WMRAS signs MOUs with Harry Elias and the Singapore Business Federation

Singapore, 5 July 2011 – Two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed at the Waste Management Symposium that was jointly organised by Waste Management & Recycling Association of Singapore (WMRAS) and Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) today. The Symposium, supported by the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) and Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), also featured the launch of a brand new solid waste management trade event, WasteMET Asia.

Supporting the local waste management industry
Local and international movers and shakers of the waste management industry gathered at the Symposium to discuss challenges facing the waste management sector, various opportunities and trends, and the solutions and technologies adopted by different countries. Distinguished presenter-speakers included ISWA Chairman, Mr Jeff Cooper; President of National Solid Waste Association of India, Dr Amiya Kumar Sahu; Mayor of Yogyakarta, Mr Herry Zudianto; NEA CEO, Mr Andrew Tan; and WMRAS Chairman, Mr Guah Eng Hock.

“The Symposium was organised to allow the industry to come together to interact with market leaders who will share their views and experiences in waste management. There is much for our local industry to learn in terms of technology and best practices, so WMRAS is pleased to have partnered NEA for this Symposium and signed two MOUs to grow the industry,” said Mr Guah.

The first MOU was signed with Harry Elias Partnership LLP to develop a grant to assist companies to defray legal costs relating to the development and implementation of waste management projects.  Said Mr Francis Goh, a partner of Harry Elias, “As this industry evolves, strategic partnerships amongst the people, private and public sectors will be forged, and this will give rise to all types of contracts relating to things like research and development, associated funding, intellectual property rights and technology transfer. The legal aspects of such transactions cannot be overlooked to avoid potential litigation and negative publicity.”

The second MOU was signed with the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), to collaborate on the promotion of waste management initiatives and programs.  With SBF’s large member base and networks, the waste management industry can look forward to expansion of its network and market access.

East Meets Waste – Solid Waste Management Solutions For A Growing Asia
WasteMET Asia, an inaugural exhibition and conference for the solid waste management and environmental technology industry in Asia, will be held alongside World Cities Summit and Singapore International Water Week in July next 2012. The event 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.

Mr Andrew Tan, NEA Chief Executive Officer, says, “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.”

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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/.

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/.

Harry Elias Partnership LLP is an established, well-reputed and multi-disciplinary legal practice known for its ability to break new ground in cases that result in ‘watershed judicial decisions’. It has been described as one of Singapore’s top law firms and best-known law firms time and time again in mainstream media as well as leading legal publications. Having also been described as a firm that punches above its weight, it is renowned for providing focused and proactive advice to its highly diversified clientele, offering effective legal solutions within the larger business framework.