Inaugural Singapore Water Association – South East Asia Symposium on Coastal Protection

Date: TUESDAY, 24 JUNE 2025
Time: 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Convenor: Singapore Water Association (SWA) Coastal Protection Chapter

Coastal flooding poses a significant threat to Asian cities, with substantial economic and social impacts projected in the coming decades. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), under a high-end emissions scenario, climate change could reduce GDP in the Asia-Pacific region by 17% by 2070, with sea-level rise and labour productivity effects dominating losses. A study by Greenpeace East Asia estimates that by 2030, approximately US$724 billion in GDP across seven major Asian cities will be at risk due to extreme sea-level rise and coastal flooding.

In Southeast Asia, cities like Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City are particularly vulnerable. A study highlighted by the ADB indicates that average annual economic damage from coastal flooding in Asia and the Pacific is expected to rise between 12.5 and 27.4 times by 2100, translating to $336.8 billion to $735.5 billion.

The economic implications are profound. For instance, Jakarta's coastal defence plan, known as the "Great Sea Wall," is estimated to cost around US$40 billion. According to statements from Singapore's government, protecting the country's coastline from rising sea levels could cost around S$100 billion over the next 50 to 100 years with initial funding set at $5billion.

With rapid urbanization, economic growth, and population density concentrated along coastlines in Asia, the urgency to develop sustainable, integrated, and financially viable coastal protection solutions has never been greater. This session will convene experts, policymakers, financiers, and practitioners to discuss the pressing challenges and emerging solutions in coastal flood protection. It will explore the multifaceted challenges of coastal resilience and examine pathways for innovative, inclusive, and effective interventions.

Complimentary:

• SIWW Spotlight/IAHR delegates
• SWA CP Chapter Founding Members
• Chapter Supporting Government Agencies (PUB, ESG, BCA, HDB, JTC, MPA, NParks, Sentosa)

$49.00/pax for SWA CP Chapter Members

$199.00/pax for Public, Trade Visitors and non members