30 July 2026 - Two University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) students have claimed the champion title at the River Flooding Adaptation and Resilience (RIFAR) Sprint Challenge, organised by the Securities Commission Malaysia as part of its wider effort to drive youth-led climate innovation.
Matthew Poh Wayne Loon and Iris Goh Zhi Wei, who are pursuing Master of Engineering (Hons) in Civil Engineering and BSc (Hons) International Business Management respectively, were awarded Champion of the RIFAR Sprint Challenge, receiving a cash prize of RM3,500. They competed as part of an interdisciplinary team alongside two students from Sunway University and Monash University Malaysia, mentored by Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Teo Fang Yenn, Professor of Water and Environmental Engineering from UNM's Faculty of Science and Engineering.
Held at the Conference Hall of the Securities Commission Malaysia in Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, the RIFAR Showcase and Prize Giving Ceremony marked the conclusion of a challenge launched in April 2026 to address river flooding issues in Selangor. The challenge drew more than 400 students from 35 universities across Malaysia and abroad.
The team's winning concept, the "Pocket Rain Garden," aims to mitigate river pollution caused by stormwater runoff from impermeable surfaces and enhance local flood resilience via an innovative nature-based solution. As part of the challenge, the team also produced an awareness-raising Instagram Reel to pitch their solution to a wider audience.
The showcase brought together YAM Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Princess of Selangor and Environmental Advocate, alongside leaders from government, industry, academia, and the financial sector. The event highlighted the urgency of climate adaptation at both the federal and state levels, and showcased blended finance approaches that demonstrated how private capital can be mobilised in support of climate adaptation initiatives.
The faculty and students’ achievement is a direct outcome of the faculty’s focus on empowering students to push boundaries and shape a better future through science and innovation.
Posted on 13th August 2026