AsiaWater 2026 Unites the Global Water Industry to Build Resilient, Tech-Driven Nations

9 April 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: As water security becomes an increasingly critical focus for nations worldwide, the 14th edition of AsiaWater officially opened at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). The event reaffirms its position as the region’s premier platform for water and wastewater solutions in developing Asia.

Officiated by Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, the conference brings together policymakers, industry leaders, utilities, and technology providers to address the region’s most urgent water challenges.

Organised by Informa Markets Malaysia, AsiaWater 2026 runs under the theme “Building Nations: Leveraging Technology-Driven Water Services for Inclusive Growth”.

From 7 to 9 April, the event was expected to attract over 20,000 professionals from more than 52 countries, alongside over 1,000 exhibiting brands.

The exhibition spans approximately 16,000 square metres, showcasing comprehensive solutions in water treatment, wastewater management, smart water technologies, and sustainable infrastructure.

In his opening address, Fadillah highlighted the vital importance of water security. “Water is the foundation upon which civilisation is built. Reliable water supply and effective wastewater management underpin public health, support industries, protect ecosystems, and bolster community resilience.”

He emphasised Malaysia’s priorities, including tackling Non-Revenue Water (NRW), strengthening infrastructure resilience, and promoting sustainable water management practices. In 2023, Malaysia’s NRW rate was 37.1%, leading to the daily loss of over 7 billion litres of treated water and costing more than RM2 billion annually—highlighting the scale of the challenge.

“Addressing NRW requires more than technical solutions. It demands sustainable financing models, effective governance, and close coordination between federal and state governments, along with industry stakeholders,” he stated.

Malaysia aims to reduce its NRW rate to 28.8% by 2030, supported by infrastructure upgrades, policy reforms, and improved implementation programmes. The country is also advancing integrated river basin management, water reuse, and circular water economy initiatives, aligning these efforts with its broader energy transition agenda.

In his welcoming remarks, Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat, Chairman of Informa Markets Malaysia, underscored the increasing complexity of water challenges.

“We gather at a time when water is no longer seen solely as an infrastructure issue, but as a strategic national priority.”

He stressed the necessity of coordinated, cross-sector action. “These challenges cannot be solved in isolation; they require collaboration across governments, industry, technology providers, and research communities.”

He highlighted AsiaWaters role in supporting informed decision-making, accelerating the adoption of proven technologies, and fostering collaboration within the water ecosystem. The event features over 60 conferences, forums, and technical sessions designed to bridge policy, innovation, and practical implementation.

The AsiaWater Conference brings together policymakers, utilities, and industry leaders to focus on digital transformation, infrastructure resilience, financing, and governance. Complementing this, the Technology Seminars provide practical insights to evaluate technologies based on performance, feasibility, and lifecycle value.

Specialised platforms include the Smart Water Networks Forum on digitalisation and smart monitoring, the ASTRICE-IWK Seminar on wastewater management and operational efficiency, and the Regional Water Expert Dialogue, which promotes high-level regional collaboration.

The International Conference on Water and Environment for Sustainability (ICWES 2026) will further strengthen academia-industry partnerships, ensuring research and innovation translate into tangible solutions.

Fadillah highlighted the importance of these platforms in positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for water innovation, knowledge exchange, and industry collaboration. “In the face of climate change, urbanisation, and rising water demand, AsiaWater 2026 provides a vital space for partnership and progress.”

A key feature this year is the upcoming launch of the Incubator Hub by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth within the water and wastewater sector.

Industry partner Gamuda Berhad stated: “Our priority is to enhance water resilience for long-term economic and social development. We offer end-to-end solutions—from large-scale infrastructure and advanced treatment to distribution and urban renewal—supported by our Gamuda Digital Operating System (GDOS), developed alongside Autodesk Construction Cloud and Building Information Modelling (BIM). Ensuring dependable, high-quality water supply underpins socio-economic progress.”

With its extensive programme, depth of expertise, and alignment with national and regional priorities, AsiaWater 2026 continues to shape the future of water management across Asia.

The event runs from 7 to 9 April 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Industry professionals are invited to participate in this leading regional platform to explore innovations, exchange knowledge, and forge strategic partnerships for a sustainable water future.