BIWWEC 2026 - Speakers

Patrick Lester N. Ty was appointed Chief Regulator of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO) in 2017. Since then, he has championed water security, expanded sewerage coverage, and advanced climate-resilient regulation in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. His innovative, data-driven approach to governance has led to significant improvements in water, sanitation, and overall service delivery standards. Mr. Ty is an active member of the International Water Association (IWA), serving on the Programme Committee of various International Water Regulators Forums and the Advisory Board of the IWA Inclusive Urban Sanitation Initiative. His leadership and expertise in public utility regulation have earned him multiple distinctions, including the UP Alumni Award for Good Governance in Public Utility (2025), the Million Trees Foundation’s Kampeon ng Tubig Kanlungan Award, and the Inclusive Leadership Award (2024). Before becoming Chief Regulator, Ty served as Deputy Administrator for Financial Regulation at MWSS RO and earlier held key positions at the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan and the Department of Finance. A lawyer by profession, he earned his AB Psychology degree from the Ateneo de Manila University and his Juris Doctor from the University of the Philippines College of Law.

"When we invest in sanitation, we are not just building pipes and treatment plants. We are building a healthier future, a more sustainable environment, and a more resilient city. We are investing in dignity, in equity, and in hope."

Manjusha Sunil, PhD in Biotechnology, is a seasoned professional with a strong background in research and science communication. Transitioning to the water sector a decade ago, she has since dedicated her expertise to advancing innovation and impact. Currently serving as Head of one of the Technology Accelerators at the Water Research Commission (WRC), she drives initiatives to pilot and scale cutting-edge solutions. With extensive experience in fostering innovations, building partnerships, and fast-tracking technology adoption, Manjusha plays a pivotal role in bridging research and real-world application. Her work continues to shape sustainable water solutions and catalyze change in the sector.

"Sustainable water futures begin with bold ideas and the courage to innovate."

Richard is a globally recognised expert in Bioresources, a member of the UK Chapter of the Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers (a prestigious honour awarded for outstanding and meritorious service), an AtkinsRéalis Global Technical Fellow, and a highly experienced senior leader with 38 years’ extensive experience in the water industry. He is the Chair of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Management Wastewater and Biosolids National Steering Group and a member of the European Biochar Industry. Richard joined AtkinsRéalis 6 years ago, following a highly successful 32-year career in the UK Water sector. He has built a global industry-leading Bioresources capability over the last 6 years, the Global Centre of Excellence for AtkinsRéalis. He has developed National Biosolids strategies across the world (England, NEOM, Egypt, Scotland, Northern Ireland & Australia & New Zealand) and his team is influencing cutting-edge technology integration and output market readiness. He has worked extensively in the UK, EU, Middle East, North America, Asia, and Australia.

Dr. Hiroyasu Satoh is a Professor in the Department of Socio-cultural Environmental Studies at the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo. A distinguished expert in sanitary and environmental engineering, his research focuses on the intersection of microbial ecology and wastewater systems, including in-sewer purification and advanced sewerage technologies. Dr. Satoh earned his Bachelor’s (1989), Master’s (1991), and Doctoral degrees (1996) in the Department of Urban Engineering from the University of Tokyo. His academic journey includes significant international experience as a visiting researcher at the University of British Columbia (1992-1993) and as an Associate Professor at the Asian Institute of Technology (2002-2004) in Thailand. Throughout his career, Dr. Satoh has made pioneering contributions to biological phosphorus removal and the development of biodegradable plastics (PHA) from activated sludge. His recent work addresses critical challenges to enhance self-purification processes in sewer systems. His research excellence has been recognized with numerous honors, most recently the Academic Award from the Japan Society on Water Environment (2024). He has authored over eighty influential papers that advance our understanding of bacterial population dynamics and sustainable wastewater management.

"Reimagining sewers not just as conduits, but as active bioreactors for wastewater purification that enhance the health of our urban environments."

Chotiwat is a K. Lisa Yang GEAR Centre Fellow in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a water quality engineer committed to improving access to safe, clean water in low-resource settings. At MIT, he leads research initiatives focused on addressing the urgent needs for clean water and adequate food in low- and middle-income regions. Before joining MIT, he was a Research Engineer at the National University of Singapore–Sembcorp Corporate Laboratory, where he worked on hazardous wastewater treatment. He also served as a Research Engineer at the National Institute of Public Health in Japan. He holds a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Imperial College London, where he received the Anglo-Thai Society Academic Excellence Award, and an MEng in Urban Engineering from the University of Tokyo, where he received the Best Master’s Thesis Award. He is a member of the first cohort of JICA Innovative Asia Scholars. Chotiwat also holds a BEng (Highest Honours) from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, supported by the Petchra Pra Jom Klao Leadership Scholarship and the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy Scholarship from the Crown Property Bureau. He is President of the SEP Scholar Association, Chair of the IWA Chapter Thailand, and a member of the first IWA LeaP Programme cohort.

"High-tech, built-in smartphone cameras have the potential to revolutionise water quality analysis. If successful, they could enable laypersons to be in charge of monitoring their own water quality."

Mr Wyeth graduated from Portsmouth University in 1991 with a Master of Engineering Degree in Civil Engineering. He has 33 years of experience in the water industry, with 30 of those years spent working in South-East Asia. During this period, Mr Wyeth has gained member status of the CIWEM (UK), is a Chartered Engineer, has gained a Graduate Diploma in International Operational Management, and is the current Secretary/Vice Chair of the IWA Water Loss Specialist Group. Mr Wyeth started his career as a network modeling engineer for Biwater International and, through this, built up an expertise in how water supply systems operate. He then moved into NRW management, with Thames Water International and Ranhill Water Systems, gaining further expertise in leakage control, DMZ design & implementation, system monitoring, customer metering, and production metering. He is currently the Chairman of Wyeth Water Consultants, a Malaysian-based NRW Management Company, and a Senior Consultant for Isle Utilities, a water-focused consultancy company based in Australia.

"Managing Non-Revenue Water is key to establishing an efficient water supply company."

Robin Wong is the Founder of TeamSolve, a Singapore AI technology company applying frontier AI to advance Water Intelligence in asset operations and maintenance. He brings over 20 years of global AI-Digital experience in the water sector and is a named inventor on two AI-related patents. Robin serves on the executive councils of the Singapore Water Association, the International Water Association Digital Water Steering Committee, and Smart Water Networks.

"AI doesn’t transform utilities—adoption does."

Ms. Geetha P. Kumaran is a Bachelor of Science (Ecology) (Hons) Graduate and Masters in Biotechnology Postgraduate from the University of Malaya. She is a registered Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Consultant. She is also a Certified Erosion, Sedimentation, Storm Water Inspector (CESSWI) with EnviroCert International from USA and a Certified Inspector in Erosion and Sedimentation Control from CISEC Inc of USA too. She was Lead Consultant with a local consultancy for more than 280 EIA’s and Lead Auditor for numerous Post EIA Projects, including the MRT Project Lines 1 & 2. She is presently an Environmental Advisor to ES Eco Smart Sdn Bhd. Recently, she was certified as an ESG Practitioner and is presently enhancing her knowledge in the area of ESG. Ms. Geetha is an Exco Member of the Malaysian Stormwater Organisation (MSO), looking at enhancing site personnel competencies, a Member of the Malaysian Society of Social Impact Assessment (MSIA), and a Life-time member of Non-Profit Association ENSEARCH. As an HRDF-Accredited trainer, she is also actively involved in training for EIAs and EMPs in ENSEARCH, for corporate entities, and for the MSO-run CESSWI and CPSWQ courses. She was also responsible for contributions to DOE’s EIA Sectorial Guidelines and Environmental Technical Guidelines for JKR Malaysia. Presently, she is working with DOE, JPS, and MSO to look at the implementation of DOE-certified competency courses for site personnel.

"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken - Oscar Wilde"

Joe Dalton is a Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Specialist with experience in multiple forms of both conventional and performance-based contracts (PBCs) and Utility Capacity Building projects in the UK, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific regions. He has a Master’s in Global Water Policy and Management and is a Chartered Engineer, Chartered Environmentalist, and Chartered Water and Environmental Manager. He is a member of the Management Committee of the Water Loss and Intermittent Water Supply Specialist Groups of the International Water Association.

"Reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW) isn't about contracts on paper - it's about aligning incentives, capability, and accountability to deliver real, measurable results."

Rhys Moult is an Australian strategy and market development leader supporting the international growth of Matter, an urban technology company delivering IoT-enabled monitoring and analytics for stormwater, wastewater, and environmental infrastructure. His work focuses on the practical deployment of smart city and regional IoT systems that help utilities and municipalities improve drainage performance, reduce flood risk, and gain real-time visibility of critical assets. Rhys has supported Matter’s projects across Australia and Asia, including deployments and pilots in Melbourne, Chennai, and Ho Chi Minh City, working alongside engineering partners, city agencies, and innovation programs. Matter’s technology development has been strengthened through collaboration with organisations, including CSIRO, and through regional initiatives such as the Imagine H2O Asia program in Singapore. Rhys plays a key role in translating these technical advances into operational outcomes — supporting implementation pathways, partner ecosystems, and scalable delivery models suited to emerging and established urban environments. With a background spanning defence, local government, and consulting, Rhys brings a systems view to water and urban infrastructure challenges. He speaks on smart water adoption, edge analytics, and how cities can move from pilot IoT deployments to resilient, data-driven infrastructure at scale.

"At Matter, we believe better visibility leads to better decisions — real-time water data gives cities the confidence to move from reactive maintenance to resilient infrastructure."

Professor Jack Singh is currently the Chief Scientist & Chief Advisor for Digital Economy with the Sarawak Government, Malaysia. He is acknowledged as one of Australia’s leading ICT thought leaders and researchers with extensive senior-level academic leadership and consultancy experience both in Australia and globally. Jack has considerable experience in initiating and leading large-scale initiatives collaboratively with industry, government, universities, and community driving high-impact economic, social and environmental outcomes of global significance. Prior to his current appointment, he held various senior-level positions in Australia, including Director of the National Centre for ICT Excellence Australia; Director of SenseT - a partnership program between Australia Federal Govt, the Tasmanian Govt, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), and industry to transform the Tasmanian economy, amongst others. He also has served on the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Expert Group and is a director on a number of Boards.

Water industry professional with over 17 years of experience supporting utilities across the Asia-Pacific region, with a strong focus on Non-Revenue Water (NRW) reduction, smart network solutions, and pipeline condition assessment. Extensive experience in introducing advanced monitoring and leak detection technologies and helping utilities convert data into actionable investment decisions. Currently with PIA Global, leading the regional introduction and growth of Pipe Condition Assessment Technology (P-CAT)—a targeted, data-driven approach to identifying degraded water mains and supporting prioritised, risk-based renewal programmes. Technology-led market development with deep utility engagement, delivering cross-border projects and driving successful adoption of smart water solutions across APAC.

"Replacing pipes based on age alone is no longer sustainable. PIA’s P-CAT Suite delivers condition-led intelligence that transforms how utilities plan, prioritise, and invest in their networks."

With 14 years of dedicated experience in the water treatment membrane industry, now serving as the Managing Director of Asia-Pacific in THETIS Canada and Co-Founder of Perma Filters. She excels in global market expansion, brand building, channel development and consultative sales, with mature resources across Global. She has led over 800 domestic and overseas water treatment projects, secured NSF61/419 certifications and national 863 project funding and built a complete international trade and digital marketing system. She has delivered remarkable achievements in overseas key projects like large-scale wastewater treatment and seawater desalination and boasts strong capabilities in international project development and market strategy formulation.

"Dedicated to water treatment membrane business, building benchmark projects worldwide with proven experience and global resources."

Ms Hang is currently the Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association, where she is responsible for the Association’s international relations and policy advocacy within Vietnam’s water sector. She previously served for many years as Deputy Director of the Department of Water Resources and Rural Water Management, as well as Chief of the Standing Office of the National Target Programme on Rural Water Supply and Sanitation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. She has extensive experience in the state management of rural water supply and sanitation, as well as in international cooperation within Vietnam’s water industry. Ms Hang holds a Master of Science in Environmental Hydrology, is a qualified Hydraulic Engineer, and also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.

"Through cooperation, innovation and shared knowledge, we can build a more resilient and sustainable water sector for communities worldwide."

Dr. Chong Tzyy Haur is an Associate Professor at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) and the Programme Director of Singapore Membrane Technology Centre (SMTC), Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI), at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. His research interests are in Membrane Process Intensification: Engineering for Efficiency and Sustainability, including desalination and reclamation, water and wastewater treatment, industrial applications; membrane fouling mechanisms, control strategies and fouling sensors; process intensification, enhanced module and system design; hybrid membrane chemical and bioreactors. Dr. Chong is the Secretary of Membrane Society in Singapore (MEMSIS), Secretary of World Association of Membrane Societies (WA-MS) from 2020 to 2023 and Treasurer of Aseanian Membrane Society (AMS) from 2022 to 2023. He is the Section Editor of the Journal of Water Processing Engineering, a top 10% journal in the Water Resources domain.

"Efficient Water Use, Sustainable Cities"