Revolutionizing Healthcare with Groundbreaking Wearable Technology
At the recent President’s Technology Award ceremony, Professor Malini Olivo and her team at AStar Skin Research Labs were honored for their development of a cutting-edge optical wearable technology. This innovation has the potential to transform healthcare by measuring respiratory and lung physiological parameters in a way that could revolutionize clinical decision-making across various healthcare settings.
Clinical Collaboration: The Key to Scientific Innovation
Professor Olivo emphasized the importance of clinical collaboration in driving scientific innovation and excellence in medical technology. She highlighted that without collaboration, advances in the field would not be possible. The team is now working towards implementing the technology in hospitals in Singapore, the United States, and Australia, with the goal of transforming how cardio-respiratory diseases are managed.
Enhancing Patient Care with Predictive Capabilities
Dr. Augustine Tee, a member of the team and Chairman of the Division of Medicine at Changi General Hospital, discussed the opportunities to further enhance the wearable medical device. He mentioned the device’s ability to predict patient deterioration with an impressive lead time of 18 to 21 hours, at a performance rate of 91.7%. This predictive capability could significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of care.
Investing in Talent and Innovation
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat highlighted the importance of investing in local talent and tapping into global scientific expertise to drive innovation in Singapore. Through initiatives like the AStar scholarships and Industrial Postgraduate Programme, Singapore aims to build a strong research ecosystem and attract top scientific talent from around the world. This approach supports Singapore’s vision of becoming a Global-Asia hub for technology, innovation, and enterprise.
Recognizing Excellence: The President’s Science and Technology Awards
The 2024 President’s Science and Technology Awards honored outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Notable recipients include:
- President’s Science and Technology Medal:
- Professor Ho Teck Hua, President of Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
- Professor Richard Parker, Chairman of Singapore Aerospace Programme, A*Star
- President’s Science Award:
- Professor Liu Bin from the National University of Singapore (NUS)
- President’s Technology Award:
- Professor Malini Olivo, Dr. Gurpreet Singh, Dr. Renzhe Bi from A*Star, and Adjunct Associate Professor Augustine Tee from Changi General Hospital
- Young Scientist Award Recipients:
- Dr. Jonathan Göke from A*Star
- Dr. Daniel Ting Shu Wei from the Singapore National Eye Centre
- Dr. Li Qianxiao from NUS
- Dr. Lu Jiong from NUS
Analysis
The development of the optical wearable technology by Professor Malini Olivo and her team represents a significant advancement in healthcare technology. By measuring respiratory and lung physiological parameters, this innovation has the potential to improve clinical decision-making, patient outcomes, and overall quality of care in healthcare settings. The predictive capabilities of the wearable device, as highlighted by Dr. Augustine Tee, could revolutionize patient monitoring and management, leading to better outcomes and enhanced patient care.
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat’s emphasis on investing in talent and fostering global scientific collaborations underscores the importance of innovation in driving Singapore’s growth as a technology and innovation hub. The recognition of excellence through the President’s Science and Technology Awards highlights the contributions of exceptional individuals in advancing science and technology in Singapore. Overall, these initiatives and achievements pave the way for a brighter future in healthcare and scientific innovation, benefiting not only Singapore but the global community as well.