Singapore’s Water Story

Date:

Tuesday, 17 September 2019

Time:

11.00am – 12.00pm

Venue:

Conference Room 1, Level 10
Tahir Foundation Building (MD1)
Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health
National University of Singapore
12 Science Drive 2, S(117549)

Synopsis:

Singapore at independence was highly vulnerable to water shortages – importing most of its water from Malaysia, and by geographical fiat, appears to be likely to do so for the rest of its days. But in the space of 50 years, through a mix of price reforms judicious use of technology and large behavioural changes, it has transformed itself into a hydrological hub, able to supply a mix of desalinated and recycled water. This talk will focus on the lessons of this transformation which can be applied to many other cities in the world.

About the speaker:

Leong Ching’s work lies in making sense of apparently irrational environmental behavior, whether in refusal to use recycled water, underinvesting in water utilities, or decisionmaking in building dams and managing rivers. She uses narratives, perceptions and stories to understand collective public behavior as well as environmental identities. Her field research is focused on water institutions and governance in Asia.

Leong Ching has graduate degrees in philosophy, information technology and journalism. Before joining the university, she had a career in television and newspaper journalism.