Your regional office
Hong Kong
8-9/F Chater House, 8 Connaught Road Central, Hong KongTelephone : +852 3191 1805
Contact us
Thematic investing
Water preservation: Singapore leads, but others catching up
January 2018
When it comes to water sustainability, Singapore is the global leader. But China is racing to close the gap.
Necessity is often the mother of invention. As a small island with no groundwater, limited water storage, a rapidly growing population and an expanding economy, it should not be surprising that Singapore has become a global leader in water recycling, conservation and technology.
An extra impetus comes from its reliance on a single source – Malaysia – for imported water, leaving it vulnerable to any diplomatic tensions. Consequently, Singapore is determined to achieve water self-sufficiency by 2060, a year before its water import treaty with Malaysia expires.Toilet to tap
The city state could serve an example to the world’s other water-starved regions, which is why it was picked as the destination for a research trip by members of the Pictet-Water Advisory Board, whose task is to advise our investment team on the latest trends and technological advances in the water sector.
road to water self-sufficiency
Singapore's water by source of production, % of total
Source: PUB
What they discovered is that Singapore’s success stems from several sources. Of these, technology is the easiest to share with the world. Singapore could teach other countries about preventing leaks with big data, or about its NEWater initiative, which cleans wastewater and then applies additional treatment processes – microfiltration, reverse osmosis and ultraviolet disinfection. The water made available through these processes is widely used in industry and is clean enough to drink. But technological know-how alone is not enough to power a water revolution.
Capital investment and changes in consumer behaviour are also necessary. Here too, Singapore leads. The city state is not only a major research centre for water technology but, through the establishment of pioneering public bodies such as the National Water Agency, PUB, it also ensured that water security and preservation is firmly at the top of the political and regulatory agenda.
China's commitment
Only countries with similar existential challenges are likely to have the motivation to follow in Singapore’s footsteps towards water sustainability leadership. China stands out as a top contender, according to our Advisory Board. It is home to 20 per cent of the world’s population but only 7 per cent of its fresh water.
The authorities are committed: in the first half of 2017 alone, China launched some 8,000 water clean-up projects worth USD100 billion. Efforts to change public behaviour are also falling into place, taking the form of education campaigns in schools, higher pollution fines and the appointment of 200,000 local “river chiefs” with personal responsibility for water quality in their areas.
With the government’s backing – and its purse – technology and innovation should not pose too much of a problem either. Singaporean water companies are among those vying to take advantage of Beijing’s nascent commitment to sustainability.
emerging water leaders in action
Local problem for the whole world
Water management problems are not limited to the emerging world. Parts of US and Australia, for example, are threatened by drought, whereas the Netherlands is at risk from floods. Developed nations sometimes lack the strong official focus on water demonstrated by Singapore and China, but benefit from greater involvement by the private sector.
better treatment
Percentage of treated wastewater in 2015 by country income level, and aspirations for 2030
Globally, the motivation to preserve surface water and below ground aquifers is only likely to get stronger. Rainfall patterns are changing, the global population is growing and natural fresh water resources – surface and underground – are being drained. Without action, by 2030, there will be a 40 per cent shortfall of fresh water.
Singapore’s example shows us that a lot of the technology for a sustainable water future is already here – and more is being developed. Other countries are now starting to identify both the existential risks posed by water mismanagement, as well as the opportunities for business and commerce presented by sustainability. With strong commitment to the cause, China and others can learn from Singapore’s example and build on it to create even more sustainable water systems.
Important legal information
This marketing document is issued by Pictet Asset Management. It is neither directed to, nor intended for distribution or use by any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of, or domiciled or located in, any locality, state, country or jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation. Only the latest version of the fund’s prospectus, the KIID (Key Investor Information Document), regulations, annual and semi-annual reports may be relied upon as the basis for investment decisions. These documents are available on assetmanagement.pictet.
This document is used for informational purposes only and does not constitute, on Pictet Asset Management part, an offer to buy or sell solicitation or investment advice. It has been established on the basis of data, projections, forecasts, anticipations and hypothesis which are subjective. Its analysis and conclusions are the expression of an opinion, based on available data at a specific date. The effective evolution of the economic variables and values of the financial markets could be significantly different from the indications communicated in this document.
Information, opinions and estimates contained in this document reflect a judgment at the original date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Pictet Asset Management has not taken any steps to ensure that the securities referred to in this document are suitable for any particular investor and this document is not to be relied upon in substitution for the exercise of independent judgment. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each investor and may be subject to change in the future. Before making any investment decision, investors are recommended to ascertain if this investment is suitable for them in light of their financial knowledge and experience, investment goals and financial situation, or to obtain specific advice from an industry professional.
The value and income of any of the securities or financial instruments mentioned in this document may fall as well as rise and, as a consequence, investors may receive back less than originally invested. Risk factors are listed in the fund’s prospectus and are not intended to be reproduced in full in this document.
Past performance is not a guarantee or a reliable indicator of future performance. Performance data does not include the commissions and fees charged at the time of subscribing for or redeeming shares. This marketing material is not intended to be a substitute for the fund’s full documentation or for any information which investors should obtain from their financial intermediaries acting in relation to their investment in the fund or funds mentioned in this document.
EU countries: the relevant entity is Pictet Asset Management (Europe) S.A., 15, avenue J. F. Kennedy, L-1855 Luxembourg
Switzerland: the relevant entity is Pictet Asset Management SA , 60 Route des Acacias – 1211 Geneva 73
Hong Kong: this material has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission or any other regulatory authority. The issuer of this material is Pictet Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited.
Singapore: this material is issued by Pictet Asset Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd. This material is intended only for institutional and accredited investors and it has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
For Australian investors, Pictet Asset Management Limited (ARBN 121 228 957) is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services license, under the Corporations Act 2001.
For US investors, Shares sold in the United States or to US Persons will only be sold in private placements to accredited investors pursuant to exemptions from SEC registration under the Section 4(2) and Regulation D private placement exemptions under the 1933 Act and qualified clients as defined under the 1940 Act. The Shares of the Pictet funds have not been registered under the 1933 Act and may not, except in transactions which do not violate United States securities laws, be directly or indirectly offered or sold in the United States or to any US Person. The Management Fund Companies of the Pictet Group will not be registered under the 1940 Act.
For US investors, Shares sold in the United States or to US Persons will only be sold in private placements to accredited investors pursuant to exemptions from SEC registration under the Section 4(2) and Regulation D private placement exemptions under the 1933 Act and qualified clients as defined under the 1940 Act. The Shares of the Pictet funds have not been registered under the 1933 Act and may not, except in transactions which do not violate United States securities laws, be directly or indirectly offered or sold in the United States or to any US Person. The Management Fund Companies of the Pictet Group will not be registered under the 1940 Act.
Pictet Asset Management Inc. (Pictet AM Inc) is responsible for effecting solicitation in North America to promote the portfolio management services of Pictet Asset Management Limited (Pictet AM Ltd) and Pictet Asset Management SA (Pictet AM SA).
In Canada Pictet AM Inc. is registered as Portfolio Manager authorised to conduct marketing activities on behalf of Pictet AM Ltd and Pictet AM SA. In the USA, Pictet AM Inc. is registered as an SEC Investment Adviser and its activities are conducted in full compliance with the SEC rules applicable to the marketing of affiliate entities as prescribed in the Adviser Act of 1940 ref. 17CFR275.206(4)-3.