The Safeguard Cane
Personal Introduction & Project Overview:
1. Could you tell us a bit about yourself and describe your awarded project in layman’s terms?
Hello, my name is Ng Khai Le, a Year 3 Electronic Engineering student from Southern University College. Our innovation project, the Safeguard Cane, is designed to protect visually impaired individuals during emergencies. The cane can send an emergency message with the user’s coordinates to designated contacts within seconds, significantly reducing the response time for emergency services. Additionally, the Smart Safeguard Cane, integrated with the Smart Safeguard App, can guide users to essential daily destinations such as toilets, bus stops, and home.
Personal Introduction & Project Overview:
1. Could you tell us a bit about yourself and describe your awarded project in layman’s terms?
Hello, my name is Ng Khai Le, a Year 3 Electronic Engineering student from Southern University College. Our innovation project, the Safeguard Cane, is designed to protect visually impaired individuals during emergencies. The cane can send an emergency message with the user’s coordinates to designated contacts within seconds, significantly reducing the response time for emergency services. Additionally, the Smart Safeguard Cane, integrated with the Smart Safeguard App, can guide users to essential daily destinations such as toilets, bus stops, and home.
2. What was the spark or original idea that led to the development of your innovation?
I have a strong passion for working on electronic projects and constantly challenging myself, which is why I took on this project. Initially, the focus wasn’t on developing a cane, but rather an emergency card for the visually impaired. Then, my supervisor, Mr. Leong Kah Meng, suggested, “Why not make a cane instead?” I found the idea intriguing and challenging, so we decided to pursue it. The project’s origin story is a bit unconventional, but that’s how it all began.
About the Innovation:
3. How does your innovative solution address the specific needs within the healthcare and life sciences sectors?
Our innovative solution, the Safeguard Cane can directly address critical needs in the healthcare and life sciences sectors by enhancing the safety, mobility, and independence of visually impaired individuals and the elderly. It offers real-time emergency response capabilities through features like fall detection and an emergency alert system, which sends the user’s location to emergency contacts within seconds, reducing the time for assistance to arrive.
4. Can you highlight any unique features or technologies of your project that differentiate it from existing approaches?
This cane integrates GPS for precise navigation, an early fall detection system with automated emergency alerts, and a mobile app tailored for visually impaired individuals. The app enables users to locate nearby amenities like restrooms or bus stops independently, promoting their sense of equality and security. Key features of the Safeguard Cane include an early fall detector using IMU sensors, which triggers GPS-based emergency alerts to designated contacts via Bluetooth. An emergency button further enhances safety by sounding alarms and sending alerts to nearby individuals. Reflective tape ensures visibility at night, and the cane is compatible with Ambutech tips for enhanced usability.
Development Insights:
5. What were some key milestones in the development of your innovation, and how did they shape the project’s direction?
Winning Gold and Special Awards: Gaining recognition at the MTE 2024 was a significant milestone that validated the innovation and motivated us to continue refining the project. This success also paved the way for invitations to participate in international competitions like SIIF 2024.
6. Reflecting on your journey, what was one unexpected challenge you encountered, and how did you navigate it?
One unexpected challenge we encountered was the skepticism from others when we first introduced our initial prototype, which was built using a simple broomstick. Many people laughed at the concept and doubted the project’s potential. This negativity could have discouraged us, but we manage to make it as a source of motivation. My supervisor, Mr. Leong Kah Meng, consistently believed in the project’s potential and kept pushing me to stay on track. We took the feedback as an opportunity to improve, rather than being disheartened. By refining the technology integrating sensors, improving app functionality, we were able to transform the broomstick prototype into the safeguard cane.
Impact & Significance:
7. How has your innovation been received by the target audience or market? Could you share any success stories or feedback?
The project is currently still in the prototyping phase. In the next phase, we plan to apply for grants and further develop the Safeguard Cane by adding additional essential functions to make it market-ready.
8. Looking at the bigger picture, what potential do you see for your innovation to contribute to advancements in healthcare and life sciences?
Looking at the bigger picture, the Smart Safeguard Cane has the potential to make significant contributions to the healthcare and life sciences sectors by enhancing the quality of life for individuals with visual impairments, the elderly, and others who require mobility assistance. Its real-time emergency response system and advanced navigation features can reduce response times in critical situations, potentially saving lives and improving overall healthcare outcomes.
Awards & Recognition:
9. How has receiving an Outstanding Award/Special Award from the MTE Advanced Healthcare and Life Sciences International Innovation Awards impacted your project or career?
The recognition has validated the innovation and demonstrated that the Smart Safeguard Cane meets high standards of excellence in the field. This acknowledgment has provided a considerable boost to our credibility and visibility, opening doors for further opportunities. The awards have also increased interest in the project, leading to invitations to participate in prestigious events like the Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF). This exposure allows us to showcase our work on a global stage, attract potential collaborators, and explore funding opportunities.
10. In what ways do you think recognition by MTE helps in advancing healthcare and life science innovations?
Recognition by MTE (Malaysia Technology Expo) plays a crucial role in advancing healthcare and life sciences innovations brings significant visibility to the innovation, attracting attention from industry experts, investors, and potential partners. This increased exposure can lead to more opportunities for collaboration and funding, accelerating the development and dissemination of groundbreaking healthcare solutions.
Future Directions & Collaboration:
11. How do you plan to expand or scale your innovation in the future?
Currently working on the safeguard cane add-on features.
12. Are there any collaborators you’d like to acknowledge?
Southern University College.
Personal Reflections & Advice:
13. What advice would you offer to someone looking to innovate in the healthcare and life sciences space?
Focus on understanding the genuine needs and challenges faced by patients, healthcare providers, and the industry. Engaging with end-users and stakeholders can help identify problems that require innovative solutions.
14. Reflecting on your own experiences, what’s one piece of wisdom you wish you had known at the beginning of your innovation journey?
Understanding that failure is a part of the learning process would have helped me approach problems with a more resilient mindset. It’s crucial to iterate on ideas, be open to feedback, and continuously refine solutions. This perspective not only fosters creativity but also builds the perseverance needed to overcome obstacles and achieve long-term success.
Engagement & Further Information:
15. How can people learn more about your innovation or engage with your work?
People interested in learning more about the Smart Safeguard Cane or engaging with our work can contact us for more information, collaborations, or inquiries. (Mr. Leong Kah Meng , kmleong@sc.edu.my)
16. Is there any final message or key takeaway you’d like to leave with our readers?
The key takeaway I’d like to leave with our readers is that innovation is a journey filled with challenges and learning opportunities. Embrace every obstacle as a chance to grow, stay persistent, and never underestimate the impact of your ideas. With dedication and a willingness to adapt, you can turn even the most unconventional ideas into meaningful solutions that improve lives. Keep pushing boundaries, stay curious, and believe in the power of your innovations to make a difference.
Innovators:
Ng Khai Le
Leong Kah Meng
Chan Bun Seng
Siew Zi Yang
Tung Khai Yen
Ngeu Chee Hau
Ts. Dr. Kang Eng Siew
Organisation: Southern University College
Email: kmleong@sc.edu.my
