NIE-NTU Researchers Engage Mekong River Commission on Sustainable Sand Management

Associate Professor Edward Park and his research team from the National Institute of Education and Earth Observatory of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU, Singapore), recently met with the leadership and staff of the Mekong River Commission Secretariat (MRCS), led by Chief Executive Officer Ms Busadee Santipitaks, to explore opportunities for collaboration on sustainable sand management in the Mekong River Basin.

During the visit, the NIE team shared its latest research and technological innovations to support sustainable sand management. These included sustainable sand mining zone mapping, artificial intelligence (AI)-based monitoring and extraction estimation, digital traceability systems for sustainable sand supply chains, and source verification techniques.

The discussions also covered the MRC Strategic Plan 2026–2030, particularly its priorities on sediment management, and explored opportunities for future collaboration to strengthen evidence-based planning and decision-making across the basin.

The exchange underscored the growing role of emerging technologies in supporting the sustainable management of sand resources while balancing environmental, social and economic considerations. It also reflects NIE-NTU's ongoing commitment to advancing research that informs sustainable river basin management and contributes to addressing complex environmental challenges in the Mekong region