13 December 2023

Swinburne Sarawak MIT students join forces with DHRi to develop health diagnostics platform

KUCHING – Students from the Master of Information Technology (MIT) program at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus’ School of Information and Communications Technologies (SoICT) are taking a significant leap into the future of digital health.

Their latest project involves expanding upon the Cof’e app, an award-winning artificial intelligence (AI) tool for pre-screening of Covid-19. Cof’e, developed in collaboration with the Digital Health Research and Innovation Unit (DHRi) of the Institute for Clinical Research (ICR) and InFront Consulting Group, allows for rapid and cost-effective diagnosis using just the sound of a cough.

Combining their skills in technology and digital innovation, this diverse team of both national and international MIT students are developing a crucial web-based platform for Cof’e that enhances its capabilities to become a more comprehensive health diagnostics solution. Named SymptoSonix, the upgraded platform will feature an intuitive interface that incorporates data analytics features for patients and public health officers.

 “Our collaboration with Swinburne Sarawak’s students is a strategic step towards realising our vision for a future where healthcare and technology work hand in hand,” explained Mr William Law, principal investigator of the Cof’e project.

“The web platform they are developing is a cornerstone of this vision, making advanced AI algorithms accessible to all,” he said.

The student team’s endeavour aligns with Swinburne Sarawak’s dedication to real-world learning experiences that bridge the gap between academia and industry needs. This project not only equips students with relevant skills but also places them at the cutting edge of healthcare technology.

“This project is a unique opportunity for students to apply their IT expertise to the healthcare sector. Building this web platform is not just about writing code; it is about crafting a tool that will play a crucial role in healthcare delivery,” shared Professor Patrick Then, Head of SoICT at Swinburne Sarawak.

A group photo of Professor Patrick Then (left) and Swinburne Sarawak Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Dr Ida Fatimawati bt Adi Badiozaman (third left) with the team from DHRi including (from second left) Dr Mohan Dass Pathmanathan, Mr William Law Kian Boon, Dr Kuan Pei Xuan and Dr Aizuddin bin Abdul Rahman.

A group photo of Professor Patrick Then (left) and Swinburne Sarawak Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Dr Ida Fatimawati bt Adi Badiozaman (third left) with the team from DHRi including (from second left) Dr Mohan Dass Pathmanathan, Mr William Law Kian Boon, Dr Kuan Pei Xuan and Dr Aizuddin bin Abdul Rahman.

As the project progresses, the Swinburne Sarawak community and the broader health sector eagerly anticipate the outcomes of this collaboration. The successful development of the web platform could set a precedent for future tech-driven healthcare solutions in Malaysia and beyond.

Swinburne Sarawak’s Master of Information Technology course offers comprehensive education for aspiring IT professionals, providing the necessary skills to thrive in a digital-centric world. To learn more about the program, visit https://bit.ly/SUTS-MIT.

For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website, Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram page (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk), TikTok page (@swinburnesarawak) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).

Media Enquiries

Tania Lam
Officer (Communication and Events)


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