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Business Times
16-07-2025
- Health
- Business Times
Ngee Ann Poly students' app uses tech, AI to help seniors avoid falls
[SINGAPORE] A group of students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic is looking to develop a mobile app that allows seniors to independently conduct fall-risk assessments from the comfort of their own homes. Traditionally, seniors go to clinics to take fall-risk assessments, where doctors grade their ability to perform physical activities, such as walking. The app, called FallSafe, will allow them to conduct such assessments using their mobile phones. FallSafe combines Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and cloud-native technology. 'Our idea is to allow the elderly to use their mobile phones, which have gyroscope and accelerometer sensors. These are sensors that they can utilise to capture how they performed,' said 19-year-old Jeffrey Lee, who is part of the team behind the digital solution, which is in its proof-of-concept stage. The app has two steps – a questionnaire and a physical self-assessment. The assessment can be as short as 15 minutes, and seniors are encouraged to do it every six months to better understand their own bodies. 'We envision FallSafe to be a mobile app that they can download. When they hold it or put it in their pocket, they just need to walk. Based on how the phone moves, we are able to capture how well they performed in their physical self-assessment. We are then able to use those metrics to calculate the risk that the elderly have,' Lee said. He added that the app aims to provide seniors 'personalised, tailored feedback on how they can improve or maintain their current fall risk'. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Making it accessible for seniors Lee said FallSafe is 'among the first consumer-facing applications in Singapore' to explore the use of mobile phones for fall-risk assessments, without the need for specialised equipment or wearables. Previous studies in Singapore that focused on fall detection using gyroscope and accelerometer data relied on dedicated hardware. One of the biggest challenges was making sure the tech was user-friendly for seniors, said Lee. 'There are so many friction points in an app that to us, it could be second nature, but to the elderly, it is not… Whenever we created a feature, we would share it with our elderly testers and (get their input).' His team thus worked with welfare organisation Lions Befrienders to test FallSafe on seniors. The app is also multilingual, as it uses Google Translate and can be accessed in any language offered by that platform. Although there are no concrete plans at the moment to scale the tech as the team members are busy pursuing internships, they hope to eventually continue their partnership with Lions Befrienders to develop the app, and potentially work with other social service agencies and government agencies. In the long term, the team aims to adopt a social enterprise business model for FallSafe. Any profits made will be reinvested back into the tech for greater impact. Addressing a 'silent issue' Accessible digital solutions such as FallSafe are set to become especially relevant as Singapore's ageing population rises. The Republic is set to transition to a 'super-aged' society by 2026, with more than one in five people aged 65 and above. Lee, along with team members Jovan Ong, Putera Daniel and Kelvin Tan, are slated to win the Outstanding Innovation Team Award on Jul 22 at Ngee Ann Poly's Student Excellence Awards 2025. Falls are a 'silent issue' that is still 'persistent' and has 'far-reaching consequences' for seniors, said Lee. '(They) are the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions among seniors. Beyond physical injuries such as fractures and head trauma, they can also cause devastating effects on mental well-being.' Lions Befrienders said that seniors usually take a fall-risk assessment only after an incident has occurred. With the user-friendly features and accessibility of FallSafe, the team hopes they will be encouraged to take a more pre-emptive approach to the issue.
The Advertiser
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
'Big Pear' showdown: the juicy rivalry growing in regional Australia
The regional Victorian town of Shepparton has announced plans to construct the world's largest pear. But there's a problem. The inner southern Canberra suburb of Parkes already has claimed the humble pear. Parkes hosts a cluster of oversized pear sculptures by acclaimed artist George Baldessin The iconic sculptures outside the National Gallery date back to the 1960s. But Shepparton's rich horticulture history could give it the edge. Nearly all of the fruit sold across the country comes from the Goulburn Valley. The project, spearheaded by the Shepparton Big Pear Steering Group chaired by former orchardist Rocky Varapodio, will take some serious fundraising. The group is seeking both private and public funding with the project estimated to cost $1.3 million and include an interpretive centre within the three-storey fibreglass pear structure. If constructed, it would mark the town's second "big thing" - after a 16m sculpture of a murray cod opened on the outskirts of the town earlier this year. Australia is already home to over 150 "Big Things", including the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour and the "Big Prawn" in Ballina. The eye-catching attractions draw attention to local businesses and promote tourism in the region. READ MORE: Cheese dream: scientists say dairy may cause nightmares The regional Victorian town of Shepparton has announced plans to construct the world's largest pear. But there's a problem. The inner southern Canberra suburb of Parkes already has claimed the humble pear. Parkes hosts a cluster of oversized pear sculptures by acclaimed artist George Baldessin The iconic sculptures outside the National Gallery date back to the 1960s. But Shepparton's rich horticulture history could give it the edge. Nearly all of the fruit sold across the country comes from the Goulburn Valley. The project, spearheaded by the Shepparton Big Pear Steering Group chaired by former orchardist Rocky Varapodio, will take some serious fundraising. The group is seeking both private and public funding with the project estimated to cost $1.3 million and include an interpretive centre within the three-storey fibreglass pear structure. If constructed, it would mark the town's second "big thing" - after a 16m sculpture of a murray cod opened on the outskirts of the town earlier this year. Australia is already home to over 150 "Big Things", including the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour and the "Big Prawn" in Ballina. The eye-catching attractions draw attention to local businesses and promote tourism in the region. READ MORE: Cheese dream: scientists say dairy may cause nightmares The regional Victorian town of Shepparton has announced plans to construct the world's largest pear. But there's a problem. The inner southern Canberra suburb of Parkes already has claimed the humble pear. Parkes hosts a cluster of oversized pear sculptures by acclaimed artist George Baldessin The iconic sculptures outside the National Gallery date back to the 1960s. But Shepparton's rich horticulture history could give it the edge. Nearly all of the fruit sold across the country comes from the Goulburn Valley. The project, spearheaded by the Shepparton Big Pear Steering Group chaired by former orchardist Rocky Varapodio, will take some serious fundraising. The group is seeking both private and public funding with the project estimated to cost $1.3 million and include an interpretive centre within the three-storey fibreglass pear structure. If constructed, it would mark the town's second "big thing" - after a 16m sculpture of a murray cod opened on the outskirts of the town earlier this year. Australia is already home to over 150 "Big Things", including the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour and the "Big Prawn" in Ballina. The eye-catching attractions draw attention to local businesses and promote tourism in the region. READ MORE: Cheese dream: scientists say dairy may cause nightmares The regional Victorian town of Shepparton has announced plans to construct the world's largest pear. But there's a problem. The inner southern Canberra suburb of Parkes already has claimed the humble pear. Parkes hosts a cluster of oversized pear sculptures by acclaimed artist George Baldessin The iconic sculptures outside the National Gallery date back to the 1960s. But Shepparton's rich horticulture history could give it the edge. Nearly all of the fruit sold across the country comes from the Goulburn Valley. The project, spearheaded by the Shepparton Big Pear Steering Group chaired by former orchardist Rocky Varapodio, will take some serious fundraising. The group is seeking both private and public funding with the project estimated to cost $1.3 million and include an interpretive centre within the three-storey fibreglass pear structure. If constructed, it would mark the town's second "big thing" - after a 16m sculpture of a murray cod opened on the outskirts of the town earlier this year. Australia is already home to over 150 "Big Things", including the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour and the "Big Prawn" in Ballina. The eye-catching attractions draw attention to local businesses and promote tourism in the region. READ MORE: Cheese dream: scientists say dairy may cause nightmares
Herald Sun
01-07-2025
- Business
- Herald Sun
IoT tech company X2M takes 7pc stake in Dicode after major UAE contract win
Don't miss out on the headlines from Stockhead. Followed categories will be added to My News. X2M to take 7% stake in partner Dicode Smart Connect Electronics, reflecting confidence in its future Dicode wins contract with major UAE construction company to install 10,000 residential apartments Second 'Metering-as-a-Service' commercial contract for Dicode secured in the UAE in 2025 Special Report: X2M Connect will take a 7% stake in strategic partner Dicode Smart Connect Electronics, which has secured a contract with a major UAE-based construction company to install smart gas and utility meters across 10,000 residential apartments. Australian Internet of Things (IoT) technology company X2M Connect (ASX:X2M) said the deal marks the second major commercial contract win for Dicode in 2025, following its February announcement of a contract with Ocean Gas to digitise gas distribution networks. Dicode's core business is centred on rolling out 'Metering as a Service' in the Middle East, with the new project expanding its footprint in the Gulf Cooperation Council region's rapidly growing smart infrastructure sector. X2M said the latest contract would generate ~$400,000 of gross profit over the next 10 years. X2M investment in Dicode shows confidence As part of its long-term strategic alignment with Dicode, X2M will invest US$150,000 in the business for a 7% ownership share. The company said its investment reflects X2M's confidence in Dicode's growth potential and profitability as it scales its smart metering technology and services across the Middle East. Under the terms of the partnership, Dicode has committed to using X2M's proprietary technology Vision by X2M for a minimum of 10 years, positioning X2M as the foundational technology partner for Dicode's deployments. Importantly, X2M retains the flexibility to directly service other customers in the region. Watch : X2M flows new South Korean contracts 'Partnering with a well-connected regional operator' X2M CEO Mohan Jesudason said Dicode has swiftly demonstrated its ability to capture a previously untapped smart metering market, securing two major contracts since February. 'This contract validates our strategy to enter the Middle East via the UAE by partnering with a well-connected regional operator,' he said. 'Our equity stake reflects confidence in Dicode's long-term success and strengthens our position as their exclusive technology partner. 'As demand for smart metering accelerates and Dicode expands beyond the UAE, we're well placed to become the technology platform of choice across the broader region and to support the Middle East's digital infrastructure transformation.' Dicode Smart Connect Electronics CEO Satish Chandran said the contract win with a leading UAE construction group marked a major step in its mission to digitise energy infrastructure across the region. 'The rapid uptake of our smart metering technology underscores the scale of the opportunity in the Middle East,' Chandran said. 'Partnering with X2M gives us a world-class technology backbone that's critical to scaling efficiently and delivering at speed. 'With strong demand in neighbouring markets like Saudi Arabia, we're focused on expanding our footprint and cementing our position as the regional leader in smart utility solutions.' This article was developed in collaboration with X2M Connect, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions. Originally published as IoT tech company X2M takes 7pc stake in Dicode after major UAE contract win
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Business Standard
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Accenture LearnVantage, IIT Madras team up to skill talent for SDV domain
Accenture and the Centre of Excellence in Advanced Automotive Research (CAAR), a research society established by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), are collaborating to offer specialised skilling programmes through Accenture's LearnVantage Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Academy. The initiative targets automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) looking to develop talent to build software-defined vehicles. It aims to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the SDV domain, bridging the gap between traditional automotive roles and the digital skills needed to develop automated driving technology, advanced driver assistance systems, electrical/electronic architecture, connectivity, and infotainment systems. The curriculum, designed for automotive technology practitioners at OEMs and GCCs, includes domain-specific modules, interactive learning environments, and expert coaching delivered through a mix of self-paced and IIT Madras instructor-led sessions. The modules cover advanced Internet of Things, embedded systems and software, vehicle safety, communication protocols, cybersecurity, edge computing, cloud virtualisation, and industry standards such as AUTomotive Open System ARchitecture (AUTOSAR) and Automotive SPICE (Software Process Improvement and Capability dEtermination). According to an Accenture Research estimate, the software-defined digital services market is projected to reach $3.5 trillion and account for 40 per cent of global automotive industry revenues by 2040. To bridge the skills gap, Accenture LearnVantage launched an SDV Academy that offers a specialised training curriculum for the industry. Kishore Durg, Global Lead of Accenture LearnVantage, said, 'As vehicles transform into sophisticated software-defined machines, the automotive industry requires digital-native talent skilled in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and safety systems. Our collaboration with CAAR at IIT Madras is a game-changer, focused on transforming talent at scale for OEMs and GCCs in the sector. Together, we are committed to rapidly upskilling and reskilling talent to embrace technological advancements and develop the interdisciplinary skills needed for the SDV landscape.' CAAR aims to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial solutions in the automotive industry, providing advanced technology, skilled talent, and facilities. Krishnan Balasubramanian, Professor in charge of the Centre for Advanced Automotive Research (CAAR), IIT Madras, said, 'The academia-industry partnership enabled by the Centre of Excellence CAAR is a unique model that creates a win-win for all parties and enables upskilling of the next-generation workforce in new areas such as SDVs. We are delighted to be partnering with Accenture's LearnVantage.' Thiruppathy (Thiru) Srinivasan, Chief Executive Officer of CAAR, IIT Madras, said, 'The automotive industry is rapidly evolving with the adoption of electrification, connectivity, and advanced smart technologies. The high-growth software-defined vehicle space demands both new digital skills and a larger pool of skilled professionals, making upskilling a top priority. Our collaboration with Accenture LearnVantage offers a synergistic platform to bridge the talent gap by equipping professionals with the competencies needed to thrive and meet the industry's evolving needs.' Accenture and IIT Madras have an existing collaboration through their joint Centre of Excellence (CoE), which undertakes research projects and develops intellectual properties in autonomous robotics systems (ARS), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), digital twin systems (DTS), and advanced automotive technologies. In addition, TalentSprint, a leader in deep tech education and now part of Accenture LearnVantage, offers a postgraduate-level advanced certification programme in applied data science and machine learning in partnership with IIT Madras.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BofA cuts Qualcomm target on near-term smartphone chip sales risks
-- Bank of America cut its price target on Qualcomm Inc (NASDAQ:QCOM) to $200 from $245, citing a more cautious outlook for smartphone chip sales, but maintained a Buy rating on the stock, supported by long-term diversification efforts and what it views as a compelling valuation. The brokerage said the handset market, which accounts for nearly three-quarters of Qualcomm's chip revenue, has peaked and faces limited near-term catalysts. Weaker demand from China, moderating gains at Samsung (KS:005930), and Apple's planned switch to in-house modems for more iPhones are all likely to weigh on growth, it said. While Qualcomm's Internet of Things and automotive segments grew 27% and 59% year-over-year in the most recent quarter, BofA noted that some of that momentum may reflect easy comparisons. It expects smartphone-related revenue to decline sequentially in the coming quarters. Still, the note pointed to longer-term opportunities in AI PCs, connected vehicles and data center infrastructure. Qualcomm's recent acquisition of Alphawave gives it a foothold in high-speed interconnects critical to artificial intelligence workloads. BofA projects that automotive, IoT, and other non-smartphone categories could contribute 40% of Qualcomm's chip business by 2030, up from 27% currently. However, it cautioned that management's growth targets, particularly in IoT, may be overly optimistic. The brokerage lowered its earnings and revenue forecasts and now values Qualcomm at 15 times projected 2026 earnings, down from 17 times previously. The shares currently trade at about 12 times forward earnings, below the stock's historical average of 15–18 times, which BofA said could offer long-term investors an entry point. Though BofA said Qualcomm's strategic pivot toward faster-growing markets supports its long-term investment case. Related articles BofA cuts Qualcomm target on near-term smartphone chip sales risks Roku upgraded as ad tie-up with Amazon to boost its 2026 earnings Piper Sandler starts at SAP at Buy, highlights 'multiple tailwinds beyond 2030'
