Agilent and NTU’s NEWRI Forge Strategic Partnership to Tackle Emerging Water Contaminants in Singapore
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) has recently deepened its commitment to environmental sustainability and public health by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. This strategic agreement marks the continuation of a long-standing partnership aimed at enhancing Singapore’s capabilities in water quality research and environmental protection, particularly focusing on the detection and analysis of emerging contaminants over the next three years.
NTU’s NEWRI is internationally recognized for its leadership in environmental science, currently ranked 13th globally in the field by the QS World University Rankings 2025. The institute plays a pivotal role in shaping solutions to complex environmental challenges faced by Singapore and the broader Southeast Asia region. The newly signed MOU represents the third collaboration between Agilent and NEWRI, underlining the shared vision and mutual trust that have characterized their partnership over the years.
At the heart of this collaboration is a mission to address the growing threat of emerging contaminants in water systems—ranging from microplastics and pharmaceutical residues to persistent organic pollutants. These contaminants pose serious health and environmental risks but are often difficult to detect due to their low concentrations and chemical complexity. Agilent’s extensive suite of next-generation analytical technologies will be critical in this endeavor, enabling researchers to develop more sensitive, accurate, and comprehensive testing protocols.
Agilent’s portfolio includes Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) systems, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) instruments, Seahorse XF technology for cellular metabolism analysis, xCELLigence real-time cell analyzers for bioassays, and Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) chemical imaging spectroscopy. These tools offer a powerful foundation for advancing analytical and bioanalytical methodologies. The collaboration also involves building robust contaminant databases, expanding chemical and bioassay screening capabilities, and fostering new applications tailored to Singapore’s environmental needs.
Professor Wang Rong, Executive Director of NEWRI, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “We are really excited to take our partnership with Agilent to the next level. Over the past 12 years, NEWRI has made significant contributions in the detection of emerging contaminants, developing robust methods to identify these challenging compounds. This collaboration will pool our strengths and deliver more impactful outcomes in advancing environmental monitoring and protection.”
Agilent also expressed strong enthusiasm for the renewed collaboration. Bharat Bhardwaj, Vice President of Sales for the Asia Pacific region, remarked, “This enduring partnership exemplifies the trust that NEWRI places in our groundbreaking innovations, which bring transformative science to reality. With a robust presence spanning over 25 years and a dedicated team of 600 local experts in Singapore, we take immense pride in advancing targeted projects alongside our collaboration partner. Together, we are pioneering new pathways in safe water testing, addressing the challenges posed by emerging contaminants.”
NEWRI’s track record in environmental innovation is well established. Over the past decade, the institute has led advancements in key areas such as low-energy desalination, next-generation solid waste solutions, autonomous water treatment technologies, and circular economy strategies for resource recovery. Many of these initiatives have been supported by Agilent’s analytical instrumentation, deployed across multiple projects in Singapore, further solidifying the synergy between the two organizations.
Agilent, a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, has been a key player in Singapore’s scientific landscape since establishing its presence in 1999. With its regional headquarters based in the country, Agilent continues to play a crucial role in supporting national R&D efforts, particularly in water quality and environmental monitoring. In 2022, the World Economic Forum (WEF) recognized Agilent as a Factory Lighthouse—a prestigious acknowledgment of the company’s leadership in sustainable and smart manufacturing. Notably, Agilent remains the only analytical and clinical laboratory technology company in the world to receive this honor, reinforcing its commitment to responsible innovation that benefits both people and the planet.
This collaboration comes at a time when water security and sustainability are gaining prominence globally due to increasing industrialization, climate change, and urban population growth. In water-scarce regions such as Singapore, the need for advanced detection technologies and innovative water treatment solutions is particularly acute. By harnessing their combined expertise, NEWRI and Agilent aim to deliver impactful scientific breakthroughs that support national priorities and contribute to global environmental stewardship.
The renewed partnership between Agilent and NEWRI is not just a reaffirmation of shared goals but also a strategic move to accelerate innovation in environmental science. As both organizations continue to expand their capabilities and push the boundaries of research and technology, their joint efforts are expected to yield practical solutions for cleaner water and a healthier environment—benefiting communities in Singapore and beyond.
With this MOU, Agilent and NEWRI set the stage for the next chapter in their collaborative journey, one that promises to enhance scientific understanding, promote sustainable water management practices, and reinforce Singapore’s position as a hub for environmental research and innovation.
