MINDEF Internet of Things Challenge to Crowdsource Ideas and Co-create Solutions to Improve Work Efficiency and Training Safety

Senior Minister of State (SMS) for Defence and Foreign Affairs Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman was the Guest of Honour for the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Internet of Things (IoT) Challenge that concluded earlier today at the National Design Centre. The two-day challenge was part of a series of IT-enabled events organised by MINDEF to crowdsource ideas, and allow MINDEF and SAF personnel to co-create innovative IT-enabled prototypes.

During his opening address, SMS Maliki noted that MINDEF has been incorporating new technologies to improve workplace efficiency. He said, "The Ministry of Defence is no stranger to harnessing these new technologies to improve its processes and operations." To keep up with the rapid changes in technology, SMS Maliki highlighted that MINDEF continually seeks new methods of problem-solving. He noted, "Since 2014, MINDEF has organised annual IT hackathons to crowdsource ideas and co-create prototypes for mobile applications and data analytics solutions. MINDEF is open to new ideas and wants to tap on a broader range of external experts and partners." 

The IoT Challenge was premised on exploring how the IoT can be leveraged to enhance diverse operations within MINDEF and the SAF, and create better solutions to benefit the organisation and its people. The Challenge involved 11 shortlisted teams, each comprising a composite mix of MINDEF/SAF personnel and external participants, who worked together to create IoT-enabled prototypes in response to Logistics, Building, and Soldier Health and Safety issues. The external participants included tertiary students, professionals from industries and start-up companies.

The winning teams of the MINDEF IoT Challenge proposed an unmanned, secure delivery mechanism capable of delivering equipment up to 80 kilograms with a self-balancing scooter, an online transport management system that automates job creation, assignment and sends job trip alerts to the driver through a mobile application, and an automated system for monitoring and controlling ammunition more efficiently. The top three teams received $5,000, $3,500 and $2,500 respectively and their proposals will be further developed and assessed on the feasibility of implementation in MINDEF and the SAF.

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Opening address by Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman at the Ministry Of Defence Internet of Things Challenge at the National Design Centre on 25 September 2016