Dr. Ir. Ts. Hj. Mohmad Asari Daud
President
2021-2023 Session

President’s 2023 New Year Message

As we close the door on 2022, I would like to say a big thank to all MWA members and supporters for being with us throughout the year   and to extend a note of gratitude for your support and participation in all MWA and MyWA programmes in the year 2022. I wish a Happy New Year to all my colleagues, MWA members and supporters, partners, sponsors, trainers, and the whole water industry community as we make an entry into 2023.

Not too late for us to congratulate YAB Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim on his appointment as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia on 24 November 2022. May Allah S.W.T. give blessings through the leadership of YAB Dato' Seri as the leader of our beloved country, Malaysia, to maintain peace and prosperity, improving further the well-being and future for the people.

Our congratulations also to YB Tuan Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad who has been appointed as the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change on 3 December 2022. We are confident in the enthusiasm and dedication of the Minister in his efforts towards improving the country's water and sewerage industry under his leadership.

Indeed, the MWA and the water industry can look back on a year full of challenges and changes but with this, also came new opportunities. We have been able to navigate through the ups and downs of our journey, especially in the post COVID19 period, with your support. The MWA growth over the years has been a cumulative outcome of the efforts of every individual and institutional member and partners associated with us. So, as we venture into new year, we will also look forward to your active participation in boosting us further in 2023. 

The MWA has faithfully recorded and documented some of the favorite moments from 2022 in our Website, the Quarterly Bulletin magazine Water Malaysia and the MWA Newsletters which are distributed free to all members and supporters. The programmes of knowledge sharing, advocacy and training were great reminders and confirmation that the MWA is committed to continuing to be the voice for national water sector in an ever-evolving industry. We are dedicated to delivering on this “mandate”, to be an influential part of the dialogue on industry challenges, and to continue to be involved in the conversation for the overall collaborative effort that is required as we move forward. 

I believe the year 2023 will turn out to be a most eventful year for the water industry with the Mid-term Review of the 12^th Malaysia Plan taking place, coupled with the re-opening up a host of opportunities in new investment and policy direction towards sustainable, affordable and scalable water solutions and with the hope that decision-makers will go all out to put water at the heart of national water agenda. Recently, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change has made renewed commitment on Water Sector Transformation 2040 (WST 2040) agenda that, when implemented will set a strategic direction to ensure the water sector is a dynamic growth driver while ensuring water supply for all.

As an industry, we should be proud of the progress that has been made towards making Malaysia, arguably, one of the most reliable and safest drinking water in this part of the world. It is important that we never let our guard down, never forget some of the biggest challenges facing our industry today are different and may shape the industry for many years to come if we do not face them head on and think strategically:

Challenges have always been part of our industry and always will be, but we are fortunate that there are so many dedicated utilities, experts and individuals across the country. I personally, have been privileged to work with many of you, to have had discussions on the challenges we have faced and the challenges to come. With challenges, come opportunities, a time to be innovative, a time to collaborate, and perhaps most importantly, a time to work together and to continue to build relationships.

As we enter 2023, I am confident that we will continue to evolve as an industry, as we always have, and the MWA is committed to having a substantial role in these conversations.

I look into the coming days with great optimism – because I look at the people around me, colleagues, and those of you we serve and I see the hills we have climbed together. I know that there is no mountain too high for those committed to climb it.

We wish you health, happiness and resilience in this New Year!

Dr. Ir. Ts. Hj. Mohmad Asari Daud