Hong Kong's Water Supplies Department (WSD) and South China University of Technology (SCUT) have signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration on water supply innovation, engineering and artificial intelligence.
Signed in Guangzhou on 29 June by WSD Director Roger Wong and SCUT Vice-President Professor Lin Yiwen, the agreement establishes a framework for technical exchanges, reciprocal visits, information sharing, joint research and the co-organisation of conferences and seminars.
The partnership will focus on three key areas:
- water supply technologies, equipment and materials;
- innovative engineering design and construction methods;
- development and application of AI models for the water sector.
According to the WSD, one of the first initiatives already underway is the joint development of an AI model designed to predict the remaining useful life of water mains, supporting predictive maintenance and enabling repairs before failures occur.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Wong said, "Currently, both parties are collaborating to develop an AI model capable of predicting the remaining useful life of water mains for implementing predictive maintenance, thereby facilitating early repairs to prevent water main bursts."
He added that the collaboration aims to support the department's digital transformation while addressing the challenges posed by climate change and growing urban water demand. Wong also expressed the hope to leverage Hong Kong's strengths by integrating industry, academia and research to accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies and expand them into international markets.
The collaboration is also intended to support the wider application of intelligent technologies in areas including water supply planning, water quality monitoring and leakage prediction.
SCUT Chancellor Professor Tang Hongwu highlighted the potential of the partnership, saying the two organisations would build on their existing cooperation to explore the efficient operation of dual seawater flushing and freshwater supply systems, while promoting knowledge exchange and technological innovation to improve water resource management.
During the visit, the WSD delegation also toured SCUT's International Campus and visited two smart water treatment plants in Guangzhou, where operational staff participated in practical training. The visit included the inauguration of a Smart Water Treatment Works Practical Training Base, which will provide structured training and strengthen professional cooperation in smart water operations between Guangdong and Hong Kong.
