Samsung Electronics Singapore proudly announces Team Blahaj from NUS High School of Mathematics and Science as the distinguished winner of the seventh edition of the Solve for Tomorrow competition in Singapore. This prestigious event, launched in August 2023, aims to ignite secondary school students’ ingenuity towards addressing pressing social issues within their communities through technological innovation.
Comprised of talented students Wang Zerui, Vincent Kwok, Christian Tan, and David Chik, Team Blahaj has clinched the grand prize, securing $10,000 worth of Samsung products alongside a cash prize of $6,000. Additionally, NUS High School of Mathematics and Science will receive a cutting-edge Samsung interactive digital whiteboard – the 55” Flip Pro.
The groundbreaking solution presented by Team Blahaj targets revolutionizing sensory experiences for visually impaired individuals. Their innovative proposal consists of two pivotal components harnessing advanced technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), to provide detailed environmental understanding through auditory and tactile cues.
Software Solution: LiDAR and Object Detection
By integrating LiDAR and AI-driven object detection into smartphones, Team Blahaj’s solution generates an intricate “obstacle map” featuring tactile representations and multisensory instructions. This groundbreaking technology empowers users to navigate their surroundings seamlessly, enhancing their independence and safety.
Hardware Solution: Real-time Tactile Interface
The team’s real-time tactile interface translates visual data captured by the device into tactile feedback, allowing users to effectively “read” their environment through touch.
According to a report by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), approximately 1.1 billion people worldwide were affected by vision impairment in 2020. This figure is projected to surge by up to 55% over the next three decades. Team Blahaj’s solution represents a significant stride towards transforming the reality for visually impaired individuals, substantially improving their quality of life.
Driving Positive Social Change with Technology and Passion
Among the standout entries in this year’s competition were the deep water culture-based hydroponics system by Team Glacial Planters from Pei Hwa Secondary School and ElderGuard Innovations, a smart fall detection technology by Team Senior Safety Solutions from the School of Science and Technology, Singapore. Team Glacial Planters and Team Senior Safety Solutions secured the 2nd and 3rd prizes, respectively.
Furthermore, Team Work for Youths from Pei Hwa Secondary School clinched the People’s Choice Award with their innovative Work For Youths Web idea, aimed at enhancing the financial situation of lower-income families.
Preparing Future Generations for the Digital Economy
The World Economic Forum’s recent report highlights that approximately 1.1 billion jobs are poised for significant transformation due to technological advancements within the next decade. Therefore, it is imperative to equip the younger generation with relevant technical skills and competencies from an early age, ensuring their preparedness for the future digital economy.
