Learning from local companies

You must have heard of NEWater, the alternative source of water supply in Singapore. Have you wondered what technology goes into creation of the NEWater?

The Seletar NEWater plant uses Hyflux's Kristal300TM ultra-filtration membranes which have the capacity to produce 24,000 cubic metres of NEWater daily. The company was able to incorporate and customise its in-house membranes for the more demanding filtration processes NEWater required. Hyflux's innovative applications and research have pushed back the boundaries of what was previously impossible, leveraging on partnerships with local universities and institutes, as well as overseas subsidiaries.

In order to reduce duplication and enhance cost-effectiveness, Hyflux signed a strategic alliance agreement with A2W, a company located in California, USA. A2W - via its wholly-owned subsidiary - is the owner of many patents, either granted or pending. These patents cover claims for a technology that is able to produce potable water from ambient atmospheric water vapour. Hyflux Ltd, in collaboration with A2W, developed a product, Aquosus System, using A2W's patented technology and Hyflux's advanced membrane and disinfection technologies. This is a case of a strategic alliance where one party supplies the technical know-how or IP while the other party provides financial resources and/or other expertise - a joining of forces leveraging on each other's strengths and expertise.

Said Mr Lim Kim Seng, Executive Vice President - Finance, Company Secretary of Hyflux:"Our company tracks IP in our target markets in Singapore, Malaysia, China, and the Middle East - be it via our informal network, through customer/supplier or the sharing of information or technology between associations with institutions, and the institutes of higher learning. In a borderless global environment, it becomes critical that knowledge and skills are valued and developed. Recognising that knowledge and technology have shorter life span, any change can be easily broadcasted. Therefore it is necessary to identify and develop relevant skill-sets in niche areas in order to protect the intellectual capital within an organisation."