Impact of Proposed Foreign Acquisition of Hyflux's Shareholding on Singapore's National Taps Water Supply Strategy

Debated in Parliament on 20 Nov 2018.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Dennis Tan Lip Fong raised concerns about the impact of a foreign acquisition of Hyflux on Singapore's NEWater and desalination water supply, steps to mitigate potential effects on consumers and businesses, and risks to water security.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M assured that the Public Utilities Board prioritizes safeguarding water security and is monitoring Hyflux's restructuring, noting that Hyflux operates desalination plants but no NEWater plants.
The government emphasized that private sector participation through the DBOO model includes safeguards to ensure uninterrupted water supply and that water security is a top strategic priority.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Dennis Tan Lip Fong

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) whether the proposed acquisition of a substantial shareholding of Hyflux Ltd by a foreign company will have any material impact on two of our national taps (NEWater and desalination); (b) whether steps are taken to mitigate any potential impact on end-consumers and businesses in terms of water supply and pricing; and (c) whether there will be any adverse risk to our water security.

Masagos Zulkifli B M M

The Public Utilities Board's (PUB's) key interest is to safeguard Singapore’s water security and confidence in our water supply. Hyflux is currently involved in two desalination plants under the Design, Build, Own and Operate (DBOO) arrangements. Hyflux owns Tuaspring Desalination Plant wholly via its subsidiary and has a 30% minority stake in SingSpring Desalination Plant. Hyflux does not own or run any NEWater plants in Singapore.

PUB has been closely monitoring developments relating to Hyflux's debt situation and its business reorganisation. As reported in the media, Hyflux has entered into a restructuring agreement with an Indonesian consortium, SM Investments Private Limited. This is a commercial matter and restructuring discussions are ongoing. It will, therefore, not be appropriate for my Ministry to comment on the details. Nonetheless, Members can be assured that we will not allow our water security to be affected.

The DBOO model allows us to tap on private sector expertise to deliver cost-effective solutions for NEWater and desalination. We have welcomed participation from both local and foreign companies.

At the same time, water security is critical to Singapore's survival. Where we have allowed private sector participation via the DBOO model, safeguards are in place. PUB has adequate measures to ensure DBOO plants remain in operation and supply is not disrupted. It is a top strategic priority of the Government to keep our taps flowing.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Dennis Tan Lip Fong raised concerns about the impact of a foreign acquisition of Hyflux on Singapore's NEWater and desalination water supply, steps to mitigate potential effects on consumers and businesses, and risks to water security.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M assured that the Public Utilities Board prioritizes safeguarding water security and is monitoring Hyflux's restructuring, noting that Hyflux operates desalination plants but no NEWater plants.
The government emphasized that private sector participation through the DBOO model includes safeguards to ensure uninterrupted water supply and that water security is a top strategic priority.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Impact of Proposed Foreign Acquisition of Hyflux's Shareholding on Singapore's National Taps Water Supply Strategy | PAPERCUTS

Impact of Proposed Foreign Acquisition of Hyflux's Shareholding on Singapore's National Taps Water Supply Strategy

Debated in Parliament on 20 Nov 2018.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Dennis Tan Lip Fong raised concerns about the impact of a foreign acquisition of Hyflux on Singapore's NEWater and desalination water supply, steps to mitigate potential effects on consumers and businesses, and risks to water security.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M assured that the Public Utilities Board prioritizes safeguarding water security and is monitoring Hyflux's restructuring, noting that Hyflux operates desalination plants but no NEWater plants.
The government emphasized that private sector participation through the DBOO model includes safeguards to ensure uninterrupted water supply and that water security is a top strategic priority.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Dennis Tan Lip Fong

Masagos Zulkifli B M M

The DBOO model allows us to tap on private sector expertise to deliver cost-effective solutions for NEWater and desalination. We have welcomed participation from both local and foreign companies.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Dennis Tan Lip Fong raised concerns about the impact of a foreign acquisition of Hyflux on Singapore's NEWater and desalination water supply, steps to mitigate potential effects on consumers and businesses, and risks to water security.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M assured that the Public Utilities Board prioritizes safeguarding water security and is monitoring Hyflux's restructuring, noting that Hyflux operates desalination plants but no NEWater plants.
The government emphasized that private sector participation through the DBOO model includes safeguards to ensure uninterrupted water supply and that water security is a top strategic priority.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Impact of Proposed Foreign Acquisition of Hyflux's Shareholding on Singapore's National Taps Water Supply Strategy

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Dennis Tan Lip Fong

Masagos Zulkifli B M M

Summary

Questions Identified

Impact of Proposed Foreign Acquisition of Hyflux's Shareholding on Singapore's National Taps Water Supply Strategy

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Dennis Tan Lip Fong

Masagos Zulkifli B M M

Summary

Questions Identified