DF is honored to be awarded the Silver Award for Best Innovation for company up to RM25 Million Category at the prestigious Star Outstanding Business Award (SOBA) 2020. It is awarded to DF at the Gala Night Ceremony held at Imperial Ballroom, One World Hotel on 17 March 2020.
Similar to all other companies, the year 2020 was proven one of the toughest years for DF due to the pandemic. The MCO in March has further deepened the wound. But, this did not stop DF continuing to innovate and assist the frontliners during the tough time.
During the peak of the pandemic in April, there was a huge shortage of PPE and workforces in the hospital. The hospital is looking for an alternative to send foods and medicine to patients to reduce the risk of infection. Despite the fact of strict MCO, DF took up the challenge to design and develop a food delivery robot in 17 days which has been named MCK19 (Mak Cik Kiah 19). The robot was placed at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM.
This robot can move autonomously from one place to another sending foods or medicines to patients thus reducing the risk of infections to workers. After a few days, there was another request from MAEPS, a temporary hospital that can host 400 patients at one time. We have sent a similar robot named Dol-E within the next few days. Dol-E together with nurses has delivered 53,661 meals to 1,383 patients covering 35km within 69 days.
This is possible due to a strong collaboration between DF, UTM, MTDC, MOSTI and HCTM. Besides, more importantly, innovation has played a critical role at that time as we have to look for a new way to design and develop a robot within that short time of 17 days under strict MCO in which will normally take 3 months lead time.
DF is a spin-off from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia co-founded by Associate Professor Dr Yeong Che Fai and his two students Mr Ricky Yap Wee Yang and Mr Tan Ping Hua.
This award marks an important milestone in DF’s history. It also set a great reminder of the importance of innovation and grit that has sailed DF through the pandemic. Moving forward, DF will work harder and continue to focus on building a world-class technology centre that is able to compete in the global arena.
The Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) is organised by The Star Media Group Berhad, to recognize up-and-coming enterprises and their contributions to the Malaysian economy. SOBA was established to promote excellence and stimulate positive competition, showcasing the achievements attained by outstanding businesses. In line with the Government’s commitment to develop homegrown enterprises, SOBA seeks to inspire and encourage local businesses to promote Malaysia and showcase its products and services to the world. Every year SOBA will shortlist and award Malaysian non-public listed organisations that have led the way with excellent business principles, ethics and practices. SOBA winners are testaments of high achievement and serve as a benchmark for others to emulate. 2020 is the 11th year Star Media Group Berhad organised this business award ceremony.
