MK FMHS academic wins awards at MTE 2024 and OPIIC 2024

Clinical Assistant Professor Dr Kaur Kirandeep Kulwant from M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) achieved remarkable success in two prestigious international competitions. She secured a Silver Award at the 2024 Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE): Advanced Healthcare and Life Sciences International Innovations and Awards Expo (AHLS), and a Gold Award, a Topaz Award, and another Silver Award at the 2024 Open International Innovations Challenge (OPIIC). These accolades highlight Dr Kaur’s commitment to advancing healthcare and education through innovative research.

Dr Kaur alongside Dr Manjit Singh Sidhu and Nur Atiqah Abdul Latif from Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) earned a Silver Award for their project titled Machine Learning Enhanced Functional Voice Disorder Detector and Analysis System at the MTE: AHLS 2024, which took place from 7 to 9 August 2024 via a virtual platform. Submitted under the AI & Machine Learning theme, the project utilised artificial intelligence to improve the diagnosis and analysis of voice disorders, offering a promising solution for enhancing patient care and diagnostic accuracy.

Following her success at MTE 2024, Dr Kaur triumphed again at the 2024 Open International Innovations Challenge (OPIIC), held virtually on 5 September 2024. Her participation in two categories led to multiple awards, including a Gold Award, Topaz Award, and Silver Award.

Dr Kaur’s project, Metaverse Engineering Lab for Mechanics Dynamics, earned both the Gold Award and the prestigious Topaz Award. The project was carried out in collaboration with Ts Dr Lee Chen Kang from UTAR Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, and Dr Manjit Singh Sidhu and Sara Mousakhani from UNITEN. Submitted under the Technology in Education category, this project leveraged the Metaverse platform to create an immersive learning environment for teaching mechanical dynamics, aiming to enhance student engagement and comprehension. The Topaz Award, reserved for innovations that significantly contribute to societal well-being, came with a cash prize of RM300.

In addition, Dr Kaur secured a Silver Award at OPIIC 2024 for her project titled Tuberculosis Treatment Defaulter Mapper, under the Health Sciences category. The project addressed the critical issue of tuberculosis treatment defaulters in Malaysia, providing a system that maps and manages patients who discontinue their treatment. Tuberculosis remains a leading cause of death from infectious diseases in the country, and Dr Kaur’s project aimed to improve treatment outcomes and save lives.

Reflecting on the awards, Dr Kaur stated, “Winning these awards is a meaningful recognition of our research. It encourages me to continue advancing this work, contributing not only to the healthcare sector but also to UTAR’s research community.”

Dr Kaur’s certificates of achievements

The Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE) 2024: Advanced Healthcare and Life Sciences International Innovations and Awards Expo (AHLS) is a global platform that promotes innovation in healthcare and life sciences. Held virtually, the event brought together researchers, industry leaders, and healthcare professionals to showcase cutting-edge technologies and innovations in areas such as AI, biotechnology, and digital health.

The Open International Innovations Challenge (OPIIC) 2024 focused on Sustainable Urban Innovations for the Development of Well-being. Organised by Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), the challenge invited innovators from various fields, including engineering, health sciences, and education to present solutions that address societal and environmental challenges. OPIIC recognised exceptional projects that contribute to public health, education, and societal well-being.