Swinburne computer scientists present research at ESC summit
KUCHING: Artificial Intelligence ( AI) echocardiogram research by two computer scientists Prof Patrick Then and Dr Brian Loh of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak was presented at European Society for Cardiology ( ESC) Digital Summit 2019 in Tallinn, Estonia earlier this month.
The proud Sarawakians were the only two speakers from ASEAN and among five from the Asia Pacific region to present their landmark research to over 1,000 from more than 30 countries at Kultuurikatel Creative Hub in Tallinn , said a statement yesterday.
“The duo innovated unique algorithms utilising AI and Machine Learning to An detect anomalies echocardiograms.
“Their research leapfrogged cardiology research from traditional regime to digital approach, and demonstrated solid example of translational research from fundamental research to reallife applications,” said the statement.
With the potential to revolutionise care of cardiovascular diseases by increasing accuracy of diagnosis and reducing burden of clinicians, the algorithms have been implemented in software technologies that were highly commended by the summit editorial committee.
Prof Then and Loh were rare representation from the in stress field of computer science in the inaugural summit that was attended by the world’s largest scientific society of cardiovascular professionals, bringing together more than 100,000 members across 57 National Cardiac Societies.
Commenting on their research work, Prof Then, who is also the Head of School of Computing and Director of Centre for Digital Futures at Swinburne said ESC recognition demonstrated that world- class research could be achieved by Sarawakians in their hometown.
“It is also evident that Sarawak- based universities such as Swinburne Sarawak is capable of competing at world stage,” he added.
Meanwhile, Loh said: “As a postgraduate student pursuing this area of research, I encountered numerous difficulties along the way.
“However, with assistance from the university in terms of mentorship, teamwork and monetary support, these challenges became possibilities.
“Thus, leading from research to development, and finally to the chance of commercialisation.”
ESC brought the very best technology innovators from around the globe to the event at Tallinn.
Prof Then and Loh were also interviewed by prominent UKbased cardiology publishing firm Radcliffe Group on their presented research.