23–27 June.