A team of INTI International College Penang students has been recognised for their work in road safety, winning the Best Real-World Relevance and Sustainability Award at the IEM – Integrated Design Project Short Video Competition 2024 on 2 January 2025.
Chow Yoong Liang, Ric Felipe Francis, and Eng Tze Yee—students from the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering 3+0 programme, offered in collaboration with Coventry University, UK—developed the Portable ADAS for Old Vehicles. This cost-effective solution equips older cars with modern safety features. Competing under the name INTI Musketeers, the trio’s innovation aims to make roads safer by retrofitting advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) into vehicles manufactured before 2010.
The INTI Musketeers test their Portable ADAS prototype in a real-world driving scenario to improve road safety for older vehicles.
Making Advanced Safety Accessible
While modern cars come equipped with built-in ADAS, older vehicles lack essential safety features such as lane departure warnings and forward collision alerts. The INTI Musketeers designed a portable version of this technology, offering an affordable and adaptable solution for a wider audience.
“Our goal was to create a system that improves road safety without the high costs of upgrading to a new vehicle,” said Yoong Liang, the team leader.
Inspired by leading automotive brands, the team incorporated camera-based ADAS technology, similar to Tesla and RADAR-based systems used by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Toyota. By integrating image processing and machine learning into a standard dashcam, they developed a system capable of detecting vehicles and road lanes—even in low visibility conditions such as rain and nighttime driving.
The INTI Musketeers test their Portable ADAS prototype in a real-world driving scenario to improve road safety for older vehicles.
“Our system isn’t just a concept—it’s a practical, scalable solution that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” said Yoong Liang. “We’re addressing SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being) by reducing road injuries and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities) by making vehicle safety more accessible.”
Overcoming Challenges
Developing the prototype came with significant hurdles, particularly in training the AI model to recognise various vehicle types—including trucks, buses, sedans, and motorcycles—from different angles. The team refined their algorithm using open-source libraries to ensure accurate vehicle detection and collision prediction.
Filming their competition entry posed another challenge. “Demonstrating the image processing system live was tough,” shared Ric. “After multiple takes, we finally produced a video that showcased our technology effectively.”
Their success, they emphasised, came down to strong teamwork and clear task delegation. Each member focused on a key area—programming, hardware planning, video production, and report writing—ensuring a well-rounded approach.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The Coventry University 3+0 Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering programme was crucial in preparing the team for this competition.
“Our C, C++, and Java courses gave us the programming foundation to develop this system,” said Eng Tze Yee. “The problem-solving skills we honed at INTI helped us troubleshoot efficiently.”
Their mentors, Ts. Tajul Afiq and Khadijah Kamarulazizi provided invaluable technical guidance and encouragement.
“We are incredibly proud of the team,” said Ts. Tajul Afiq, Head of Programme and lecturer at INTI’s School of Engineering. “Their ability to integrate innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork sets them apart. This win reflects INTI’s commitment to real-world learning and industry relevance.”
Khadijah Kamarulazizi, a lecturer at INTI’s School of Engineering, praised the students’ dedication and ingenuity. “They demonstrated excellent technical skills and teamwork—qualities crucial in the engineering industry. I am confident this experience will drive them to even greater success.”
A Step Toward Industry Collaboration
Recognising the team’s achievement, Hemalatha Murugiah, Chief Executive of INTI International College Penang, highlighted the significance of hands-on learning.
“At INTI, we equip students with industry-relevant skills that extend beyond the classroom. The success of the INTI Musketeers is a testament to our emphasis on practical learning and innovation. Their perseverance and ability to develop a scalable road safety solution exemplify the spirit of INTI.”
Encouraged by their win, the team plans to refine their prototype into a market-ready product, conducting further software enhancements, testing, and exploring industry partnerships.
For students aspiring to tackle similar challenges, their advice is simple: “Be curious, stay determined, and embrace teamwork.”