Research Fellow
Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)

Project: Assessing the Drivers of Sea Level Changes at the Singapore Coastline

Dr Farzin Samsami is enhancing coastal protection efforts by creating advanced hydrodynamic models that forecast storm surges impacting Singapore’s shores. At SIT and CFI Singapore, he combines numerical simulations with real-world data to study how tides, non-tidal movements, and wave run-up affect sea level variations. His work produces crucial datasets that support machine learning applications, directly shaping disaster response strategies and robust coastal planning.

As Dr Samsami explains, “My goal is to connect scientific insights with real-world resilience, helping build a safer and more sustainable future for coastal communities now and for future generations.”

Senior Scientist
Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC), A*STAR

Project: Towards Multi-Scale Assessment of Hydrodynamical and Structural Influences on Coral Larval Settlement

Dr Chan leads research to optimise hybrid coastal protection by modelling how hydrodynamics and structural features affect coral larval settlement and sediment dynamics. Integrating advanced simulations with experimental validation, his work supports the design of resilient, biodiversity-friendly coastal defences for Singapore’s future.

As he says, “We envision that modelling and simulation can and will play a pivotal role in the multi-physics analysis of various coastal scenarios, as well as efficient in silico design and evaluation of future modular coastal protection structures.”

Research Fellow
Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, National University of Singapore

Project: Strengthening Coastal Models for Climate Adaptation

Dr Hu advances coastal resilience by developing sophisticated models that integrate dynamic seepage flows to better understand sediment transport and seabed instability during tsunamis. Supported by large-scale experiments, his work delivers critical insights for designing climate-adaptive coastal infrastructure. As

Dr Hu shares, “By revealing how dynamic seepage flows influence sediment transport and scour, our research bridges a critical knowledge gap—empowering engineers to design more resilient coastal infrastructure for the extreme events of tomorrow.” His efforts directly inform strategies for future-proofing Singapore’s coastlines.

Senior Research Fellow
Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore

Project: Interaction of Tidal, Monsoonal, and ENSO Influences on Sea Level Variability in the Singapore Strait

Dr Sumit Dandapat strengthens Singapore’s coastal resilience through detailed oceanographic modelling and analysis. At TMSI and CFI Singapore, his research explores how tides, monsoon systems, and major climate influences like ENSO interact to drive sea level changes in the Singapore Strait. By merging data from tide gauges and satellites with advanced statistical and harmonic models, Dr Dandapat pinpoints how these elements contribute to extreme sea level events — offering key insights for flood risk assessment and adaptive coastal planning.

Dr Dandapat notes, “By examining current sea levels and storm surges using high-resolution ocean models, my research supports forecasts of future sea level trends —enabling better evaluation of coastal risks over the coming century and helping communities adapt to climate change.” His work lays the foundation for strong, forward-thinking coastal protection strategies that respond to Singapore’s evolving climate realities.

Research Fellow
School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Project: Flexible Seawall for Coastal Reservoir and Coastal Defence Systems in Singapore

Dr Chen Hao promotes sustainable coastal infrastructure by pioneering innovative flexible seawall systems for Singapore. His research centers on designing and model-testing a seawall prototype featuring a floating box paired with an impervious flexible curtain anchored to the seabed. This environmentally conscious approach cuts down on the use of earth and concrete, while significantly reducing dredging and disturbance to coastal ecosystems, offering a greener and more resilient alternative for coastal protection. During the special session, Dr Chen will showcase the prototype design and early model test results, highlighting the practicality and advantages of flexible seawalls for coastal reservoirs and defence in Singapore.

As Dr Chen explains, “My research seeks to deliver a flexible, sustainable, and promising coastal defence solution. The flexible seawall is cost-effective and durable in relatively deep waters, while also being environmentally friendly through integration with the intertidal zone. When paired with a coastal reservoir, the structure can help secure Singapore’s freshwater supply and create a multifunctional, integrated space.”