Professor Ng How Yong of the School of Technology for Sustainability at Beijing Normal University (BNU) has been named a Distinguished Fellow of the International Water Association(IWA), becoming one of six water professionals worldwide to receive the honor this year. The appointment was confirmed in the IWA's 2026 fellowship announcement, following the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Glasgow, UK.

Prof. Ng How Yong (left); IWA President Hamanth Kasan (right)

The International Water Association is a global network of water professionals spanning more than 50 areas of the water sector. It promotes innovative, practical, and sustainable solutions to global water challenges and is widely recognized in the international water community. The IWA Fellow distinction is renewed every five years and recognizes scholars and professionals who have made significant contributions to the water sector and the association. The title of Distinguished Fellow is a lifetime honor awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the global water sector and demonstrated leadership in supporting the IWA's mission and objectives.

IWA Fellows and Distinguished Fellows

Prof. Ng has long been engaged in research and technology transfer in wastewater treatment and reuse. He has led nearly 40 research projects, published more than 270 papers in high-impact SCI-indexed journals, co-authored more than 10 academic books, and secured eight international patents. He has also been included in the list of the world's top 2% of scientists. In addition to his research achievements, Prof. Ng plays an active role in the international water research community. He serves as an editor of Water Research, chairs the IWA Membrane Technology Specialist Group, and is a member of the IWA Publications Committee. He also holds an adjunct professorship at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and is a Fellow of the Academy of Engineering Singapore. His numerous honors include the IWA Asia Pacific Regional Project Innovation Award, the Prestigious Engineering Achievement Award from the Institution of Engineers Singapore, and the NUS Engineering Leadership Award.