The Malaysia International Water Convention (MIWC) 2023, the region's premier event for water industry professionals, recently took centre stage and brought together over 650 thought leaders, innovators, and practitioners from various sectors to explore sustainable solutions for a water-secure future.
“Engage, Exchange and Discover” technology and solutions that can transform the water industry
Pioneering the theme "Sustainability: Transforming Vision into Action," the 4-days eventheld at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur is anticipated to draw over 3,500 visitors from across the globe with an exciting line-up of events, including Conference, Exhibition, Forums, Workshops, Lab Crawl, Technical Tours, and Networking Reception.
During the event’s opening ceremony, Dr. Ir. Ts. Hj. Mohmad Asari Daud, President of the Malaysian Water Association said that the Malaysia International Water Convention is more than a conference; it is a nexus of ideas, a crucible for innovation, and a catalyst for change.
“In a world where the pursuit of sustainable practices has transitioned from aspiration to imperative, this convention serves as a vital platform for us to collectively translate our visions into tangible actions. The theme underscores the essence of our shared responsibility — to not only envision a world with resilient water ecosystems but to actively engage in the transformative actions required to achieve this vision,” he added.
The event is organised by the Malaysian Water Association (MWA) and PROTEMP Group, with Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN) as the co-organizer. The Convention is supported by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change; the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation; and the Ministry of Health Malaysia, the Malaysian Water Engineers Action Committee and the Malaysian Water Partnership.
The 2-day Conference on 5-6 December featured over 40 sessions covering the latest advancements, innovations, and best practices in the water industry in a wide range of topics, including:
Sustainable water management and governance
Water resource conservation and efficiency
Water treatment and reuse technologies
Innovative approaches to water infrastructure development
Minimising Waste and Maximising Efficiency: Non-Revenue water management
Adapting to Change: Resilience in the Face of Climate Disruption
Malaysia aims to reach 98% clean water coverage and 87.5% sewerage coverage for rural areas by 2025
According to Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii, Malaysia is committed to achieving these targets in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all.
"We will also be implementing measures to increase the financial sustainability of the water industry through tariff revisions. The restructuring of water tariffs is important for water operators to continue making continuous investments in infrastructure development needed to increase the operational efficiency and service quality to consumers," said Huang.
MIWC 2023 will host three crucial dialogues and forums:
The SPAN Dialogue: Focuses on the theme "Sustainability: Transforming Vision into Action," exploring innovative strategies and actionable steps towards a sustainable water supply in Malaysia.
The River Basin Management Dialogue: Titled "Flowing River Without Borders," will explore best practices in sustainable and integrated river basin management within and beyond boundaries.
The Roadmap for the National Agenda on Water Sector Transformation 2040 (WST2040): Outlines the implementation strategies, goals, and key performance indicators for the transformation of Malaysia's water sector.
Whether you are a water industry professional, a policymaker, or a passionate environmentalist, the MIWC 2023 exhibition is a golden opportunity to gain insights, discover solutions, and contribute to the shaping of a water-secure future for all.
Visit https://www.miwc.tech/ for more info.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
