Eco-city challenge to inspire innovation

Twelve teams from China and Singapore recently participated in an eco-city competition to explore innovation and implement green technologies in Tianjin municipality.

The teams were chosen from a pool of 147 for the 2024"Eco-Innovation, Green Action" International Young Talents Innovation Competition & Eco-City Innovation Star Competition Finals held at the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City on Oct 22.

Their aim was to adapt their green technologies to the eco-city, a pioneering green area being developed by China and Singapore.

The winning projects are poised to build upon previous successes in this area, part of Tianjin's Binhai New Area.

One of China's premier hubs for green development, the eco-city spans 30 square kilometers with a population of 160,000, and has been thriving on saline-alkali soil since its inception in 2008.

This year, the projects are expected to garner heightened attention from the local government, as a blueprint to transform the eco-city into a national model zone for green development received approval from the State Council in August.

The plan outlines standards and steps to elevate the eco-city to an internationally pioneering level in green development.

China and Singapore are joining forces to enhance green technologies, equipment, services, infrastructure and green financing initiatives.

"The new plan is set to propel the eco-city toward becoming a global exemplar in green and low-carbon development," said Teo Eng Cheong, CEO of Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Investment and Development Co.