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§ Private Profile · 80 Bendemeer Rd, Singapore, Central Singapore, 339949, Singapore
Water and energy treatment specialist offering integrated systems for desalination, wastewater treatment, and recycling.
Key people at Hyflux Ltd.
Hyflux Ltd was a Singapore-based water treatment specialist, providing integrated systems for advanced water treatment, membrane filtration, purification, and wastewater recycling, alongside ventures into waste-to-energy solutions. The company began in 1989 with S$20,000 capital and three staff, growing to achieve S$59 million in net profits by 2008, though this declined to S$3.8 million by 2016. Its services catered to municipal and industrial clients across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. In May 2018, Hyflux suspended its shares and sought court-supervised reorganization, later receiving a S$400 million equity injection offer from Salim Group and Medco Group for a 60% stake in October 2018. The organization was founded in 1989 by Olivia Lum.
Key people at Hyflux Ltd.
# Hyflux Ltd: High-Level Overview
Hyflux Ltd is a Singapore-based water and energy solutions provider that designs, manufactures, and operates integrated treatment systems for municipal and industrial clients worldwide[1][2]. The company specializes in seawater desalination, wastewater treatment, water recycling, and waste-to-energy solutions, serving customers across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa[4]. Operating through Municipal and Industrial segments, Hyflux addresses critical infrastructure challenges in water scarcity and energy generation, positioning itself at the intersection of sustainability and essential services[2].
The company operates multiple flagship plants including the Singspring Desalination Plant and Tuaspring Integrated Water & Power Project in Singapore, as well as desalination facilities in Algeria and China[4]. With approximately 2,500 employees, Hyflux has established itself as a significant player in the global water treatment sector, though the company entered liquidation as of July 2021[2].
# Origin Story
Hyflux was founded in 1989 by Olivia Lum as Hydrochem (S) Pte Ltd with minimal resources—just S$20,000 in start-up capital and three staff members[3]. The company began by selling water treatment systems and grew steadily through the 1990s. By January 2001, Hyflux became the first water treatment company listed on Singapore's SESDAQ exchange, demonstrating early market confidence in its business model[3]. The company was subsequently upgraded to the Singapore Exchange's Mainboard in April 2003[3].
The company achieved significant recognition in 2006 when it received the Water Company of the Year award from Global Water Intelligence[3]. A pivotal moment came in 2011 when Hyflux won a major contract to develop the Tuaspring Integrated Water & Power Project, establishing a wholly owned subsidiary to manage this combined desalination and power generation facility[3]. The desalination plant began operations in 2013, followed by the power plant in 2015[3].
# Core Differentiators
# Role in the Broader Tech Landscape
Hyflux emerged during a period of growing global water stress and energy demand, positioning itself to capitalize on infrastructure modernization across Asia and emerging markets. The company's focus on desalination and water recycling addressed a critical gap as freshwater scarcity became an increasingly urgent challenge for municipalities and industrial operations[3]. By combining water treatment with waste-to-energy capabilities, Hyflux tapped into the broader sustainability movement and the need for integrated infrastructure solutions.
The company's success in securing large government contracts and its ability to finance major projects through innovative instruments—such as issuing the first non-bank corporate perpetual preference shares in Singapore—demonstrated its influence in shaping how water infrastructure projects were financed and executed in the region[3].
# Quick Take & Future Outlook
Hyflux's trajectory reflects both the promise and challenges of infrastructure-heavy sustainability businesses. The company achieved remarkable growth from a three-person startup to a regional leader, but faced significant financial pressures that led to its suspension of shares in May 2018 and subsequent liquidation proceedings[3]. In October 2018, conglomerate Salim Group and energy giant Medco Group offered a S$400 million equity injection in exchange for a 60 percent stake, signaling continued belief in the company's core assets despite operational challenges[3].
The company's experience underscores that even well-positioned players in high-demand sectors face risks related to project execution, capital intensity, and market volatility. Hyflux's legacy remains significant in demonstrating the viability of integrated water and energy solutions, though its financial difficulties highlight the operational and financial complexities inherent in large-scale infrastructure development.
