APU’s Tung Tung Sahur team, including Kwan Jun Er, Kiew Zheng Wei, Thanigai Kumaran Muthukumaran, Amelia Sow Jing Yi, and Loh Yen Kuan, won Gold at International Virtual Competition of Creative & Innovative Idea (IVCCII) 2025 for their AI-driven flood detection and response system uses smart drain sensors and AI for early flood alerts, aiding authorities and communities in efficient response and aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Flooding remains a persistent and devastating problem in Malaysia, particularly in low-lying areas or those without adequate water reservoirs, often leading to rapid water level rises that engulf homes and properties. 

Addressing this critical issue head-on, a brilliant team of students and academics from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) have triumphed, securing a Gold medal at the prestigious International Virtual Competition of Creative & Innovative Idea (IVCCII) 2025. 

Their ground-breaking project, titled ‘AI-Driven Flood Detection and Response System for Authorities and Communities with Integrated Smart Drain Sensors’, offers a powerful solution to mitigate flood risks. 

The dedicated student team — Kwan Jun Er, Kiew Zheng Wei, Thanigai Kumaran Muthukumaran, Amelia Sow Jing Yi, and Loh Yen Kuan — brought together their diverse academic backgrounds, blending expertise in artificial intelligence, environmental monitoring, and real-time communication systems. 

They were mentored by Assistant Professor Ir Eur Ing Ts Dr Lau Chee Yong and Ms Salasiah Sulaiman. 

This innovative system is poised to help protect communities from the devastating impact of floods by establishing an AI-powered platform that seamlessly connects authorities and residents. 

This connection enables efficient flood response, streamlined evacuation planning, and effective resource management. 

By integrating smart drain sensors and advanced AI algorithms, the system facilitates early detection of rising water levels, providing timely alerts to both local authorities and nearby communities. 

This proactive approach significantly enhances disaster preparedness and response efficiency, aligning perfectly with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 13 (Climate Action). 

The collaborative effort behind this project exemplifies interdisciplinary innovation, seamlessly combining software engineering, mechatronics, and data analytics to tackle one of the most pressing environmental challenges faced globally: urban flooding. 

Nurturing future-ready AI talents from concept to gold

This achievement demonstrates not just APU's unwavering commitment to real-world issue solving through technology and innovation, but also the university's commitment to developing future-ready talents capable of making a significant social impact. 

“Securing Gold at IVCCII 2025 for our AI-driven flood detection system is a monumental achievement for the Tung Tung Sahur team,” said Jun Er, team leader. 

“It reinforces our belief that innovative technology, combined with a deep understanding of societal needs, can genuinely save lives and protect livelihoods. 

“We are incredibly proud to have developed a solution that offers a proactive defence against the devastating impact of floods.” 

Dr Lau Chee Yong, a mentor and Head of Visionary AI Studio at the School of Engineering (SoE), stated that it has been an absolute joy to mentor Tung Tung Sahur Team. 

“Their ability to integrate complex AI algorithms with practical environmental sensors to create such a robust and impactful flood detection system is truly exceptional. 

“This project is a shining example of how our students are pushing the boundaries of technology to solve real-world problems.” 

Ms Salasiah, Senior Lecturer at the School of Computing (SoC) and mentor, adding that the Tung Tung Sahur project’s multidisciplinary aspect is what truly sets it apart. 

“The seamless collaboration between software engineering, mechatronics, and data analytics highlights the immense potential of our students when they combine their diverse skills. 

“Their dedication to addressing such a critical issue like urban flooding through intelligent design is highly commendable.”