Taiwan-developed technology is to be exported to Malaysia and used in the establishment of a smart flood forecasting system that will save lives and strengthen natural disaster management practices in the Southeast Asian country.
The technology utilizes weather and historical data to identify at-risk areas during periods of heavy rains and high winds. Its easy-to-understand visuals are generated through a combination of augmented reality, street maps and satellite images. AR is at the heart of popular game “Pokemon Go,” while location-based data powers the successful Google Maps service.
Just a few hours’ warning can make all the difference when it comes to safeguarding people and property from flash floods, said the technology’s co-creators Chang Fi-john, a distinguished professor at National Taiwan University’s Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, and Chang Li-chiu, chairman of Tamkang University’s Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering.
According to Chang Fi-john, New Taipei City-based Tamkang University and the Malaysian government finalized a deal concerning the technology Sept. 20, with the latter committing initial funding of US$100,000 for the system.
Developed under the auspices of Taiwan Hydro-Informatics Society, the technology offers a viable way for Malaysia, as well as other countries in Southeast Asia, to minimize the impact of global warming and keep economic growth on track. The region has experienced an increasing number of super-storms in recent years, a trend expected to intensify going forward.
James C. F. Huang, head of the New Southbound Policy Office under the Office of the President, welcomed the news and said it serves as a model for future cooperation between Taiwan and other nations in Southeast Asia like Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.
“Such a project is the first of its kind between Taiwan and Malaysia,” he said. “It is also in keeping with the humanistic approach of the policy and matches Taiwan’s leading-edge science and technology capabilities with the need in Southeast Asia for better disaster management procedures.”
The New Southbound Policy aims to create fresh economic impetus, deepen trade and cultural links with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, South Asia nations, Australia and New Zealand, and ensure all segments of society share in long-term prosperity. It also helps prepare Taiwan to quickly adjust to changing global conditions and the trend toward regional economic integration. (WF-E)
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