The 15th International Riversymposium in Melbourne featured final of the first Australia-Netherlands Water Challenge. Five bright Australian students competed in a poster presentation session, showcasing innovative ideas to enhance flood resilience in their country.
It was Kevin Loh, Masters student in Integrated Water Management at the University of Queensland, who was announced winner by jury chair Frank Heemskerk, Executive Board Member of Royal HaskoningDHV.
Kevin’s proposal for a smartphone app that would greatly expedite the handling of insurance claims after a flood event, reducing both psychological and economic damage, was judged to have great potential. Kevin was invited to further develop his app in the Netherlands and was presented a return ticket, sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
“When asked if I’d like to develop my idea – of course I said “YES!”. I’d never been to Europe, or worked with smartphone applications, or worked with a Dutch company – I was terrified! Fortunately, everyone was very welcoming. I was amazed at the effort they put into making me feel welcome” – Kevin Loh
