Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2026 opens for nominations

Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize (LKYWP) 2026, the prestigious biennial award that honours outstanding contributions by individuals or organisations for solving the world’s water challenges, launched its call for nominations. 

The LKYWP is named after Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew, whose vision and leadership enabled Singapore to overcome its challenges as a water-stressed city-state to secure a resilient and sustainable water supply. Since its inception in 2008, the Prize has gained a strong standing in the global water arena for its recognition of innovative water technologies, programmes and policies that have been game-changers in their real-world application. 

Since its inception in 2008, the Prize has gained a strong standing in the global water arena for its recognition of innovative water technologies

The honour roll for the Prize includes Laureates who have developed ground-breaking solutions in wastewater-based epidemiology, membrane technology and used water treatment, as well as holistic water policies and management practices. These solutions have benefitted the lives of millions. Their achievements represent the pinnacle in water solutions that have made a difference to cities and people around the world.

Presented in partnership with Temasek Foundation, the LKYWP 2026 Laureate will be announced in April 2026. The Laureate will receive S$300,000, a gold medallion and a certificate at the Prize banquet and award ceremony during the 11th Singapore International Water Week, which will be held from 15 to 19 June 2026. 

Nomination process

Leaders of international water companies and water utilities, top academics in water research, policy and/or management, heads of international organisations, members of government, or distinguished individuals in the field of water are welcome to submit nominations of suitable candidates for the LKYWP 2026. This can be done online by uploading a citation of the nominee's achievements at https://go.gov.sg/lkywp2026nomination. Nominations for the LKYWP 2026 are open from 16 April 2025 to 11 July 2025.

Shortlisted nominees will be notified to submit supporting documents for a more detailed evaluation by the Water Prize Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee will thoroughly evaluate all shortlisted nominations and make their recommendations to the Water Prize Council, who will then decide on the LKYWP 2026 Laureate. For more information, visit https://www.siww.com.sg/landing-page/nomination-guidelines or email leekuanyewwaterprize@siww.com.sg.