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First Executive Program on
Leadership in Water Governance

Asian water utilities have their work cut out for them. They are expected to provide water supply and sanitation services to Asia’s 4 billion people but are perpetually overwhelmed by challenges contributing to poor service—from artificially low tariffs to staff incapacity, insufficient budgets for infrastructure development, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and more. Delivery of sustained world class service will require considerable help from various partners, not least of which is the Institute of Water Policy (IWP) at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP).

Launched in June 2008, the IWP aims to be a leading research centre in Asia for effective water policies, build and strengthen a water policy research network in the region, and increase the profile of water issues in national policy agenda. Towards these aims, IWP, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank, held its first Executive Program on Leadership in Water Governance.

The program exposed participants to best practices in water sector leadership and management. Among the best practices to be highlighted in the program are the experiences and insights of Singapore’s Public Utilities Board (PUB), which overcame its water challenges and turned its vulnerability into a strategic asset for the country. By investing in water technologies and R & D, PUB has put in place a diversified and sustainable water supply system for Singapore known as the Four National Taps: water from local catchment, imported water, reclaimed water (branded NEWater in Singapore) and desalinated water.

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The program was designed to help participants cope with new institutional, regulatory, and financial challenges in the water sector. At the end of the program, participants are expected to:

• Became familiar with the different dimensions of water institutions (water law, policies, and administration) and how they relate with each other
• Understood the economic and social drivers for integrated water resources management, and the different patterns of government, corporate, and civil society partnerships
• Discussed issues and good practices on tariff and standards regulation in water supply
• Recognized sources of finance for the water sector

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Policy makers in the water sector, senior managers in water utilities and companies, and senior government officials responsible for water resources management.

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Institute of Water Policy
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
National University of Singapore
469C Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 259772

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