Image: NTU Prof Hu Xiao presenting material science and environmental sustainability at the Singapore Pavilion at the Osaka World Expo 2025.
Earlier this week, NTU Singapore brought together global academic leaders, industry innovators, and policymakers who share a common vision of building a resilient and sustainable future at the Singapore Pavilion of the World Expo in Osaka.
Held on 11 June as part of the World Expo's thematic programming, the event underscored NTU's commitment to tackling global challenges such as climate change, sustainable materials, and water security through interdisciplinary research and international collaboration.
At the event, Prof Lee Pooi See, NTU's Vice President (International Engagement), emphasised the pivotal role of global partnerships in driving transformative innovation. Prof Hu Xiao from the School of Materials Science and Engineering and Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute (NEWRI) then highlighted research advances in sustainable materials and water innovation that are reshaping future industries.
Another highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NTU spin-off Atera Water Pte Ltd and Vietnam-based CA Water Infrastructure. The MOU aims to strengthen regional cooperation in water technologies. The agreement was formalised with remarks by CEO of Atera Water and NTU alumnus Dr Adrian Yeo, and Dr Dinh Minh Dao, Managing Director of CA Water Infrastructure.
Image: (L-R) The panellists are Prof Hu Xiao from NTU Singapore, Prof Kohzo Ito from The University of Tokyo, Dr Adrian Yeo from Atera Water in Singapore, and Dr Dinh Minh Dao from CA Water Infrastructure in Vietnam. The panel discussed innovations in sustainable materials and water technologies.
A panel discussion featuring experts including Prof Hu Xiao, Prof Kohzo Ito from the University of Tokyo, Dr Adrian Yeo, and Dr Dinh Minh Dao, explored the role of science, technology, and policy in advancing water sustainability in Asia.
The second half of the programme, led by the Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS), focused on climate resilience. Prof Adam Switzer, Director of the Climate Transformation Programme at EOS, delivered a keynote on the climate risks facing equatorial Southeast Asia, highlighting the urgent need for adaptation in the face of rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
Image: Prof Adam Switzer, Director of the Climate Transformation Programme at the Earth Observatory of Singapore, presenting at the Singapore Pavilion during NTU's session.
This was followed by another keynote presentation from Assoc Prof Steve Yim, Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Health at EOS, who touched on the growing health impacts of climate change and the importance of integrated environmental and public health strategies.
The session concluded with a Q&A segment involving participants from academia, government, and industry, followed by networking and discussions on cross-sectoral approaches to sustainability and resilience.
