The International Water Association (IWA) participated in the Borneo International Water & Wastewater Exhibition & Conference (BIWWEC) 2024, held from 23–25 October in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. The event, hosted by the Malaysian Water Association (MWA), Sarawak Branch, brought together over 1,000 delegates, including regional leaders, water experts, and innovators, to discuss sustainable water and wastewater management strategies in the face of climate challenges.

The conference opened with a speech by Kelvin Kuek Hann Yih, Chairman of MWA’s Sarawak Branch, followed by a keynote address by The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak. He emphasised the strategic importance of water sustainability for regional climate resilience and announced Kuching as the venue for the prestigious IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in 2028, further solidifying Sarawak’s role in global water sustainability leadership.

During the event, Kala Vairavamoorthy, Executive Director of IWA, delivered the keynote address, “Navigating the Future of Water,” which highlighted the integration of water systems into climate action. He called for a technology-agnostic, context-specific approach to implementing scalable, distributed solutions that enhance sustainability and resilience. Drawing on global examples like Sweden’s circular water model in Hammarby Sjöstad, Vairavamoorthy illustrated the potential of circular and low-carbon systems in transforming urban water management. He also stressed the urgency of innovation in wastewater infrastructure, advocating renewable energy-powered solutions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and called on regulators to facilitate innovation.

Dr. Ir Ts Mohmad Asari Daud, President of MWA and Vice President of IWA, echoed these themes by emphasising the importance of decentralised water systems. He noted that these systems are particularly effective in rural and isolated areas, aligning with Malaysia’s zero-discharge policy and enabling faster, lower-cost implementations while fostering local engagement.

The conference also spotlighted critical topics, including digital water advancements, AI-driven operational efficiencies, blue financing strategies, and workforce inclusivity, with sessions dedicated to empowering women and young professionals in the water sector.

A notable milestone during the event was the signing of partnership agreements between IWA and Malaysian Water Association MWA, as well as IWA and PERPAMSI (Persatuan Perusahaan Air Minum Seluruh Indonesia), solidifying collaboration in the ASEAN region and setting the stage for future water congresses in the region.

IWA commended MWA Sarawak and BIWWEC 2024’s organising committee for hosting a successful platform to advance the region’s water sustainability agenda.