Water tech hub launches in Singapore

A multidisciplinary centre for water, wastewater and energy technologies has been launched by global water tech company Xylem to create a new research and development hub at its regional headquarters in Singapore.

Xylem Technology Hub Singapore (XTHS) represents the company’s continued investment in sustainable water technologies, with research focusing on developing breakthrough technologies in water distribution and water and wastewater treatment.

One of the first projects Xylem is pursuing at the centre is a collaboration with A*STAR’s Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC). Xylem will combine its expertise in water technologies with IHPC’s expertise in computer modelling and simulations. Together, they will evaluate fluid–structure interaction in pipe flow to develop a new computational fluid dynamics model tailored for Xylem’s applications such as SmartBall and PipeDiver. The model will then be applied to the design and testing of other advanced products and solutions to be deployed in treatment plants and water distribution networks.

“This new multidisciplinary centre will create ample opportunities to innovate and collaborate with our customers as we work with them to tackle the region’s greatest water challenges, including water scarcity, affordability and infrastructure resilience,” Xylem President and CEO Patrick Decker said.

“Bringing research and development capability into our regional headquarters in Singapore puts all of Xylem’s market-leading technology capability in one location, focused on the region’s water technology and infrastructure solutions.”

IHPC Executive Director Dr Lim Keng Hui said, “We are glad that Xylem has decided to set up its regional headquarters in Singapore, to be plugged into the robust R&D ecosystem here. A*STAR is happy to contribute its deep capabilities in modelling and simulation for sustainable water technologies that will lead to good societal outcomes for Singapore and the region.”

In addition to the research and development hub, Xylem’s workspace will feature a customer experience and training centre, bringing together the company’s sales, customer support and technical capabilities for Southeast Asia.

“We’re excited about the energy and innovation that’s possible when we focus our resources, talent and technologies in one centre like this,” Decker continued.

“This new integrated facility will offer our customers and partners an immersive technology experience, as well as a state-of-the-art training centre. Singapore’s water sector continues to grow and innovate, so this is a great location to work together on solving the region’s water challenges.”

Work at the centre will also be supported by Xylem’s ongoing partnership with PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, to address challenges brought about by climate change and increasing water demand. Xylem continues to work with PUB on the development and implementation of technologies in common areas of interest, such as high-precision leak detection and condition assessment technologies, and using data analytics to pinpoint water loss.

“Singapore is an internationally recognised model city for integrated water management and a thriving global hydrohub because of our strong belief in R&D and continuous innovation to tackle current and future water challenges,” PUB Water Supply Network Director Ridzuan Ismail said.

“We are happy to work with Xylem to develop novel water solutions to enable IoT and data analytics to enhance our water network management. For instance, with predictive maintenance, we can achieve better resource optimisation and extend asset life of the infrastructures, thereby reducing water loss and strengthening the resilience of our water supply,” he said.

Singapore Economic Development Board Capital Goods Director Lim Tse Yong said, “We are delighted with Xylem’s expansion in Singapore, including the setting up of its new technology hub.

“This is testament to Singapore’s continued attractiveness as a location for companies to innovate and forge collaborations in developing solutions to meet the region’s needs. We look forward to the exciting technologies and solutions that Xylem will create in partnership with our innovation ecosystem.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/SmirkDingo