Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of Singapore

JOINT NEWS RELEASE BY NEA, NTU SINGAPORE, AND NUS

17 June 2026 – Singapore has launched its first national research centre dedicated to advancing science and innovation in residue and toxic industrial waste management. The Towards Resource Efficiency And Sustainability for URban EnvironmentS (TREASURES) centre was announced today by Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Dr Janil Puthucheary at Catalyst 2026.

TREASURES Launched as National Research Platform, with NTU as Host Institute, to Advance Waste Innovation

 2.           TREASURES is a national research and innovation platform jointly established by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore). It brings together the broader Singapore research ecosystem, with the National University of Singapore (NUS) and other Institutes of Higher Learning as key partners. TREASURES is supported with S$35 million under the Closing The Resource Loop Funding Initiative (RIE 2025), with NTU as the host institute for TREASURES from 1 January 2026 to 31 March 2030. NTU has also committed dedicated facilities to support the centre’s operations. Beyond being a national research platform, TREASURES connects academia, industry, and government to accelerate the translation of research into practical, scalable solutions.

3.           TREASURES was established to strengthen Singapore’s capabilities in managing residue and toxic industrial waste, as part of our broader efforts to build a more resource-efficient and resilient waste management system. As waste streams become more complex and land constraints persist, TREASURES will focus on advancing science and innovation to enable more sustainable, circular approaches to waste management beyond disposal.

TREASURES to Drive Innovation in Waste Solutions and Support Transformation of Semakau Landfill

4.          The centre’s research efforts are organised across four dedicated nodes:

(i) waste flow analytics, which maps and models waste streams across Singapore to identify opportunities for resource recovery;

(ii) landfill transformation, which develops technologies to recover and repurpose materials currently sent to Semakau Landfill;

(iii) toxic industrial waste solutions, which focuses on advanced treatment and recovery methods for complex industrial waste streams; and

(iv) risk assessment and standards, which ensures that repurposed materials meet stringent safety and environmental requirements for broader adoption.

5.          To drive research and innovation in these areas, TREASURES will launch its first grant call from 17 June to 17 August 2026, 17:00 SGT. The grant call is open to all Institutes of Higher Learning, research institutes, and companies, and will support projects that advance practical, scalable solutions for residue and toxic industrial waste management, while strengthening collaboration across academia, industry, and government agencies.

6.          Beyond its core research, TREASURES will build a collaborative innovation ecosystem to support the translation of research to full-scale adoption. This will be achieved through close industry engagement, access to test-bedding and regulatory platforms, capability building, and encouraging knowledge sharing and exchange through local and international partnerships.

7.          These efforts will support longer-term goals, including the transformation of Semakau Landfill to enable more sustainable and circular approaches to waste and residue management, while reducing reliance on landfilling over time.

8.          Mr Ng Keng Wei, Group Director (Joint Operations and Technology Group), NEA, said, “TREASURES strengthens Singapore’s capabilities in managing complex waste and residue streams by bringing together our Institutes of Higher Learning, industry partners and government agencies to co‑develop innovative, scalable solutions. Over time, this will support our transition towards a more circular and resource-efficient waste management system, including our long-term ambition to transform Semakau Landfill.”

9.          Chair of NTU’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, said, “Waste management is a long-term challenge for Singapore given our limited land size and research has an important role to play in developing more sustainable and practical solutions. NTU is honoured to host TREASURES and work with NEA, Institutes of Higher Learning, industry partners and government agencies to develop and advance innovative technologies that can help Singapore reduce waste, recover resources and strengthen the resilience of its waste management system.”

10.          Professor Karina Gin, Acting Head, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, NUS, said, “As a key partner in the TREASURES initiative, the National University of Singapore looks forward to contributing our multidisciplinary expertise to address Singapore’s pressing landfill capacity challenges by translating scientific advances into practical environmental solutions. We aim to accelerate the transformation of Semakau Landfill from a conventional waste disposal site into a hub for circularity, extending its operational lifespan and ensuring a more resilient, resource-efficient future for Singapore.”

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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, arrived in Hong Kong today (June 16) to conduct an inspection of Hong Kong’s alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and the advancement of the Northern Metropolis development.

     In the morning, Mr Xia visited the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area Community Liaison Centre in the company of the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee. He was briefed on the planning and development of the new development area, particularly on the pilot area of large-scale land disposal in Hung Shui Kiu and the development of the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park. During the visit, Mr Xia was also briefed on the transport planning as well as the construction of the railway and the Smart and Green Mass Transit System in the new development area.

     Mr Xia later paid a visit to the Hung Shui Kiu University Town Area to inspect the planning, development vision and latest progress of the Northern Metropolis University Town. He also visited the Light Public Housing on Yau Pok Road, Yuen Long, to listen to a briefing on the latest progress of the Light Public Housing projects. He then visited a family of four and had an exchange with them.

     Next, Mr Xia visited the Microelectronics Centre in Yuen Long InnoPark to learn about the innovation and technology industry developments in Hong Kong.

     In the afternoon, Mr Xia went to the Kwu Tung North New Development Area to inspect the construction progress of housing, transport, government offices and other ancillary facilities in the area. He later visited the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Loop to learn about its overall development plan and latest position, as well as the construction progress of the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster site. Mr Xia afterwards visited the Central Government-Aided Emergency Hospital in the Lok Ma Chau Loop to inspect its operations.

     In the evening, Mr Xia visited AsiaWorld-Expo to learn about how Hong Kong transforms mega events into new economic impetus to help the city seize the development opportunities brought about by the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

     Officials accompanying the visits included the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau; the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho; the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Miss Janice Tse Siu-wa; and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip.

     Mr Xia will continue his visit to Hong Kong tomorrow (June 17).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)’s 60th Anniversary Cocktail Reception today (June 16): 

Professor Fred Ma (Chairman of the HKTDC, Professor Frederick Ma), Deputy Commissioner Li (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Mr Li Yongsheng), Director Xu (Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Xu Weigang), Ms Sophia Chong (Executive Director of the HKTDC), Consuls-General, friends of the HKTDC, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     A very good evening. It is a great pleasure to join you tonight in celebration of the HKTDC’s 60th anniversary. 

     It is indeed a milestone not just for the TDC, but also Hong Kong. Last year, Hong Kong rose to become the world’s fifth-largest merchandise trading economy – I think that’s what just Fred Ma reminded us. That, ladies and gentlemen, reaffirms Hong Kong’s remarkable rise to become an international trade centre – one that champions free and multilateral trade, and one that has never stopped evolving, adapting, and thriving.

     That achievement is in no small part attributed to the tremendous contribution of the TDC. My thanks, and congratulations, to the TDC and to each and every one of its hard-working, and smart-working past and present staff over the past six decades of stellar achievement. 

     The TDC was founded in Hong Kong in 1966, and quickly expanded overseas, setting up offices in London, Nairobi, New York and Sydney.

     That was at a time when products manufactured in Hong Kong such as textiles, electronic goods, plastics and toys were taking on the world. To buyers around the world, the “Made in Hong Kong” mark signified quality, value and reliability. The TDC was then promoting the brand of Hong Kong, beginning with the International Samples Fair in Barcelona, in June 1966. That autumn, it ran major product promotions in London and Stuttgart in the then West Germany, as well as department stores in nine major US cities. 

     And yes, the TDC has always been at the forefront of promoting Hong Kong’s external trade. From organising trade fairs and business missions, to building global networks and digital platforms, the TDC today continues to play a pivotal role in connecting Hong Kong companies with markets around the world. 

     And at every crossroad along the way, the TDC has worked tirelessly to shape and reinforce Hong Kong’s status in global trade, while at the same time helping to transform the city from a manufacturing hub into an international financial, trade, logistics and services centre.

     From garments, rattan furniture and plastic flowers, to watches, transistor radios and toys in the old days, and to fintech, intellectual property and many high-value added industries at present – the diversity of products and services offered by Hong Kong demonstrates how our economy has evolved to meet changing circumstances. This is a story based on the spirit of resilience and innovation of the Hong Kong people.

     Throughout Hong Kong’s many transformations, the TDC has always been there, promoting and developing our small-and-medium enterprises, and telling our good stories to the world, through its extensive network of more than 50 global offices covering over 100 countries. 

     The theme of the TDC’s 60th anniversary, namely “Connect the World, Shape the Future”, perfectly captures both its legacy and its vision. Hong Kong has long been a connector between East and West. The principle of “one country, two systems” ensures that Hong Kong shall maintain unparalleled connectivity with the Chinese Mainland and the world.

     In today’s fragmented global landscape, amid continuing challenges in international trade, connectivity has become much more important than ever. But we are not simply connecting people together in a literal sense. The TDC, as an excellent example of Hong Kong’s role, has been converting connections into collaborations, and collaborations into mutually beneficial opportunities. By doing so, it has enabled the formation of partnerships that are enduring and forward-looking, which in turn help to shape tomorrow’s economy collectively. I suppose that’s why Hong Kong is not only a “super connector”, but also a “super value-adder”.

     For 60 years, we have worked side by side – the Government’s policy priorities coupled with steadfast support combined with the TDC’s global network and on-the-ground expertise. Together, we have advanced Hong Kong’s trade and economic development. And together, we are building Hong Kong’s flourishing future.

     Just two weeks ago, the Chief Executive led a high-level business delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. It was the largest delegation that he has led to date, both in terms of the number of delegates – 75 business and institutional leaders from Hong Kong and the Mainland – and of the variety of participating sectors and industries. 

     The Central Asia mission yielded promising results, with 15 MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) and agreements signed at the government level, and 81 MOUs and agreements reached by our businesses and institutions with their Central Asian counterparts. The Government is confident they will create long-term economic and trade co-operations for all concerned. 

     As the Chief Executive has said, the visit’s great success was due, in large part, to the TDC’s painstaking assistance in the organisation of the mission. From high-level business matching to on-the-ground logistics, the TDC’s support was indispensable. 

     Bringing people, businesses, governments and opportunities together is something the TDC has been doing, and doing well, for 60 years. 

     In Chinese culture, 60 years represents the completion of a full cycle: 一個甲子. It does not mark an end, but the beginning of a new cycle. It reminds us that after six decades of growth, wisdom and achievements, the time has come to welcome a new, and even more successful chapter. And hence, we are looking forward to another 60 years of success and beyond for the TDC. 

     May I conclude by saying, once again, happy birthday, the TDC. And I hope you all have a very enjoyable evening. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region