Launched as Singapore’s first Centre of Excellence to strengthen local capabilities and expertise in coastal protection and flood management, Coastal Protection and Flood Resilience Institute (CFI) Singapore aims to foster research and collaboration across academia and the industry as well as develop local talents to address these challenges.
Through partnerships with renowned institutions, CFI Singapore can consolidate expertise both locally and globally. These partners include Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). In conjunction with SIWW 2024, CFI Singapore will feature research projects from the host institution (NUS) and their partner Institutes of Higher Learning at their booth. These projects aim to tackle issues in coastal protection and flood management with novel and innovative solutions.
The booth will highlight nine research projects from NUS, SIT and NTU. The projects are broadly categorised under two horizontals and two verticals - namely Coastal Science Research (H1), Monitoring, Prediction and Digitalisation of Coastal Environments (H2), Innovative Engineering Solutions (V1) and Integrated Nature-based Solutions (V2). The projects include:
- [H1-P1] Dr Pavel Tkalich’s (NUS) project aims to develop models to simulate extreme local wind waves and storm surge conditions to enhance the understanding of the risks these events pose should they occur concurrently.
- [H1-P2] Associate Professor Low Ying Min (NUS) will explore the factors influencing extreme coastal flooding events with his project to offer potential solutions for more effective risk mitigation strategies.
- [H2-P1] Associate Professor Victor Wang (SIT) and his project, which involves developing advanced modelling tools to integrate machine learning with existing data. This will help improve the accuracy of storm surge and wave forecasts along Singapore’s coastline.
- [H2-P2] Professor Vladan Babovic (NUS) seeks to improve the speed and accuracy at which PUB predicts heavy rainfall. This will help generate insights into how climate change and urbanization affect convective rainfall patterns.
- [V1-P1] Professor Chu Jian (NTU) aims to utilise a more cost-effective, flexible seawall design to strengthen coastal defence systems. His highly adaptable seawall system is also more environmentally friendly, paving the way for a more sustainable approach to coastal defence systems.
- [V1-P2] Assistant Professor Chew Soon Hoe (NUS)’s project will leverage existing coastal protection structures through modular, watertight units that will mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels.
- [V2-P2] Assistant Professor Gary Lei Jiarui (NUS) explores hybrid coastal protection strategies that combine traditional engineering structures with nature-inspired solutions such as mangroves and seagrasses. In the face of rising sea levels, providing coastal protection while simultaneously integrating the natural environment is crucial for coastal protection and management.
- [V2-P1, V2-P3] Associate Professor Peter Todd (NUS)’s projects revolve around shore protection using hybrid defence systems that simultaneously enhance biodiversity and ecosystems.
SIWW 2024 will be held from 19-21 June 2024 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands. Members of the public can visit the expo by applying for a complimentary trade visitor pass.
