New Aquatic Science Centre to open at Sungei Ulu Pandan by 2009
By Chan Eu Imm, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 02 July 2008 1638 hrs


SINGAPORE: Sungei Ulu Pandan is set to be the next hotspot for urban freshwater research in Singapore. It will have a new Aquatic Science Centre by the end of 2009, the first of its kind in Asia.

Besides training and research, the joint initiative by the Singapore-Delft Water Alliance (SDWA) will also double up as a public education centre.

The centre is a joint research initiative by the SDWA, comprising the National University of Singapore, PUB and Delft Hydraulics.

Environment and Water Resources Minister, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, said: "This is a very important part of our work to ensure that our water quality is being monitored on a continuous basis.

"Yet at the same time, we want to develop knowledge and understanding of our water bodies - how is it we can use natural solutions to keep our water bodies clean and water flowing."

Nearly 20 researchers from various disciplines ranging from biology to engineering will look into integrated approaches to urban water problems.

These include improving water quality and supply, mitigating flood risks, and understanding the interaction between plants, soil and water bodies.

Associate Professor Vladan Babovic, Director, Singapore-Delft Water Alliance, said: "The challenges that we are trying to address are posed by greater urbanisation and the pressures that the environment feels as a consequence of centuries of human activities."

The proposed centre at Sungei Ulu Pandan is the first of three environmental observatories in the pipeline. The other two centres will be developed in a reservoir setting as well as a marine setting.

About S$9 million in funding will be poured into the 1,800 square-metre facility at Sungei Ulu Pandan.

Not just confined to research, the upcoming research centre also aims to play an educational role. It will be open to the public once completed at the end of 2009 to promote the appreciation of water and its conservation. - CNA/vm

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/357763/1/.html

^^ It seems that it is completed. Some pictures I found in the Internet.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4786097517_f04a89796e_o.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4786097517_f04a89796e_o.jpg
http://www.streetdirectory.com/stock_images/travel/simg_show/12978511420583/1/aquatic_science_centre__sungei_ulu_pandan/
http://www.streetdirectory.com/stock_images/travel/simg_show/12978511420583/1/aquatic_science_centre__sungei_ulu_pandan/

You can get more info from the main website in the link below.

http://www.sdwa.nus.edu.sg/

The centre has been renamed by the van Kleef Centre. The Queen of Netherlands visited the centre today.


NUS names water research facility in honour of Dutchman
By Leong Wai Kit | Posted: 25 January 2013 1958 hrs

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/components/display_image.php?id=526223
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands (3rd L), Prince Willem-Alexander (3rd R) and Princess Maxima (L) look on during their visit to the NUS Van Kleef Centre, a water research facility. (AFP/ROSLAN RAHMAN)

SINGAPORE: The National University of Singapore has named its water research facility the van Kleef Centre. This is to honour Dutchman Karel Willem Benjamin van Kleef, who lived in Singapore in the 19th and early 20th century.

He bequeathed his fortune to build the Van Kleef Aquarium, which was demolished in 1996.

The research facility was named in conjunction with a visit by the Queen of Netherlands.

Queen Beatrix was accompanied by members of the royal family, Prince of Orange and Princess Maxima of the Netherlands, as well as foreign affairs and foreign trade ministers.

They visited the Aquatic Science Centre, where researchers showcased research work on urban water management and water sensitive urban design.

Ambassador-at-Large Professor Tommy Koh was one of the guests. Prof Koh said it was important for Singaporeans to remember and honour foreign friends who had been good to Singapore.

He said: "I want them to remember that this is a foreign friend of Singapore who loved our country so much that he bequeathed his fortune to us, and also to remember the aquarium which has disappeared.

"Because for two generations of Singaporeans, it was the only aquarium in Singapore, and we all went there. We loved the aquarium and it made an impact on some people."

-CNA/ac


source: CNA (http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1250215/1/.html)

It's great that people still do remember van Kleef Aquarium! The crocodiles underneath the staircase; the electric eels and piranhas at the second floor lobby... Those who have been there knew what I am talking about here, and how those creatures caught our imaginations.

There was, of course, no RWS oceanarium or the UnderwaterWorld then. Just strolling along simple display of freshwater and marine creatures had provided many families with simple pleasure of life. Those were the days...

A small road there had been named Albert Winsemius Lane

For shame! As someone who drafted Singapore's economic growth and responsible for turning around Singapore's economic status post-independence, Albert Winsemius should have been honoured far more than this. Not just one tiny road.

For shame! As someone who drafted Singapore's economic growth and responsible for turning around Singapore's economic status post-independence, Albert Winsemius should have been honoured far more than this. Not just one tiny road.
To be honest, I think giving Albert Winsemius more significance than that wouldn't sit well with the politicized middle class right now.