- Inks MOUs with SWA, Ngee Ann Polytechnic and EMAS to facilitate research, technology transfer and joint collaboration in projects
Singapore, Wednesday, 16 June 2010 - As more corporations and governments are joining hands to address challenges presented by climate change and a burgeoning global urban population, numerous opportunities abound for the Sustainable Development sector. Singapore and German companies, working together, are well placed to leverage these encouraging business trends and engage in more fruitful technological and business collaborations. This was highlighted by key industry experts and government agencies from Singapore and Germany who briefed the local business community today at the Singapore-Germany Business Seminar on Environmental Investment Opportunities and Technology Collaboration. The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) also signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with three partners to further cascade green technology and facilitate collaboration among companies, institutes of higher learning and government agencies.
Singapore-German business tie-ups in Clean Energy Sector
Guest-of-Honour His Excellency, Mr. Jorg Ranau, Ambassador of Federal Republic of Germany to Singapore graced the forum which was held by SBF's Sustainable Development Business Group (SDBG) and co-organised by DTC Conference. The forum was attended by more than 100 participants from sectors of Clean Technology, Water and Environment, and Solar Energy.
In his opening address, SBF CEO Mr. Teng Theng Dar said, "SBF is pleased to partner Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (SGC) in putting together today's seminar. Going forward, SBF intends to expand this collaboration with SGC by bringing innovative companies and technologies from Germany keen to partner Singapore companies to target both local and regional business opportunities in eco-city and green urban solutions."
"SDBG will facilitate the formation of consortiums in targeting such opportunities by leveraging on our partnership with SGC and local industry vertical partners namely the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS), Singapore Water Association (SWA) and the Environmental Management Association of Singapore (EMAS) in the areas of clean energy, energy efficiency, sustainable water solutions, environmental management and waste recycling," Mr. Teng added.
Singapore has good connectivity as the gateway to the Asian market and Germany enjoys a renowned reputation as the one of the world's premium providers of high-quality technical products and practical expertise, particularly in the field of clean energy and energy efficiency. Thus both sides could leverage on each other's strengths and engage in tie-ups in the areas of manufacturing, test-bedding of new products and solutions, joint collaboration and cascading of green technology to partners.
Speakers from German companies such as Portelet Holdings Pte. Ltd, SolConTec International AG and Conergy also touched on issues regarding opportunities in the Cleantech and Sustainability Sectors, Solar PV Markets in Germany and China, and overcoming challenges in Renewable Energy Markets. For the Singapore side, International Enterprise Singapore presented its most recent findings on positioning Singapore companies for the new green economy, while JTC Corporation updated participants on business opportunities in Cleantech Park. SPRING Singapore covered the Capability Development of Green Enterprises, while Singapore-based German company Osram Opto Semiconductor spoke on the deployment of Energy Efficient LEDS in Green Energy Solutions.
SBF signs MOU with three partners
Also happening at the seminar was the signing of MOU between SBF and three other partners - Singapore Water Association, Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Environmental Management Association of Singapore (EMAS).
SBF-SWA MOU
SBF will work with Singapore Water Association (SWA), the national body of private sector water players, to strengthen the collaboration in sustainable development, specifically in the area of sustainable water solutions, which includes areas like wastewater management & recycling, and water conservation & efficiency for green building. Both SBF and SWA will share information and seek joint project opportunities for Singapore companies in areas like eco-city and green buildings.
"The need for innovative, environmental-friendly solutions that meet the demands of a new green economy presents important challenges as well as opportunities for Singapore companies. As a national body of private sector water players, Singapore Water Association (SWA) is pleased to work with SBF through this MOU to organize events and programmes that can promote the development of sustainable water solutions in Singapore and overseas," said Mr. Tang Kin Fei, President of the Singapore Water Association. Mr. Tang is also an SBF Council Member and the Group President & CEO of Sembcorp Industries Ltd.
SBF-NP MOU
The MOU with Ngee Ann Polytechnic, through its Centre of Innovation for Environmental & Water Technologies, seeks to create a platform that allows SBF member companies to tap on the polytechnic for knowledge sharing and technology transfer through sustainable development related training courses and seminars. Furthermore, the MOU seeks to facilitate the Singapore companies' project collaborations with the polytechnic in applied research and technology projects on sustainable development; and boost the professionalism and upgrade the technical capabilities of Singapore's manpower in the sustainable development industry.
"The partnership with the Singapore Business Federation will strengthen our links with SBF companies which face environmental and water technology challenges. We look forward to working in collaboration with these companies to tackle the challenges. We are also excited about the prospect of establishing student internships and graduate job-matching with these companies," said Mr. Chia Mia Chiang, the Principal of Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
SBF-EMAS MOU
SBF and EMAS will work together in promoting sustainable business practices for industries that are geared towards environmental health; as well as encouraging the local businesses in the adoption of new, green and sustainable technologies. The MOU also aims to facilitate project collaborations through SBF's Clean Energy Testbedding Community and allows EMAS to tap on SBF links to facilitate student internships and career opportunities in the area of environmental health.
Deanne Ong, President of EMAS, said, "The Environmental Management Association of Singapore (EMAS) is very excited to have formalized the collaboration and partnership with SBF. There are various areas that we have agreed to work together which will have direct benefit for members. As the current President of the association, I am truly honored to be able to spearhead the drive towards forging a stronger partnership with SBF and hope especially to see friendships formed with our members with similar industries through SBF that will make the journey both fruitful and enjoyable for our members."
EMAS Media Contact
Deanne Ong (Mrs), President, Email: deanne@origin.com.sg
Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Sadiah Ahmad, Manager, Media Relations (Corporate Communications Office),
Tel: 6460 6232, Email: sadia@np.edu.sg
Singapore Water Association
Michael Ng, LEAD Manager, Tel: 65150812, Email: michael.ng@swa.org.sg
About Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Ngee Ann Polytechnic is one of Singapore's leading institutions of higher learning, with over 15,000 full-time students, about 1,500 part-time students and a vibrant alumni community of more than 100,000. The polytechnic offers 47 full-time diplomas in diverse areas such as business, engineering, sciences, infocomm technology, media and humanities, and a wide range of part-time programmes.
The polytechnic aims to provide relevant, balanced and value-added curricula by creating an effective teaching and learning environment.
As the first polytechnic in Singapore to introduce interdisciplinary studies to students, Ngee Ann pioneered a broad-based and multi-disciplinary approach to learning.
It was the first polytechnic in Singapore to launch Mobile e-Learning (MeL) in 1999, integrating a notebook ownership scheme, a wireless campus network and an e-learning platform. The entire polytechnic is now fully enabled for students to connect to the wireless network. About 95% of all the teaching modules are now available online.
Ngee Ann was also the first to partner an overseas educational institution to offer a degree under the Ministry of Education's Polytechnic-Foreign Specialised Institution collaboration framework. Another key thrust for the polytechnic is forging partnerships with industry and research partners to enrich students' learning journey and keep them up-to-date with market practices. For more information, ,please visit:
About Environmental Management Association of Singapore (EMAS)
A change for the better does not happen spontaneously. It needs to be initiated, driven and sustained. It requires the dedicated efforts of individuals and groups who make it their mission to be change makers. The Environmental Management Association of Singapore (EMAS) aims to be a place of congregation for cleaning and pest control companies which want to help shape our industry, as well as the outlook of environmental health in Singapore.
Over the years EMAS has achieved much as a collective body. Representing the interests and viewpoints of cleaning and pest control companies, EMAS has pushed for increased accreditation and training standards for workers within the industry. In the interest of raising the profile of environmental health and its importance EMAS has also initiated many other events to achieve our objectives. These include:
To promote and expand, the trade and manufacture or business of
environmental and hygienic services
To study and address environmental and industry concerns and issues
To promote the technical knowledge and skills of persons engaged in
environmental and hygienic services
To enhance the professional image and competence of members of the
Association
To foster information exchange and create potential strategic alliances
About Singapore Water Association boiler plate
The Singapore Water Association (SWA) is a dynamic collaboration among private sector players intent on bringing a new vibrancy to Singapore?s growing water industry.
The association aspires to play a role in efforts to profile and promote Singapore as a one-stop centre for all water-related services and as a water technology hub.
About DTC Conferences
DTC Conferences owns and organises Technology Focused International Conferences and Exhibitions in Singapore. Currently, DTC Conferences owns the DTA series of Conferences (since 2004) and the SATTECH series of conferences (since 2008). DTC Conferences aspires to facilitate world class companies with strategic innovations and technology solutions to showcase their unique products to the planners and decision makers in Asia through focused conference and exhibition forums held in Singapore - the Technology Hub of Asia. For more information on DTC,please visit:
About VZ SOLAR Technology Pte Ltd
VZ SOLAR Technology Pte Ltd was formed in 2007 with the vision to address needs of providing Solar Energy solutions in Asia by bringing new and cutting edge solutions and innovations in the Photovoltaic (PV) Domain. To this end, VZ SOLAR looks to work with cutting edge solution providers and innovators who are using PV technology to harness the energy from the sun for the needs of countries in Asia.
To facilitate the development of PV Technology and its usage, VZ Solar invests into key international companies that have the strategic technology and products.
VZ Solar is a key investor into SOLCONTEC International (SCTI), a leading German builder of Solar Power Plants in Europe.
VZ SOLAR believes PV Technology usage is in its early stages and Asia will benefit greatly from PV technology to provide clean energy. VZ SOLAR will also do the necessary customizations, adaptations and modifications to make these solutions commercially viable in the Asia.
Annex
Some examples of German companies in Singapore and SBF?s SDBG Community
1. BASF
2. Conergy
3. Infineon Technologies
4. OSRAM
5. Siemens
6. TUV
7. Phoenix Solar
8. Koelnmesse
Some examples of SDBG Singapore companies which bring in or represent technologies from Germany
1. Lipochem
2. Outboard and Marine
3. RMT Technologies
4. Melchers
5. Altimate Envirocare
6. Eonlux
7. Green Lots
8. Zeco Scooters
Key facts on Germany Clean Energy Sector
(Source: Germany Renewables book, published in 2009 by the German Energy Agency)
The German Wind Power Industry
The most powerful 6 MW turbines are operated in Germany. The German wind industry's technology also enjoys pole position in the world market. Worldwide, German manufacturers export complete drive systems, key components and condition monitoring systems (CMS). Complete turbines and components are also designed and produced in Germany before being exported around the globe. In 2008, German producers and suppliers earned 82% of their revenue from exports. German experts possess extensive knowledge of planning and project design, wind measurement and technical improvements for optimizing wind turbines.
The German Hydropower Industry
German companies have been designing, constructing and operating hydroelectric plants for more than one hundred years. This extensive experience forms the basis for the excellent quality of German hydroelectric products worldwide.
The German Photovoltaics Industry
There are currently just under 500,000 solar power systems operating in Germany alone, with a total output of 5,308MWp. In 2008, approximately 48,000 people were employed in the industry. Since the introduction of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) in 2000, and particularly since its amendment in 2004, the photovoltaic industry has grown dramatically. It also expects demand to increase worldwide under the current conditions.
The German Solar Thermal Energy Industry
More than 1.2 million solar thermal energy systems are already installed on German roofs. At the end of 2008, around 11.3 million m2 of solar collectors with a thermal energy capacity of around approximately 7,900 MW were installed. The industry has a turnover of approx. EUR 1.7 billion and employs around 25,000 people in production, sales, and installation.
The German Solar Thermal Power Plant Industry
The German government has been promoting the development of solar thermal power plants for several years, with the result that Germany is now the world leader in the research and development of this technology. German companies have high market shares in the supply of many key components such as the precision reflectors for parabolic trough power plants.
Opportunities in Water Sector for Singapore
The Clean Energy Sector is expected to create 7,000 jobs and contribute SGD$1.7 billion to Singapore's GDP by 2015. The Water Sector's value-added contribution to the GDP is predicted to rise from SGD$0.5 billion in 2003 to SGD$1.7 billion in 2015, and double its employment to 11,000 jobs, which comprise largely professional and skilled positions. Over the next decade, Singapore aims to supply technology and products to 3 percent of the global water market.
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