2nd Asia Pacific Youth Water Forum (APYWF)

The International Award Association (IAA) Asia Pacific Office through the kindness of Ms. Sue Walker, Regional Director (Asia Pacific), extended their thanks and appreciation to the youth delegates, hosts, supporters and participating countries on the success of the 2^nd Asia Pacific Youth Water Forum (APYWF) held in Singapore last June 25-30, 2010.

The APYWF is one of the many activities prepared by the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Council as part of the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW). Now on its second year, the forum was participated by at least 100 youth leaders from Singapore and other overseas participants from the Asia Pacific Region including Farhana Meghami Zulhash (Bangladesh), Faat Chan (Hong Kong), Freya Katre and Ankit Durga (India), Nacitta Swissanto (Indonesia), Sonber Sohail (Pakistan), Biyangi Harshika Silva (Sri Lanka) and Leo Angelo Cabasag (Philippines). It provided an opportunity for these young leaders to get together in order to be more aware about the water issues and concerns faced by their respective countries. The participants shared their best ideas, perspectives, and practices on how to resolve this global concern and to try to bring about positive change.

Each delegate spoke about topics concerning potable water supply and water conservation. Everyone just found it perplexing because compared to Singapore, neighboring countries are actually rich with water resource but having serious problems with regards to clean water.

The event held in the Courtyard Room, Marina Barrage was graced and kicked off by the NYAA Gold Award Holder and Chairperson, Organizing Committee of the APYWF, Ms. Joyce Koh and by the Senior Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs Assoc Prof Ho Peng Kee. This was followed shortly by a keynote speech by Mr. Liak Teng Lit, Chief Executive Officer, Alexandra Hospital and Chairman, Water Network who spoke about his personal experiences and about being indifferent to the environment particularly to water during his childhood days. At present, Mr. Liak Teng Lit is a strong advocate of conserving Singapore’s water resource, he urged everyone, especially the youth, to get involved in saving the environment, be wise in using man-made materials that can pollute the water system, and be proactive before it is too late. Presentations were also given by Mr Yap Kheng Guan Director 3P Network Department PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency and Mr Colin Lennox, Co-founder of OZ Green in Australia.

The weeks’ activities included field visits and attending the Opening Ceremony of the Singapore International Water Week & World Cities Summit 2010. SIWW is the global platform for water solutions. The event being held this week welcomes 12,000 visitors to its five flagship events and more than 90 co-located events. The World Cities Summit brings together 1,000 ministers, governors, mayors and leaders for several key events.

With reports from Ms. Sue Walker and Mr. Leo Cabasag.