Innovating for Health: How Young Innovators and Technology are Reshaping Healthcare

Across Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEAO), countries face various healthcare challenges, including the prevalence of chronic diseases, uneven healthcare access, rising cost of living, lack of healthcare professionals, and ageing populations.

At Samsung Electronics, we are committed to using technology to drive innovation and create meaningful solutions where they are needed the most. We understand that true progress requires fostering a culture of problem-solving where individuals, especially young innovators, are empowered to develop solutions that make a difference.

Samsung’s Corporate Citizenship initiatives such as the Solve for Tomorrow program is a powerful platform for aspiring innovators to focus their creativity and technological ingenuity on developing innovations that not only benefit their community, but also address societal issues, such as those in healthcare.

This World Health Day, we celebrate our young innovators who are building solutions that aim to address the most pressing healthcare challenges of today.

Young minds, breakthrough solutions

Gabriel refined Pill-Bot through experimentation and testing

Across the SEAO region, students from as young as 12 years old are devising solutions to enhance healthcare accessibility and effectiveness. Gabriel Anthony, a 12-year-old from Whitby Collegiate in New Zealand was awarded first prize in the Year 7 to 10 category at the Solve for Tomorrow New Zealand 2024 competition with his invention, Pill-Bot, an artificial intelligence (AI) medication identifier designed for the visually impaired, inspired by his grandmother’s experience of taking the wrong medication. His innovative approach involves training an AI bot to recognise different types of pills and verbally announcing their names to enable patients, especially those with visual impairment, to identify their medication before consumption.

SilentGuide processes spoken words directed at an individual and transcribes them into subtitles

In Singapore, Team redbluegold made up of Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) students Aiden Lim and Karan Gopu Pillai claimed victory in Singapore’s Solve for Tomorrow 2024 competition with SilentGuide—a pair of smart glasses that transcribes spoken words into subtitles, helping people with hearing impairment participate more meaningfully in conversations. Inspired by a classmate with a hearing impairment who had struggled to maintain a two-way conversation in a noisy classroom, the team set out to create a solution that functions without an internet connection, and is comfortable to wear, user-friendly and affordable.

Cough Aid can be used anywhere and at any time, easing access to preliminary screening and boosting the chances of individuals receiving timely treatment

Meanwhile in Thailand, Team Kao Kee’s Cough Aid innovation emerged as one of the finalists in the Solve for Tomorrow 2024 competition in Thailand. This web application relies on AI technology to analyse cough sounds and preliminary diagnose respiratory diseases, potentially enabling pre-emptive treatment and better health outcomes. In a region where respiratory conditions remain prevalent, such early-warning systems could prove transformative.

Recognising these talented young minds as a glimpse into the future of industries such as healthcare, participants in the Solve for Tomorrow programme receive mentorship from industry experts, alongside access to innovative technology and resources to help transform their concepts into reality.

Transforming healthcare through technology

Everyday wellness at a glance with Samsung Health^[1]

At Samsung, we believe that technology has the power to enhance everyday life. Galaxy users can benefit from the Energy Score^[2] in the Samsung Heath app^[3], which provides holistic insights through multiple health indicators including sleep, heart health, and physical activity. When paired with the Galaxy Ring, users can enjoy comprehensive health tracking throughout the day and night, enhancing the accuracy and ease of sleep tracking.

The Galaxy Watch series offers more advanced capabilities suited for users interested in a broader spectrum of health insights—from Electrocardiogram (ECG)^[4] to Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)^[5]. Connect these to a Galaxy smartphone, such as the latest Galaxy S25 Series, allows users to receive actionable insights to improve their well-being.

Building a healthier future together

The intersection of youthful innovation and established technology can offer unexpected breakthroughs that address the healthcare challenges of today; solutions that improve accessibility, enhance prevention, and enable early intervention are becoming increasingly vital.

Samsung remains committed to advancing healthcare innovation through a dual approach that includes empowering young problem-solvers through programs like Solve for Tomorrow, while continuing to develop innovations that support users’ wellness goals.

This World Health Day, we celebrate not just the innovations of today, but the possibilities of these innovations—and the brilliant minds behind them—to create a healthier tomorrow for all.

^[1] Devices and screen images are simulated for illustrative purposes. UX/UI may vary depending on software version, model, region and other factors. Samsung Health tracking features are intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in the detection, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring or management of any medical condition or disease. Any health-related information accessed through the device and application should not be treated as medical advice. Users should seek medical advice from a medical professional.

^[2] To check the Energy score, the health data tracked from Samsung Galaxy Watch (Galaxy Watch4 series and later models, excluding Galaxy Fit3) or Samsung Galaxy Ring must be synchronised with the Samsung Health app. Needs at least the previous day’s activity data and sleep, and heart rate data during sleep. 

Energy score and Wellness tips are available on Android phones (Android 11 or above) and requires Samsung Health app (v6.27 or above).

^[3] Requires Samsung Health app version 6.24 or later. Galaxy Watch7 must be paired with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone with Android 11.

^[4] The ECG feature is only available in select markets. The ECG app is not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment. The ECG app is not intended for users with known arrhythmias other than atrial fibrillation or users under 22 years old. Users should not interpret or take clinical action based on the device output without consultation of a qualified healthcare professional.

^[5] Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring or management of any medical condition or disease. Any health-related information accessed through the device and/or application should not be treated as medical advice. Users should seek any medical advice from a physician. Do not measure your body composition if you have an implanted pacemaker or other implanted medical devices. Do not measure your body composition if you are pregnant. Measurement results may not be accurate if you are under 20 years old.