Japanese researcher awarded prestigious Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2020 for pioneering solutions in advanced used water treatment

Professor Kazuo Yamamoto’s pioneering invention of the world’s first operationally and commercially viable submerged membrane bioreactor (MBR) benefitted millions worldwide

When Professor Kazuo Yamamoto first shared his idea of submerging membranes in used water to improve the efficiency and quality of used water treatment in the mid-1980s, it was met with much scepticism from the membrane community as it went against the conventional scientific thinking of the time. Many regarded the concept as ridiculous and dismissed it as a “crazy idea”.

Not one to concede defeat easily, Professor Yamamoto held fast to his convictions and persevered in his research to successfully develop the world’s first operationally viable submerged Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) prototype in 1988. For his pioneering invention that has since benefitted millions worldwide with enhanced public health and water security, 67-year-old Professor Kazuo Yamamoto was awarded the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2020. The Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, sponsored by Temasek Foundation, awards the winning recipient with a S$300,000 cash prize, a certificate and a gold medallion.

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Professor Kazuo Yamamoto of Japan is awarded the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize for 2020 for his pioneering work in developing the submerged membrane bioreactor (MBR).

His successful demonstration, in 1989, of the first operational submerged MBR was a major breakthrough in the field of wastewater treatment. And since then, the global application of submerged MBR technology has fundamentally transformed the sewage treatment process and improved the lives of hundreds of millions of people.

Read on for the full citation and his biography >>

Named after Singapore’s first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, the Prize honours outstanding contributions by individuals or organisations towards solving the world’s water challenges by developing or applying innovative technologies, policies or programmes which benefit humanity.

Professor Kazuo Yamamoto, the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2020 Laureate, will deliver his prize lecture on 18 April 2022, Monday during the Singapore International Water Week 2022. In the same evening, the Laureate will receive the Prize Medallion from Mdm Halimah Yacob, the President of the Republic of Singapore at the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize Award Ceremony and Banquet at The Ritz Carlton, Millenia, Singapore.

Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2020 Lecture
Date: Monday, 18 April 2022
Time: 2.30pm - 3.30pm
Venue: Grand Ballroom Level 5, Sands Expo & Convention Centre
Access: Lecture is open to all delegates

Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize Award Ceremony and Banquet
Date: Monday, 18 April 2022
Time: 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Venue: Grand Ballroom, The Ritz Carlton, Millenia, Singapore
Access: The banquet is ticketed separately at S$350 per person

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