Insights from the Exec Exchange: Mentoring and Water Resilience with Ong Tze Ch’in

The Exec Exchange podcast recently featured an insightful conversation with Ong Tze Ch’in, the Chief Executive of the Public Utilities Board (PUB) in Singapore. Hosted by Piers Clark, this episode delves into the experiences and challenges of being a mentor through the Asian Development Bank’s Water Operators Partnerships for Resilience program (WOP4R) and the various dimensions of Singapore’s water resilience strategies.

Introduction: Water Leadership on a Global Stage

In this episode, we are introduced to Ong Tze Ch’in, who has been pivotal in shaping Singapore’s water landscape since joining PUB. The discussion provides a comprehensive look into the roles and responsibilities he has taken on, extending from Singapore’s military into the public service sector.

Mentoring: A Two-Way Street

The conversation highlights Ong’s involvement in the WOP4R initiative, where PUB partnered with the Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board in India. Two key areas of focus were water loss reduction and energy efficiency in desalination, common challenges faced by utilities globally. The mentoring process, orchestrated by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), offers a unique matchmaking approach, where utilities can seek expertise aligned with their specific issues.

Ong emphasizes the reciprocal nature of mentoring, noting that while PUB provided guidance, there were substantial learnings gained from understanding new contexts and challenges faced by their counterparts in Chennai. These exchanges foster growth and understanding on both ends, creating valuable knowledge sharing opportunities across the sector.

Reflecting on Singapore’s Water Journey Ong further expands on Singapore’s impressive water journey that started 60 years ago. Founded by Lee Kuan Yew, it was a visionary effort to prioritize water as a central policy, making technological advancements such as NEWater a critical component of national security. Singapore’s approach to water management involves maximizing rainwater capture and expanding reservoir capabilities, demonstrating a model of innovation and perseverance in the face of limited natural resources.

Addressing the Climate Crisis PUB’s Multifaceted Role

As Singapore continues to face the challenges presented by climate change, PUB’s role has expanded to encompass all aspects of the hydrological cycle. Ong shares the increasing demands on water supply, wastewater treatment, flood management, and coastal resilience in light of these challenges. PUB is tasked with balancing these responsibilities while fostering community engagement and resilience to climate impacts, demonstrating a holistic approach to national water management.

Conclusion: Navigating Future Challenges

The episode concludes with a reflection on the responsibilities that come with being at the helm of PUB. Ong discusses the pressures of managing expectations in flood prevention and the strategic decisions required for infrastructure investment, all while maintaining Singapore’s reputation for excellence in public services. As a lighter end to the serious topics, Ong humorously recalls shedding a tear during a pivotal scene in “Top Gun Maverick,” revealing the human side of leadership that resonates deeply with experiences from his military background.

This episode of the Exec Exchange provides an enriching view into the complexities and triumphs of managing a national water agency, offering valuable lessons in leadership, resilience, and the unending quest for innovation in the water sector. We look forward to seeing how these insights will continue to shape the future of water management, both in Singapore and around the world.