A research team from Quest International University’s (QIU) Centre for Research & Innovation has once again made the university proud with an inspiring project that combines compassion, innovation, and technology.
The team—Associate Professor Dr Tilagavati Subramaniam, Ms Anna Arokia Nathen, Dr Ruuhina Sani, and Dr Thineshwaran Gunasegaran—participated in the International Innovation Competition (INNOCOM VI 2025), organised by the Academic International Dialogue Academy in collaboration with Universitas Mercu Buana, Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA), and Universitas Nasional, Indonesia.
Representing QIU in the Innovation Idea Category (Education and Teaching sub-category), the team’s project titled “SAFE SENSE: A Gamified Mobile Application for Sexual Harassment Prevention Among Special Needs Children” impressed the judges and earned two major honours:
- 🏆 Gold Innovation Award (Education and Teaching – Poster Presentation, Academic)
- 🏆 Best Innovation Extended Abstract Award
The competition featured 16 special awards across two main categories—Innovation Product and Innovation Idea (Poster Presentation)—drawing participation from 70 institutions across Malaysia and Indonesia.
The QIU team’s achievements stood out among strong competition from institutions such as Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perlis, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Universiti Teknologi Sarawak, and their Indonesian counterparts.
SAFE SENSE is a pioneering gamified mobile application designed to help children with special needs recognise, respond to, and report unsafe touch through immersive, scenario-based learning.
Unlike traditional awareness-based teaching, the app leverages visual storytelling, decision-based gameplay, and real-life simulations set in familiar environments such as schools, homes, and parks. Developed with input from special educators and therapists, the app ensures accessibility for children with cognitive and sensory challenges, transforming passive learning into active skill-building experiences.
The app’s design stems from an earlier Augmented Reality (AR) pilot study led by the same team, which showed that interactive technology can significantly enhance engagement and understanding among special needs children. That AR-based concept—also focused on safe and unsafe touch—earned QIU’s researchers the Overall Best Exhibitor Award 2024 for its innovation and educational impact.
Building on that success, SAFE SENSE evolves the concept into a comprehensive mobile platform that can be scaled to reach more children, caregivers, and educators nationwide.
Beyond its educational value, SAFE SENSE supports parents, teachers, and caregivers by providing structured guidance on discussing body safety. It promotes independence, critical decision-making, and self-protection skills among children—aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities), as well as the Malaysia Madani framework on inclusive education and child protection.
Importantly, SAFE SENSE is Malaysia’s first gamified mobile app that focuses on body safety and is tailored specifically for children with special needs. Its sensory-sensitive design and therapist-guided accessibility features mark a significant advancement in inclusive digital education.
Reflecting on the win, the researchers shared their excitement and commitment to transforming SAFE SENSE from concept to reality—bringing much-needed support to children, families, and educators in the realm of body safety education.
“This recognition motivates us to continue innovating with purpose. Our goal is to create a safe, empowering digital environment where every child—regardless of ability—can learn to protect themselves,” said Dr Tilagavati.
Their success underscores QIU’s mission to champion research that bridges innovation and social good, empowering communities through education, inclusion, and empathy.
