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Straits Times
16-06-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Slew of AI tools for Singapore's public healthcare in the works
Alexandra Hospital's reasearch team have come up with CareScribe, an AI tool that helps to shorten handover processes between nurses. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN Slew of AI tools for Singapore's public healthcare in the works SINGAPORE - A chatbot that breaks down the jargon in medical reports and an app that assesses one's health by analysing the photo of one's tongue are among a slew of artificial intelligence (AI) tools that the public sector is developing here. Showcased at the inaugural AI Accelerate conference organised by national healthcare tech provider Synapxe on June 16 , these innovations are poised to help patients and boost the productivity of healthcare workers. Synapxe provides tech solutions to all three public sector healthcare clusters - SingHealth, National Healthcare Group, and National University Health System - in Singapore. Here are some of the key projects. 1. HealthHub AI This AI assistant will be rolled out on national healthcare portal HealthHub 's website later in 2025 . The feature might be introduced on the app in the future, depending on feedback gathered from users. It will be able to answer healthcare-related and administrative questions from users in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. Users can also enter their gender, age, and any pre-existing condition to receive a more tailored response. 'It serves as a convenient tool to enhance health literacy by improving access to credible, evidence-based information that is curated for Singapore's unique context,' said Mr Andy Ta, chief data officer and director of data analytics and AI at Synapxe. Information given to users are sourced from HealthHub's website, which contains content contributed by public healthcare agencies and workgroups such as the Health Promotion Board and National Medication Information Workgroup. 'It supports our public health goals by guiding users to relevant content quickly, helping them make informed decisions and ultimately encouraging better health outcomes,' said Mr Ta. A beta version has been available for use on HealthHub's website since April , and members of the public can give their feedback until the end of August . So far, frequently asked questions include subsidies on health screenings and vaccinations, and lifestyle tips. There are also plans to expand the range of supported languages, with Synapxe exploring the feasibility and stability of open-source and proprietary large-language models such as Sea-Lion developed by AI Singapore and Meralion developed by A*Star Institute for Infocomm Research. Meralion, developed using the national speech corpus , is able to understand at least eight regional languages including Singlish, and can understand multiple languages when spoken in the same sentence. Sealion supports 13 languages such as Thai and Vietnamese, and reflects the native characteristics of South-east Asia. Synapxe is also exploring a feature that lets users manage their appointment bookings via the AI assistant. Along with the new AI boost, there are also plans to unify HealthHub with cluster-specific apps - Health Buddy, NHG Cares and NUHS app - by 2027 into one platform to improve online accessibility of public healthcare services. 2. Lab Report Buddy Developed by Synapxe, this chatbot analyses medical lab reports uploaded by users and breaks down medical jargon, providing a comprehensible summary and explanation of the results. Lab Report Buddy aims to reduce the struggle that patients often face in understanding reports due to the limited consultation time to go over the details. For instance, a blood work report that contains results on haemoglobin and platelet levels might be displayed in numbers that are not interpreted. The chatbot would be able to summarise the results and inform the patient if the levels are considered low or high, and if a follow-up review with a doctor is necessary. The bot is also trained to avoid phrases that might cause panic, lead the patient to self-diagnose, or make assumptions about the patient's health status or medical history. The bot is being tested and validated in real-world settings at present . 3. Synseh An app is being developed to allow users to take a photo of their tongue and answer a few questions to receive wellness recommendations. Synseh will base its recommendations on the teachings of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For instance, a tongue's colour, shape, coating and moisture level can provide insights into the condition of a patient's internal organs, the presence of pathogenic factors, and the flow of blood and Qi (life force). The app uses advanced computer vision techniques to detect subtle changes in tongue features. 'A pale tongue may indicate a deficiency in Qi or blood, while a red tongue might point to an excess of heat in the body,' said a Synapxe spokesperson. A physician would then be able to give advice on how to combat excess body heat, such as incorporating cooling fruits and vegetables into one's diet. The app is trained based on tongue photos that are openly sourced data, which are then labelled by physicians and lecturers from the Singapore College of TCM. The app is currently a proof-of-concept, and Synapxe said it is closely monitoring the outcome before making plans for further deployment. 'Tongue diagnosis is just a starting for us to venture into the TCM domain,' said the spokesperson. 'Through this, we hope to evaluate and gather feedback on the application of AI in TCM in Singapore.' 4. CareScribe It often takes up to one hour to hand over information about patients between nurses during shift changes. An AI tool called CareScribe , developed by Alexandra Hospital's Research Office team with the help of IT services and consulting firm Avanade , aims to make this process shorter and neater. 'Most handovers are currently conducted through verbal communication with handwritten documentation, which can present challenges in maintaining consistency and completeness,' said Dr Ravi Shankar, principal investigator and research fellow at Alexandra Hospital's medical affairs research office . CareScribe, which currently can be accessed via a webpage, allows nurses to upload photos or voice notes, which would then be transcribed and summarised in a structured format. Handover notes usually include information such as a patient's medical background, current condition, prescribed medication, acuity levels, fall risks, and clinical observations in unstructured paragraphs. The tool is able to organise information in an ABCDEFG template, which stands for acuity assessment, background history and behaviour, conditions and care plans, drugs, equipment, family and goals. Critical clinical information such as patient safety alerts, medication-related updates, and scheduled procedures would also be highlighted by the system. After having received approval by the ethics board recently, the tool is currently undergoing preliminary evaluation at Alexandra Hospital with a group of nursing staff. Any plans to integrate it with existing hospital systems will depend on research outcomes, security assessments, and institutional requirements, said Dr Shankar. 5. Healix (Health Empowerment thru Advanced Learning and Intelligent Exchange) Launched in May 2024, Healix is a cloud-based platform that all public healthcare professionals can use to accelerate the development of their AI projects. It consolidates data from across healthcare systems in Singapore, which are de-identified and encrypted. A range of tools and frameworks - such as pre-built algorithms and libraries and custom development options - are available for use to develop AI models. For example, the National University Health System (NUHS) used Healix to analyse de-identified medical data and trained an AI model to predict the near-term risk of diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. 6. Aspire (AI-enabled Short Performance Physical Battery Evaluation) By getting patients to do a series of physical tests on camera, this AI-powered tool allows clinicians to screen for the prevalence and severity of frailty and sarcopenia. To assess for such conditions, patients are usually asked to do the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) evaluation, which would involve actions such as walking a set distance, sitting down and standing up five consecutive times, and balancing while standing. Aspire digitalises and semi-automates this test, which aims to make screening faster, less reliant on manpower, and more accessible. 'At this point, Aspire is still a research project and is undergoing clinical trials in Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and NHG polyclinics, and is used by clinicians within the healthcare facilities,' said associate professor Karen Chua, who is also a senior consultant at TTSH's rehabilitation centre. 'Future iterations could see this being scaled to community hospitals and partners, as well as caregivers to conduct the test remotely.' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
15-06-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Vet Talk: In hot weather, be vigilant about heatstroke in dogs and cats
If you cannot comfortably hold the back of your hand on the pavement for the full seven seconds, the ground is likely too hot for your dog's paws. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN Vet Talk: In hot weather, be vigilant about heatstroke in dogs and cats SINGAPORE – As temperatures rise, pet owners must be extra vigilant to protect their furry companions from the dangers of heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when an animal's body temperature rises to dangerous levels, often due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or vigorous exercise. With mortality rates reaching up to 50 per cent, it is crucial to recognise the warning signs and know how to respond. Heatstroke can result from environmental factors such as high temperatures and humidity or physical exertion from activities like running along a hot beach. Risk factors for heatstroke Certain factors increase a pet's susceptibility to heatstroke: Obesity: Excess body weight is insulation, making it harder for pets to cool down. Breed: Brachycephalic dog breeds, such as the French bulldog and pug, are at greater risk due to their shortened airways. Environmental temperature and humidity: Singapore's high humidity reduces the efficacy of evaporative cooling through panting in dogs. Lack of acclimation: Dogs newly arrived from cooler climates could be more susceptible. Age and health: Older dogs and those with respiratory issues are at greater risk. Recognising clinical signs Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Watch out for these symptoms: Body is hot to touch Signs of collapse or weakness Rapid or laboured breathing, or excessive panting. Do note that cats should never pant. Neurological signs such as lethargy, difficulty walking, tremors or seizures Vomiting and diarrhoea Immediate cooling measures If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, act quickly to: Move the pet to a cool, shaded area. Apply cool water to its body, but avoid ice-cold or refrigerated water. Tap water is acceptable, and water from a shower head or garden hose works as well. Make sure the animal's head is not submerged in water. Avoid applying ice directly on the skin, as this can be harmful rather than helpful. You can also use a fan to aid evaporation. Measure its rectal temperature if possible. It can be monitored every five to 15 minutes. Stop cooling the pet once its temperature reaches 39.5 deg C. The normal rectal temperature for dogs and cats is around 38.5 deg C, but you do not want to over-cool your pet as its temperature can drop too low. Take your pet to the vet, even if it has seemed to recover. The primary goal of cooling is to minimise cell damage, although it does not counteract the inflammatory response triggered by heatstroke. Once at the veterinary practice, your pet will be thoroughly assessed and emergency interventions might include oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids and careful temperature management. The key message to remember is: Cool first, transport second. Your prompt action can significantly improve your pet's chances of recovery. Preventing heatstroke Prevention is better than cure. Follow these guidelines to keep your pet safe: Walk during cooler hours. Early morning or late evening walks minimise heat exposure. Do the seven-second pavement test. Place the back of your hand on the pavement and hold it there for seven seconds. If you cannot comfortably hold your hand there for the full seven seconds, the pavement is likely too hot for your dog's paw. Ensure access to water and air-conditioning or good ventilation. Consider dog cooling vests. Keep your dog groomed regularly, as shorter coats are more cooling and comfortable. Never leave your pet in the car. Temperatures inside parked cars can skyrocket within minutes. Cats and heatstroke Heatstroke is rarer in cats but can occur if it is trapped on a sun-exposed balcony. By understanding the risks, recognising symptoms early and taking immediate action, you can protect your beloved pets from the potentially fatal effects of heatstroke while enjoying the sunshine with your furry friends. Dr Nadine Jones is an emergency and critical care specialist at Beecroft Animal Specialist & Emergency Hospital. She is a member of the Singapore Veterinary Association and a member of the American College and the European College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. Vet Talk is a fortnightly column where veterinarians offer advice on pet issues. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
07-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
BHG downsizes Bugis Junction flagship outlet as department stores face shaky future
Besides the March closure of its Junction 8 store, BHG has shuttered four stores here since 2022.. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN SINGAPORE – Department store BHG is downsizing its flagship Bugis Junction outlet – its last remaining permanent store – from three to two levels. This follows the March closure of its Junction 8 store, which will be replaced by home furnishings brand Nitori. Nitori, along with Japanese brand Muji, will also take over the third-floor space BHG used to occupy at Bugis Junction. The scaling down of BHG's Bugis Junction outlet comes on the back of other store closures. Besides Junction 8, it has shuttered four stores here since 2022, in Raffles City Shopping Centre, Jurong Point, Clementi Mall and Lot One. It follows a series of other closures of large department stores here. 'BHG remains a tenant at Bugis Junction on Levels 1 and 2, and we continue to work closely with them to introduce new brands,' said a spokesperson for Bugis Junction. BHG declined comment. In February, BHG opened a pop-up store at The Centrepoint, which will operate until August. BHG Singapore began in 1994 as Seiyu Wing On Department Store. In 2007, it was acquired by Beijing Hualian Group, one of China's largest commercial chain retailers, and has operated under the brand name BHG for the past 18 years. BHG at Junction 8 shuttered in March after a closing-down sale. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Homemaker Brenda Thio, 53, said: 'It is sad that these stores that have been around for so long are either gone or downsized.' But she said she mainly shops online now. 'I hardly shop at BHG and have bought only pillows, bolsters or bed sheets there once every few years.' A broader trend of decline Large department stores here and worldwide have faced decline owing to increasing competition from online shopping, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Japanese chain Isetan will shutter its Tampines Mall outlet in November, after about 30 years. At its 2013 peak, it had six stores in Singapore. Its last closure was Isetan Katong in Parkway Parade in 2022. After closing the Tampines store, it will be left with two outlets – Isetan Scotts and Isetan Serangoon Central. Home-grown department store OG closed its Orchard Point store in 2022, after 18 years. Its remaining stores are in People's Park and Albert Street. Metro closed its flagship Centrepoint store in 2019 after five years, with two remaining stores at Paragon and Causeway Point. And two department store chains which used to be household names have called it quits. Robinsons, which still has an online store, shut its last physical store at Raffles City Shopping Centre in 2021, while John Little exited the local retail scene in 2017, after closing its Plaza Singapura outlet. Market observers said that with e-commerce offering a greater variety of products, competitive pricing and the convenience of home delivery, people are increasingly less inclined to visit large department stores. 'Today's shoppers increasingly seek personalised, curated and experiential retail experiences,' said Ms Leung Sau Yee, senior lecturer at Singapore Polytechnic's School of Business. 'Traditional department stores, with their generalist, one-size-fits-all model, often fall short of these expectations.' Many department stores also rely heavily on mall operators to drive engagement, she said. Without distinctive products, brand curation or compelling in-store experiences, they struggle to offer shoppers a strong reason to return. Department stores have traditionally been anchor tenants in malls. But operating large-scale stores in prime retail locations, such as Bugis Junction, means incurring high rental, staff and inventory costs. As footfall declines, it becomes increasingly difficult to justify maintaining such expansive physical spaces from a profitability standpoint, experts said. Associate Professor Lau Kong Cheen, head of the Singapore University of Social Sciences' marketing programme, said department stores have been supplanted by large malls that offer a curated mix of specialised outlets. In short, malls are mega department stores. 'Malls house dedicated retailers for categories such as footwear, cosmetics, skincare, fashion apparel, accessories, jewellery and homeware,' he said. 'Each speciality store provides a focused brand experience that resonates more with today's discerning shoppers.' Professor Lawrence Loh, from NUS Business School's department of strategy and policy, said: 'Department stores cannot continue to be more of the same, providing huge varieties for all customers. If they are everything to everybody, they may end up as nothing to nobody.' From product-centric to experience-centric What could make the department store relevant again in a tough market? Prof Loh suggested merging the physical store with a digital one to offer holistic shopping experiences that are not found online. 'The 'touch-and-feel' in shopping is still valuable, but stores must give sufficient incentives to prevent the undesirable consumer behaviour of testing at stores and then going online to purchase elsewhere at lower prices,' he said. 'Department stores face the real challenge of being free showrooms for the low-cost e-commerce stores.' Other experts agree on the need to invest in omnichannel integration with a seamless blend of online and offline experiences, such as allowing customers to purchase online and collect in-store, or checking stock levels in real time, to compete with pure e-commerce players. Mr Ethan Hsu, head of retail at real estate consultancy Knight Frank Singapore, said that technology such as personalised apps, fitting rooms that use augmented reality and artificial intelligence-driven inventory can improve efficiency and customer experience. They can also cater to modern preferences like sustainability, he said. In addition, he suggested community marketing activities that can build loyalty and differentiate stores from online retailers. These include supporting local charities, or hosting community events and cultural celebrations. Prof Lau suggested that stores frequently introduce thematic changes – for instance, cultural themes from different countries – to their product ranges. 'Just like museums and art galleries – they change their display by curating new exhibits to draw domestic visitors to make repeat visits,' he said. Exclusive collaborations with brands that have a limited presence in Singapore – including emerging international brands and local designers – could help, Prof Lau added. And stores can transform themselves into lifestyle destinations by integrating cafes with speciality in-house brews and food, and branded dining ware sold in-store, he said. Offering experiences such as personal colour analysis, cooking or baking workshops and food-and-wine pairings can make shopping more engaging, and cannot be replicated by online retailers, said Ms Leung. She added: 'Ultimately, for department stores to thrive, they must shift from being product-centric to experience-centric, staying attuned to evolving consumer values and behaviours.' Chin Soo Fang is senior correspondent at The Straits Times covering topics such as community, politics, social issues, consumer, culture and heritage. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
The Star
06-06-2025
- The Star
Over 200 people investigated for suspected roles in scams in Singapore involving more than RM19.20mil in losses
Those arrested were believed to be involved in more than 980 scam cases of different types. -- ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): More than 200 people are being investigated for their suspected roles in scams involving over S$5.84 million (RM19.22 million) in losses, following a two-week police operation. They are suspected of being scammers or money mules in more than 980 cases, including investment, job, e-commerce, friend or government official impersonation and rental scams. The suspects comprise 83 women and 149 men, aged between 17 and 77. The islandwide operation took place between May 23 and June 5, said the police in a statement on June 6. Scams have been on the rise in Singapore, with the number of reported cases increasing yearly since 2019. In 2024, there were 51,501 reported cases of scams involving more than $1.1 billion in losses – the first time in the Republic that over a billion dollars was lost to scammers in a year. The suspects in the latest operation are being investigated for the alleged offences of cheating, money laundering or providing payment services without a licence. If found guilty of cheating, offenders may face up to 10 years in jail and a fine. Those convicted of money laundering may be jailed for up to 10 years, fined up to $500,000, or both. Anyone found guilty of providing payment services without a licence could be jailed for up to three years, fined up to S$125,000, or both. For more information on scams, visit or call the ScamShield helpline on 1799. Those with information on scams may call the police hotline on 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at
Straits Times
06-06-2025
- Straits Times
Over 200 investigated for suspected roles in scams involving more than $5.84m in losses
Those arrested were believed to be involved in more than 980 scam cases of different types. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN Over 200 investigated for suspected roles in scams involving more than $5.84m in losses SINGAPORE – More than 200 people are being investigated for their suspected roles in scams involving over $5.84 million in losses, following a two-week police operation. They are suspected of being scammers or money mules in more than 980 cases, including investment, job, e-commerce, friend or government official impersonation and rental scams. The suspects comprise 83 women and 149 men, aged between 17 and 77. The islandwide operation took place between May 23 and June 5, said the police in a statement on June 6. Scams have been on the rise in Singapore, with the number of reported cases increasing yearly since 2019. In 2024, there were 51,501 reported cases of scams involving more than $1.1 billion in losses – the first time in the Republic that over a billion dollars was lost to scammers in a year. The suspects in the latest operation are being investigated for the alleged offences of cheating, money laundering or providing payment services without a licence. If found guilty of cheating, offenders may face up to 10 years in jail and a fine. Those convicted of money laundering may be jailed for up to 10 years, fined up to $500,000, or both. Anyone found guilty of providing payment services without a licence could be jailed for up to three years, fined up to $125,000, or both. For more information on scams, visit or call the ScamShield helpline on 1799. Those with information on scams may call the police hotline on 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
