THE Government today reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable water transformation with the launch of the Malaysia International Water Convention (MIWC) 2025, unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister II and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Speaking at the opening ceremony at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, Fadillah outlined the government’s long-term vision for a resilient, inclusive and innovation-driven water sector under the Air 2040: Water Sector Transformation roadmap.
“This year’s MIWC theme, Harnessing Water Potential, Empowering Opportunities, captures our national aspiration to turn a finite resource into an infinite engine for progress and sustainability,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister praised the Malaysian Water Association and PROTEMP Group for organising the conference, describing MIWC as a “catalyst for transformation” that unites government, industry and academia to drive real change.
Water as a National Priority
Fadillah stressed the urgency of accelerating digital transformation across the water sector through real-time analytics, smart metering and data-driven management to improve reliability and efficiency.
“The shift towards intelligent, technology-enabled water management is no longer optional — it is essential to ensure that Malaysia remains future-ready and globally competitive,” he said.
He also highlighted the need to strengthen Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) by integrating seven key sources of water supply — surface water, dams, groundwater, recycled water, rainwater harvesting, atmospheric and data-centre recovery, and desalination — into a cohesive, adaptive national system.
Towards a National Water Hub
A centrepiece of the government’s long-term water strategy is the proposed establishment of a National Water Hub by 2040, which Fadillah said would serve as the “nerve centre” of the country’s water ecosystem.
“This hub will connect research, innovation, policy and industry under one dynamic framework,” he said, adding that a network of regional sub-hubs would ensure local engagement, accelerate knowledge exchange, and foster nationwide collaboration.
Innovation and Leadership Development
Fadillah also launched two flagship initiatives at the convention — the NextWave Innovation platform and the Young Water Professional Mentor–Mentee Programme — aimed at nurturing talent and homegrown solutions.
“These initiatives reflect our commitment to cultivating a new generation of water leaders, not only equipped with technical knowledge, but also grounded in integrity, accountability and purpose,” he said.
He called for greater support of bio-based and plant-derived technologies in water and wastewater treatment, in line with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), saying such innovation would reduce the sector’s carbon footprint and reliance on imported chemicals.
Call for Unity in Water Security
Fadillah quoted Ibn Khaldūn to underline the importance of unity in achieving national resilience.
“The strength of a civilisation lies in its unity. Let us work hand in hand for a future where water sustains not only life, but also progress, equity and peace,” he said.
MIWC 2025 will continue over several days, offering technical sessions, innovation showcases and workshops, including a focused programme on tackling non-revenue water, seen as a key area for improving national efficiency and sustainability. - October 14, 2025
