Sembcorp's Nanjing water hub secures partnership of two Chinese research institutes

A WATER hub in China owned by a unit of Sembcorp Industries has secured two respected Chinese water research institutes as strategic partners.

The two state-level institutes - National Engineering Research Centre for Special Separation Membranes and the National Environment Protection Organic Chemical Wastewater Treatment and Recycling Engineering Centre - will set up a presence at the Nanjing International Water Hub.

The former, backed by Nanjing Tech University, has strong expertise in applying membrane solutions for industrial and wastewater treatment. The latter, under Nanjing University, is well known for its wastewater treatment and water reclamation expertise.

They will carry out research and development (R&D) activities at the hub, and offer technical consultancy services such as for test-bedding and water technology validation purposes to companies operating there, said Sembcorp.

They also plan to work with the water hub to hold industry events and seminars.

The water hub on Tuesday signed memorandums of understanding with the two research institutes at the Singapore International Water Week.

The Nanjing International Water Hub is set up by Sembcorp Properties, a wholly owned unit of Sembcorp Industries. Targeted to be completed in 2018, it will feature fully-equipped R&D facilities, business and conference space.

Sembcorp hopes to build it as a leading centre for investors and operators of water facilities, technology and R&D providers, government agencies, academia and research institutions, to create a vibrant ecosystem.

"This will create a conducive platform for the rapid commercialisation of innovative water technologies, and offer water companies enhanced access to opportunities in both the China and global markets," said Sembcorp.