ABC Waters Professional Registry

Introduction

Two-thirds of Singapore functions as local catchment areas. Under the Active, Beautiful, and Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme, PUB has embarked on a journey to harness the full potential of our waters by integrating them with our environment. Since the launch of the ABC Waters Programme in 2006, many public agencies and private developers have also embraced the ABC Waters design that leads to improvement in water quality, enhanced biodiversity and new recreational space for people to get closer to water.

With more ABC Waters projects, there is a need to ensure that suitably qualified engineers, architects or landscape architects are on board to undertake the designs of such water features. IES is collaborating with PUB and other agencies to introduce the ABC Waters Professional Programme. The programme is aimed at building up the expertise in the area of ABC Waters design and increase the competitiveness of professionals in the Singapore market as well as within the region.

The objective of the Programme is to create awareness of ABC Waters design concept and its application in Singapore amongst professionals in the industry and to train professionals in the design, implementation and maintenance of ABC Waters Design features. Four core modules (CU1 to CU 4) and five elective modules (EU 1 to EU 5) are offered under the ABC Waters Professional programme. The Programme commenced on 16 Sep 2011 and with the number of participants increasing year-on-year.

Participants who complete all four core modules plus any two elective modules would be eligible to be registered as an ABC Waters Professional subject to full compliance with Registration Criteria of IES, SIA or SILA. Participants who complete any single module would receive certificate of attendance and a result slip for the module completed.

For more details on upcoming runs of the modules, please contact IES Academy at [email protected] or call 6463 9211.

Supported by:

• I. Objectives
  • With the latest revisions to the Code of Practice on Surface Water Drainage (with effect from 1 Jun 2013), developers/owners shall engage an ABC Waters Professional to design, oversee the construction of, and develop a maintenance plan for the ABC Waters design features. The design and design calculations for these features, endorsed by the ABC Waters Professional, shall be submitted to PUB as part of DC submission.
  • A 6 months grace period from 1 Jun 2013 will be imposed by PUB on the new requirement to engage ABC Waters Professionals.
  • If applicable, developers/owners shall also, on a yearly basis, submit a Certificate of Inspection on ABC Waters design features, endorsed by an ABC Waters Professional. The Certificate of Inspection shall contain declaration that the features have been inspected, and are maintained satisfactorily and functioning well.
  • The ABC Waters Professional Registry aims to establish a list of qualified ABC Waters Professionals in the industry.
  • The Registry also aims to enable the industry to recognize the quality design work carried out by ABC Waters Professionals who have successfully completed the accredited 4 core modules and 2 elective modules under the ABC Waters Professional Programme, for design, construction and maintenance of ABC Waters design features in Singapore. This will inspire the industry to improve the level of professional knowledge in ABC Waters design in time to come.
  • The Registry will also assist the ABC Waters Professionals towards achieving better quality and standards of ABC Waters design through continuous education and training,increasing their competitiveness in the Singapore market as well as within the region.
• II. Criteria For New Registration of ABC Waters Professionals

  A new applicant for registration as an ABC Waters Professional must satisfy the following:

  1. Possess engineering/architectural/landscape architectural degree from universities recognised by the Professional Engineers Board (PEB), Board of Architects (BOA), Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) or Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects (SILA).
  2. Possess a valid CEng certificate (Environmental & Water) issued under the Chartered Engineering Board for IES members;
  3. Be a Member of
     • The Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES) (Click here and here) or
     • Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA). (Click here) or
     • Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects (SILA) (Click here)
  4. Be a Professional Engineer (Civil) registered with Professional Engineers Board Singapore (click here ) or an Architect registered with Board of Architects (BOA) (Click here) or an Accredited Landscape Architect registered with the Landscape Architects Accreditation Office (as applicable)
  5. Successful completion of 4 core modules and 2 elective modules under the ABC Waters Professional Programme

  Any waiver to the above requirements must be approved by the ABC Waters Professional Monitoring Committee.

• III. New Application Process

  Professional Engineers / Architects / Landscape architects who have completed the 4 core and 2 elective ABC Waters Professional Programme modules, and are interested in registering as ABC Waters Professionals must submit an application for registration. In order to qualify for registration, an applicant must pass all the required modules within the last 5 years prior to date of application.

  For SIA and SILA applicants, please proceed to the SIA (click here) and SILA (click here) ABC WP webpages respectively.

  For IES applicants, please submit the completed New Application Form (click here) and attach the following supporting documents:
  a) A copy of Membership Certificate;

  b) A copy of a valid Practicing Certificate issued under the Professional Engineers Board or a valid CEng certificate (Environmental & Water) issued under the Chartered Engineering Board for IES members;

  c) Applicants are required to produce 4 core and 2 elective modules result slips under the ABC Waters Professional Programme (All required modules to complete within 5 years prior to date of application);

  d) A copy of a minimum academic qualification of degree in

  • Civil Engineering

  e) Total fee of $300.00 (excluding prevailing GST) comprising:

  • Application fee (non-refundable) * $100 (excluding prevailing GST) and
  • Annual Subscription fee for 2 years – $200.00 (excluding prevailing GST)

  f) Online payment via: https://form.jotform.com/theies/abc-wp-new-application-subscription

• IV. Renewal Application

  With effect from 1^st October 2016, renewal period will be changed from yearly to once every two years.

  1. For renewal registrations as an ABC Waters Professional, applicants shall satisfy the following:
  2. Be a member of IES or Singapore Institute of Architects or SILA
  3. Be a Professional Engineer who is registered under the Professional Engineers Board Singapore, a Chartered Engineer (Environmental & Water) who is registered under the Chartered Engineering Board of IES, a Professional Architect (as applicable), or a full member of SILA (as applicable);
  4. Has a valid Practicing Certificate in his/her own profession (as applicable);
  5. Attain 12 PDU (ABC) for renewal submission.
  6. Payment of subscription fee of $200.00 (excluding prevailing GST) for 2 years validity.
  7. Renewal fee payment via: https://form.jotform.com/theies/abc-wp-renewal-fee
• V. Programmes, Form & Circulars

  Programme Modules	New Application Form
  Renewal Form (Revised 8 Dec 2023)	Activities for Renewal

  Circulars
  28 July 2025	ABC Waters Professional Core Modules Now Eligible for ABCWP PDU Renewal
  20 September 2020	Registration as ABC Waters Professionals
  1 June 2017	Change in Renewal Period starting 1 Oct 2016
  22 March 2016	ABC Waters at Potong Pasir – A Case Study