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In the dynamic intersection of technology and medicine, Assistant Professor Alex Qiang Chen of the Singapore Institute of Technology’s InfoComm Technology (ICT) Cluster is making significant strides. Chen’s expertise is dedicated to addressing pressing healthcare challenges, with a particular focus on enhancing the accessibility and affordability of medical services. His notable project involves developing a cost-effective method to analyse foot plantar pressure, aimed at reducing manufacturing costs and turnaround times for custom foot insoles, crucial for diabetic foot amputees.
Chen’s journey into healthcare innovation was significantly enriched by completing the 2023 Singapore Biodesign Faculty Fellowship. Established in 2010 through collaboration between A*STAR, the Economic Development Board, and Stanford University, this program equips participants with comprehensive biodesign knowledge. It guides them through translating research into practical medical solutions via intensive workshops, overseas trips, and collaborative project teams.
Associate Professor Benjamin Soon, another distinguished participant from SIT, underscores the program’s profound impact on his research trajectory. Engaged in developing a camera system to detect neck movements critical for whiplash injury rehabilitation, Soon’s participation in the fellowship significantly enhanced the feasibility and market potential of his project. Working alongside healthcare professionals provided invaluable insights into patient needs and market dynamics, refining his approach to product development.
Beyond individual projects, both Chen and Soon are committed to imparting their biodesign expertise to future healthcare leaders. They are spearheading the development of an elective module at SIT tailored for allied health students. This initiative aims to instill innovative thinking and practical biodesign methodologies among students, preparing them to tackle complex healthcare challenges with creativity and efficacy.
Chen, leveraging his background in computer science, is also integrating biodesign principles into existing ICT curricula at SIT. By exposing students to healthcare technology early in their academic journey, he hopes to cultivate interest and talent within Singapore’s ICT sector, enriching the nation’s healthcare innovation landscape.
Looking forward, both professors envision a future where their contributions to biodesign education empower students to pioneer transformative healthcare solutions. Their collaborative efforts not only advance medical technology but also inspire a new wave of innovators committed to improving patient care and quality of life.
Through initiatives like the Singapore Biodesign Faculty Fellowship, Singapore cultivates a robust ecosystem where technology and healthcare converge, driving global innovation. This effort promises profound impacts on healthcare accessibility and patient outcomes, advancing towards a more integrated and patient-centric healthcare future. The fellowship fosters a mindset of continuous innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasising strategic thinking and market awareness alongside technical skills.
The program helps assess whether product ideas are viable for real-world use, offering guidance through the complexities of healthcare innovation. It includes verifying concepts and navigating legal, financial, and marketing processes to ensure solutions meet practical healthcare needs effectively.
Inspired by their experiences, Chen and Soon are committed to fostering the next generation of healthcare innovators. They collaborate with A/Prof Desmond Chong, SIT’s first faculty member to complete the fellowship in 2021, to integrate biodesign education across academic clusters.
Together, they are developing an elective module for allied health students aimed at teaching innovative uses of new technology in patient care. This initiative aims to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and cultivate a culture of innovation, preparing future healthcare leaders to drive impactful change in the field.
The Singapore Biodesign Faculty Fellowship stands as a testament to Singapore’s commitment to fostering innovation at the intersection of technology and healthcare. Through empowering educators like Assistant Professor Alex Qiang Chen and Associate Professor Benjamin Soon, the fellowship not only advances cutting-edge medical technology but also nurtures a community of forward-thinking healthcare professionals poised to shape the future of patient care globally.
