NIE, NTU Researchers Present Key Findings on River Systems at the 6th International Conference on Water Resources, Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA, 25 September 2025: Researchers from the National Institute of Education (NIE), Singapore, contributed to the 6th International Conference on Water Resources (ICWR 2025), delivering a keynote address and presenting research on water challenges in Southeast Asia.

Associate Professor Edward Park from NIE and the Earth Observatory of Singapore delivered a keynote address titled “Sand Mining in the Mekong Delta: Extent, Compounded Impacts and Sustainable Management.” His presentation outlined the environmental consequences of sand extraction and proposed science-based pathways to balance development with the long-term resilience of river systems.

Caption: Assoc Prof Edward Park delivering his keynote address on sustainable sand mining management in the Mekong Delta at ICWR 2025.

The NIE delegation’s involvement extended across multiple technical sessions, showcasing the breadth of their work: Mr Sonu Kumar, a PhD student, presented research on the “Environmental Impacts of Unregulated River Sand Mining in the Mekong Delta,” synthesising field evidence and hydrological modelling to discuss management implications. Ms Jiachun Huang, another PhD student, shared a “Multi-Basin Analysis of Discharge-Sediment Dynamics in Peninsular Malaysia,” providing insights into water flow and sediment transport in the region's major river basins. Dr Dung Duc Tran, a Research Fellow, chaired a technical session and presented findings on “Water and Climate Drivers of Rice-Based Rural Out-Migration in the Mekong Delta,” linking hydrological and climate variability to livelihood decisions and migration patterns.

Caption: PhD student Sonu Kumar presenting his research on the environmental impacts of sand mining in the Mekong Delta during a parallel session.

Caption: PhD student Jiachun Huang presenting her analysis of sediment dynamics in Peninsular Malaysia.

Caption: Dr Dung Duc Tran chairing a session and presenting on water-climate drivers of migration.

Hosted at The Everly Putrajaya from 23 to 25 September, ICWR 2025 served as a platform for advancing water science and collaborative solutions. The contributions of the NIE, NTU team highlight its commitment to policy-relevant research across Southeast Asia's river basins, from the Mekong Delta to Peninsular Malaysia.