UNIMAS made waves on the international stage during the 2024 Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF), held from November 27 to 30, 2024. Among the standout achievements was the remarkable success of Dr. Lau Sei Ping, Deputy Director of the Institute of Social Informatics and Technological Innovations (ISITI), who garnered both the Gold Award and the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), Philippines. His innovative creation, FloodWatch: A Flood Watcher for Hyperlocal, Street-Level Flood Mapping and Monitoring, captured the judges’ attention for its ingenuity and potential to save lives.
FloodWatch: Revolutionizing Flood Management
Flash floods are a growing urban challenge, unpredictable and devastating, disrupting lives, infrastructure, and economies. Traditional flood monitoring systems, with their low-resolution data and reliance on delayed social media updates, often fall short of providing actionable insights. FloodWatch, however, offers a game-changing solution.
FloodWatch integrates cutting-edge IoT technology with solar-powered sensors to create a self-sustaining flood monitoring system. These lightweight sensors are strategically deployed along urban drainage networks, continuously monitoring water levels. Data is communicated via long-distance wireless networks to a cloud-based infrastructure, where advanced analytics transform the raw information into actionable insights. When water levels reach critical thresholds, real-time alerts provide authorities and communities with hyperlocal data, enabling timely and effective responses.
This innovative approach is more than a flood monitoring tool; it’s a significant step toward building smarter, more resilient cities. By enhancing disaster preparedness and urban management, FloodWatch directly supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Furthermore, its emphasis on climate adaptation and resilience aligns perfectly with SDG 13: Climate Action.
A Team Effort
FloodWatch is the result of a collaborative effort by an outstanding team of researchers at UNIMAS. The project team, led by Dr. Lau Sei Ping, includes Professor Dr. Tan Chong Eng, Associate Professor Dr. Charles Bong Hin Joo, Associate Professor Dr. Leonard Lim Lik Pueh, Christopher Sii, and Ho Wan Yu. Together, they combined their expertise in IoT systems, sustainable energy, and urban management to create a practical and impactful solution for flood challenges.
UNIMAS Shines at SIIF 2024
Dr. Lau’s success was part of a larger triumph for UNIMAS at SIIF 2024. The university’s researchers collectively secured an impressive haul of 5 Special Awards, 1 Gold, 1 Silver, and 1 Bronze. These accolades underscore UNIMAS’ commitment to innovation that addresses real-world challenges while advancing sustainable development.
Charting a Resilient Future
The success of FloodWatch at SIIF 2024 is more than just an award-winning invention; it represents a clear vision of creating sustainable communities equipped to face increasing climate-related challenges. This vision is at the heart of ISITI, which strives to drive technological innovations that address global challenges and create resilient, sustainable communities while adhering to the goals of the Sustainable Development Agenda.
As urban centers grow and adapt to changing climates, ISITI and UNIMAS remain steadfast in their commitment to transforming innovative ideas into practical solutions that improve lives and enhance global resilience. FloodWatch exemplifies this dedication, setting the stage for broader applications and future advancements that will make cities safer and smarter for generations to come.