WMRAS & NEA Launched Inaugural Solid Waste Management Event in Asia

Singapore, 5 July 2011 – Waste Management and Recycling Association of Singapore (WMRAS) and National Environment Agency (NEA) launched a brand new trade event, WasteMET Asia, an exhibition and conference in solid waste management and environmental technology. Co-located with Singapore International Water Week and World Cities Summit in July 2012, the inaugural event is proud to have International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) as a strategic partner. WasteMET Asia is also supported by Economic Development Board, International Enterprise Singapore, JTC Corporation, Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau, and SPRING Singapore.

The launch took place at Singapore’s 2011 symposium on waste management, jointly organised by WMRAS and NEA, and supported by ISWA and Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), which was attended by ISWA Chairman, Mr Jeff Cooper; ISWA Board Member and of ISWA Working Group on Energy Recovery Vice-Chair, Mr Jorgen Haukohl; President of National Solid Waste Association of India, Dr Amiya Kumar Sahu; the Mayor of Yogyakarta, MR Herry Zudianto; NEA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Andrew Tan; and WMRAS Chairman, Mr Guah Eng Hock.

A platform for knowledge exchange, a springboard for business

WasteMET Asia comes at a time when challenges such as environmental degradation, resource recovery, transformation of waste into energy as well as minimisation of waste entering landfills are becoming more pertinent than ever in Asia. According to a report by the World Bank, by 2025, governments will have to spend an estimated US$50 billion to manage 1.8 million tonnes of solid waste per year in just the urban areas of Asia alone. Against this backdrop, WasteMET Asia will address the theme of “East Meets Waste – Solid Waste Management Solutions for A Growing Asia”, which spotlights on the various issues and opportunities in the solid waste management sector in Asia, home to the world’s fastest growing cities.

With an aim to bring together both the private and public sectors to ensure sustainable solid waste management systems and develop more resource recovery solutions, WasteMET Asia will feature a trade exhibition at which manufacturers and solution providers will showcase their latest innovative equipment and technologies. At the same time, industry experts and market leaders will discuss best practices and trends at a thought leadership summit and various technical conferences. Delegates can also look forward to business exchange sessions, networking functions and technical visits, where they can gain more insight into the expanding solid waste management industry.

Mr Guah said, “WasteMET Asia will be a major event that will bring together market leaders and industry practitioners in Asia and around the world. It will provide the opportunity for the waste management and recycling communities to network and keep abreast of latest developments from both business and technical perspectives. This is definitely one event that anyone involved in waste management or recycling should not miss.”

Mr Tan added, “WasteMET Asia aims to offer a strategic platform for networking with top government and industry leaders, as well as senior policy makers globally and regionally in this sector. This opens the gateway to possible new market ventures and opportunities, making WasteMET Asia the international marketplace for clean environment leaders, waste management and recycling solution providers and buyers to exchange knowledge and contacts. NEA is pleased to partner WMRAS to bring this exciting event to the global waste management and recycling industry.”

WasteMET Asia 2012, to be held from 2 to 5 July at Sands Expo and Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, is managed by Singex Exhibition Ventures Pte Ltd. For more information and updates, please access www.wastemetasia.sg.
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Notes to Editor
For media enquiries, please contact:

Ms Natalie LEUNG
Manager
Marketing Communications
Singex Exhibition Ventures P Ltd
DID: (65) 6403 2125
Mobile: (65) 9001 3427
Email: natalie.leung@singex.com.sg

Ms Yvonne SOH
Executive Director
Waste Management &
Recycling Association of Singapore
Mobile: (65) 9115 7876
Email: yvonne.soh@wastemetasia.sg

Ms KOH Su Ching
Assistant Director
Corporate Communications
National Environment Agency
DID: 6731 9901
Mobile: 9088 7378
Email: koh_su_ching@nea.gov.sg

About Waste Management and Recycling Association of Singapore

The Waste Management and Recycling Association of Singapore (WMRAS) is the national trade association representing the interests of the waste management and recycling industry in Singapore. WMRAS promotes business networking opportunities and best practices amongst members through organised activities such as courses, conferences, exhibitions, networking sessions, and overseas missions.

WMRAS also coordinates regular dialogue sessions to keep members updated on policy and regulatory developments, as part of its mission to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster closer ties with the public sector. WMRAS' strong ties with local government agencies and international associations provide members with a broad platform to expand business opportunities and address the growing challenges and demands of the industry. For more information, please visit http://www.wmras.org.sg/.

About National Environment Agency

Formed on 1 July 2002, the National Environment Agency (NEA) is the leading public organisation responsible for improving and sustaining a clean and green environment in Singapore. The NEA develops and spearheads environmental initiatives and programmes through its partnership with the

People, Public and Private sectors. It is committed to motivating every individual to take up environmental ownership and to care for the environment as a way of life.
By protecting Singapore's environment from pollution, maintaining a high level of public health and providing timely meteorological information, the NEA endeavours to ensure sustainable development and a quality living environment for present and future generations. For more information, please visit http://www.nea.gov.sg/.

About International Solid Waste Association

The International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) is an international, independent and non-profit making association, working in the public interest to promote and develop sustainable waste management worldwide. ISWA has members around the world and is the only worldwide association promoting sustainable and professional waste management. For more information, please visit http://www.iswa.org/.

Singex Exhibition Ventures Pte Ltd
Singapore Expo, 1 Expo Drive, #02-01, Singapore 486150
Tel: (65) 6403 2125 Fax: (65) 6822 2616
Natalie Leung
natalie.leung@singex.com.sg

This release was published on openPR.