PhD Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship (GEMS 2026). Research Project: Green–Grey–Blue Infrastructure Resilience Assessment Framework for Urban Flood Mitigation in the Klang River Basin

About the Project

This research aims to develop an integrated Urban Flood Resilience Analysis (UFLRA) framework—originally designed to assess coupled green–grey–blue infrastructure systems—for enhancing urban flood resilience along the Klang River. The study will evaluate how combinations of nature-based-solution (NBS) (green), engineered (grey), and water-based (blue) interventions can reduce flood risk in this rapidly urbanizing and climate-sensitive watershed. By modeling the backwater effects and hydrodynamic interactions unique to the Klang River context, the research will quantify resilience gains from interventions such as connectivity of NBS and urban drainage systems. The approach will incorporate local rainfall patterns, land use configurations, and projected climate change scenarios. The outcome will be a decision-support tool that enables urban planners and policymakers in Malaysia to prioritize and design effective, context-sensitive flood mitigation strategies using a blend of nature-based and conventional infrastructure. This framework will inform policy, master planning, and practical implementation, driving climate-resilient transformation in urban flood management.

This project is part of Monash University Malaysia’s Graduate Research Thematic Cluster, CLIMATE-POSITIVE CITIES An Interdisciplinary Thematic Cluster for Urban Transformation

We seek a motivated candidate with a background in civil engineering, environmental engineering, hydrology, water resources management, or urban planning. Experience in hydrodynamic modeling, flood risk assessment, nature-based solutions, or climate change impact analysis will be an advantage.

The ideal applicant will demonstrate strong analytical and computational skills, scientific curiosity, and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines. An interest in sustainable urban development, climate resilience, and policy communication within the Malaysian and Southeast Asian context is highly desirable.

For enquiries, please contact Assoc. Professor Chow Ming Fai

For more information about this project, please visit our GEMS website.

How to Apply

It is suggested that you first contact the main supervisor and provide them with your academic background and achievements to determine whether you are a 'fit' for this research topic.

If you feel you are a good fit, submit your application here and ensure that you enter the same GEMS research topic as advertised on this webpage. To review the application requirements, please refer to our application submission guide. When submitting your application, please select the Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship (GEMS). More information about GEMS is available here.

Funding Notes

The Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship (GEMS), funded by Monash University Malaysia, features regional mobility and is awarded to highly qualified students seeking to work on projects of regional and global relevance.

Recipients of GEMS will be funded for an immersive year in either Monash University Australia, Monash University Indonesia, or the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay of up to 9 months and have access to Monash University’s global network of research expertise and infrastructure during their candidature period.

Eligibility

To be eligible for GEMS, you must possess a minimum academic qualification of First Class Honours (H1) or its equivalence (H1E) recognised by Monash University Malaysia and satisfy the English language requirements.