HONG KONG, June 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- SUEZ, together with its subsidiary, Macao Water, recently signed a framework agreement with the University of Macau (UM) to develop a robust research partnership platform that will combine the three parties' resources and strengths in scientific research and marine ecosystem protection. Based on the agreement, SUEZ, UM and Macao Water will conduct innovative research on near-shore marine ecosystems and water treatment technology, to protect the ocean and its biodiversity.
This tripartite collaboration will advance joint efforts in talent training and development for scientific research. It will also deliver strong academic, talent-related, technological innovation and commercialization advantages to jointly shape a complete value chain that aligns the powers of industry, academia and research to restore the marine environment and the corresponding ecosystem. While enabling the sharing of knowledge and experience, the partnership also has an international dimension to further cement cooperation with Portugal in the marine sector, and help address urgent issues like protection of the marine environment and the biological resources in Macau and beyond. The partnership will focus on the following key research activities:
Macau is a peninsula. To promote Macau's prosperity and stability, and to achieve sustainable economic and social development, the Chinese government clearly marked 85 square kilometers of the sea area as the responsibility of Macau Special Administrative Region. This area is an important habitat for China's white dolphins, a Grade-1 National Key Protected Species in the country. It is also ideal for a large variety of fish, thanks to the confluence of brackish, fresh water and an agreeable water temperature. This makes conservation of the entire marine ecosystem in Macau all the more important.
Professor Yonghua SONG, Rector of the University of Macau, said, "As the only international comprehensive public university in Macau, we are committed to promoting social development through scientific research, regarding our expanding research on regional ocean as an important pillar of the university's research strategy for the future. In 2019, the UM Faculty of Science and Technology established the Research Center for Regional Ocean, carrying out in-depth research on cutting-edge topics related to the marine environment and contributing to the sustainable development of Macau and the Greater Bay Area. We believe that this strategic partnership with SUEZ and Macao Water will be a model partnership among industry, academia and research in Macau."
Francois Fevrier, Chief Executive Officer of SUEZ Asia Water, said, "This is a significant strategic partnership between the three of us. It is a manifestation of our strong desire and shared purpose for protecting the ocean. Since the late 19th century, SUEZ has been committed to preserving and restoring the planet's natural capital: water, soil and air. I am convinced that the partnership we are announcing with the University of Macau today will further harness our strengths in the field of marine studies and environmental engineering, as well as building on the 35-year proven track record of Macao Water in providing quality services and smart water solutions in the Chinese water industry. Through close alignment among industry, academia and research, we will contribute to high-quality development in Macau and the Greater Bay Area, which will promote the sustainability of the marine ecosystem."
About SUEZ
Since the end of the 19th century, SUEZ has built expertise aimed at helping people to constantly improve their quality of life by protecting their health and supporting economic growth. With an active presence on five continents, SUEZ and its 90,000 employees strive to preserve our environment's natural capital: water, soil, and air. SUEZ provides innovative and resilient solutions in water management, waste recovery, site remediation and air treatment, optimizing municipalities' and industries' resource management through "smart" cities and improving their environmental and economic performance. The Group delivers sanitation services to 64 million people and produces 7.1 billion m3 of drinking water. SUEZ is also a contributor to economic growth, with more than 200,000 jobs created directly and indirectly on an annual basis, and a provider of new resources, with 4.2 million tons of secondary raw materials produced. By 2030, the Group is targeting 100% sustainable solutions, with a positive impact on our environment, health and climate. SUEZ generated total revenue of €18.0 billion in 2019.
About SUEZ in Asia
With a strong presence of 60+ years in South East Asia and 40+ years in Greater China, SUEZ is a preferred partner in helping authorities and industrial clients develop water and waste management solutions that enable cities and industries to optimize their resource management and strengthen their environment and economic performances. With 9,000+ employees and 70+ joint ventures with local partners, the Group has built 460+ water and wastewater plants, with 32+ million people benefiting from our water and waste services. Today, SUEZ is recognized as one of the most influential companies and a service benchmark in leading the region's environmental industry. We operate China's first PPP water contract in Macau, one of Asia's largest hazardous waste treatment facilities in Shanghai, as well as a plastic recycling plant in Thailand. It is also a leader in Hong Kong's waste management industry, and delivers environmental services to 20 industrial parks.
University of Macau (UM)
Founded in 1981, the University of Macau (UM) is the only comprehensive international public university in the Macau SAR. It is also the best university on the west coast of the Greater Bay Area. UM ranked in the top 400 of the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2019 and No 9 in International Outlook, No 37 in the THE Asia University Rankings, No 60 in the THE Asia-Pacific University Rankings, and No 52 in the THE Young University Rankings. The UW Faculty of Science and Technology established the Research Center for Regional Ocean in 2019, with the aim of carrying out in-depth, cutting-edge academic studies in the fields of marine environment, marine engineering and marine disasters, promoting academic exchanges and cooperation on regional marine-related topics, and contributing to the long-term social development of Macau and the Greater Bay Area.
Macao Water
Macao Water Supply Company Limited was founded in 1935. In 1985, SUEZ NWS, a joint venture between France's SUEZ and NWS Holdings Limited from Hong Kong, acquired 85% equity in Macao Water and became its majority shareholder. Macao Water signed a 25-year concession contract for public water supply services with the Macao-Portuguese Government in the same year. The concession was extended by the Macau SAR government in 2009 till July 2030. Macao Water provides reliable and safe water services in Macau through its expertise and quality culture to ensure that the water quality meets and exceeds European sanitary standards for drinking water. Its vision is to contribute to the growth and prosperity of Macao by building strong, mutually beneficial relationships with customers, shareholders, and employees, and also by creating value for all stakeholders.
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