Singapore-based 800 Super Waste Management Pte Ltd, in cooperation with local firm Global Action for Environment Awareness Plc (GAEA), have expanded into Cambodia’s solid waste management sector, the companies said in a January 27 joint media release.

They said 800 Super and its joint venture partner in Cambodia, GAEA, were awarded a contract for waste collection and transportation in one of the capital’s three rubbish collection zones.

The joint venture was selected from over 20 bidders who participated in the tender that the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration held in March, according to the release.

It said that under the 10-year contract, the joint venture will be responsible for the collection and transportation of solid waste from five sub-zones in Zone 1 to a transfer station, and ultimately to the regional landfill for the capital and its surrounding provinces.

It listed the five sub-zones as Russey Keo, Sen Sok, Chroy Changvar, Prek Pnov and Tuol Kork – each corresponding to one of the capital’s 14 districts.

“The estimated waste quantity is around 1,040 tonnes per day in 2020 and is projected to increase to around 2,700 tonnes per day by 2030 as the city grows.

“800 Super is one of the three licensed public waste collectors in Singapore appointed by Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA), while GAEA is a Cambodia-based waste collection company operating in Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, Banteay Meanchey and Kampot provinces,” the release added.

800 Super CEO William Lee expressed his keenness to work with the municipal administration to “bring in our collective experience and expertise” and “enhance Phnom Penh’s cleanliness and liveability”.

He said: “We are delighted to be awarded the contract and are pleased to have GAEA as our partner in this journey. We also thank Enterprise Singapore, National Environment Agency and Infrastructure Asia for their support in our growth and regionalisation journey.

“We will also continue to explore new opportunities in Cambodia, a very important market in our growth strategy.”

NEA deputy CEO for planning, corporate and technology Ng Chun Pin said: “This contract is a significant milestone for Singapore’s Environmental Services [ES] sector, and a strong affirmation of the close collaborations between agencies to help our ES companies internationalise.

“It is also a nod to the capabilities and gumption of our homegrown ES companies, such as 800 Super, who are able to bring value not only through their expertise and experience, but also the integration of technology and innovation to make their services more productive and efficient.

“We hope this success will spur more ES companies on, and to consider venturing abroad, thereby generating more job opportunities for Singaporeans, both locally and overseas.”

Eunice Koh, assistant CEO of Enterprise Singapore, a statutory board under Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, said: “Despite uncertain times, Singapore companies that have invested in technology continue to forge partnerships overseas and press on with their internationalisation plans.

“It is also heartening to know that 800 Super, a Singapore company, will be contributing to Phnom Penh City’s public health agenda, a top-of-mind issue for both the government and citizens in current times.”

Infrastructure Asia executive director Seth Tan said: “With increasing urbanisation, waste management is an issue that many cities in the region, including Phnom Penh, are facing.”

“We are glad to know that the Royal Government of Cambodia is taking active steps to optimise its waste sector to support Phnom Penh’s continuing growth. This is also an area to which Singapore-based players such as 800 Super are well-placed to contribute given their experience and expertise in municipal waste management.”

The city-state’s Infrastructure Asia describes itself as “an initiative by Enterprise Singapore and the Monetary Authority of Singapore that supports Asia’s economic and social growth through infrastructure development”.