Why Water: A Journey with Christopher Ng

In a conversation with Christopher Ng, Operations Manager at Ovivo Singapore in the Energy team, we explore his journey from National Service to leading water treatment projects with Ovivo. His story is a testament to the deep connection between water, history, and innovation. For him, water is not just a resource; it’s a responsibility.

His Journey:

Having grown up in Singapore, a city-state surrounded by sea yet facing limited natural water resources, Christopher’s journey is deeply tied to this vital element. A graduate with first-class honours in mechanical engineering from the University of Liverpool in the UK,  he pursued his studies driven by academic ambition and a passion for Liverpool football—a combination that reflects his practical yet spirited nature.

After his education, Christopher returned to Singapore to complete his National Service as a combat engineer officer assigned to the watercraft and bridging division. Posted to a unit specializing in water operations, he was immersed in water-related projects such as building bridges and navigating coastal areas. This early exposure to water systems laid the foundation for his career. “It helped shape my leadership skills, discipline, and understanding of how water impacts logistics and communities,” he recalls.

Christopher has over 30 years of experience in water treatment. He started his professional journey at Eimco Water Technologies in 2008 (which now operates under Ovivo). His career with Ovivo mirrors its growth. Initially, the Singapore office was a small setup, today, it operates independently, handling projects from execution to commissioning.

The Significance of Water:

Living in Singapore, where every drop of water is precious, gave Christopher a unique perspective. “Water is sacred,” he emphasizes. Singapore relies heavily on imported water, innovative water reclamation systems, and rainwater catchments.

Christopher explains, “Clean water in Singapore is not a given—it’s a result of the hard work of previous generations who built systems that allow us to drink water directly from the tap. This achievement instills a sense of responsibility to value and conserve water.” He recalls how, during his early career, he saw firsthand how water treatment systems play a pivotal role in providing clean water, not just for drinking but for industrial and environmental sustainability.

Why Water with Ovivo?

“Ovivo’s tagline, ‘Bringing Water to Life,’ perfectly encapsulates what we do,” Christopher says. “It’s not just about solutions; it’s about taking active steps to ensure sustainable and efficient water treatment. Every project, every system we design, contributes to making water more accessible and sustainable.”

For Christopher, what sets Ovivo apart is its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. “It’s always a team effort. We work across offices globally to deliver the best solutions. Teamwork is one of our core values, and it’s what enables us to succeed.”

What Does the Future of Water Treatment Look Like?

Christopher believes that water, like the Chinese proverb he quotes, is a double-edged sword: “Water can carry a boat to its destination, but it can also swallow it.” He emphasizes that managing water responsibly is essential, as mishandling it can lead to disasters.

Reflecting on global challenges, Christopher highlights the contrast between regions with ample clean water and those without. “In some parts of the world, people walk miles for a drop of water, while others take it for granted. The awareness of water’s value is critical for the future.”

For this reason, when asked about the future, Christopher is clear: it lies in education, awareness, and innovation. “We need to inspire the next generation to value water as much as we do,” he says. “Technological advancements are important, but fostering a global culture of conservation and responsibility is equally critical.”