Article and pictures from NTUC this week, 9 July 2010 Issue. 

Labour movement peeks into High-tech Future

A flash of a card with an encoded bar code under the eye of a camera, and a 3 Dimensional figurine pops up to greet you. That’s what technology can do now, and was also what clearly impressed the NTUC delegation at a Learning Journey to the Media Development Authority on 5 July 2010. 

Organised by the Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute, a delegation of 45 union leaders and staff led by NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say was brought into a world of innovative technology, seeing how the evolution of technology has enhanced user experience in the computer world. 

One particular presentation during the Learning Journey left those present in awe through its interactive technology. A highly revolutionary Mixed Reality application, wIzCards, allows users to control animated virtual 3D objects on the computer screen, simply just with a web camera and a barcode on a printed surface. 

Users can control the movement of the animated figure on screen just by moving the printed card; as well as command actions to what the animated figure can do by just tapping on the card. Such a technology has not only enhanced user experience but also led to increased productivity. Other exciting technologies on demonstration include the easy retrieval of proximity based information according to the current location of the users, the conversion of hard copy material into an interactive e-book, and using intelligent pattern recognition technology to enhance access control. 

Seeing how technology can open up new possibilities, SG Lim said that “the Labour Movement aspires to be early adopters of such leading technology for the benefits of our unions, workers and members”. 

“We hope that MDA can look at the Labour Movement as an user partner. We work closely with the Infocomm Development Authority on the deployment of new Media. We would like to work closely with MDA on Interactive Digital Media too,” said SG Lim. Participants of the Learning Journey also had the opportunity to tour the premises of MDA, experiencing a 3D movie screening and getting a sneak preview as to how Singapore will be positioned as a Global Media city. 

“We thank MDA and its innovation partners for their pioneering efforts.As a movement with 500,000 members, we look forward to working together to speed up the useful application of Interactive Digital Media in Singapore.” -Lim Swee Say, NTUC Secretary-General 

Picture from NTUC this week, NTUC Secretary-General Mr Lim Swee Say with his delegation of 45 union leaders and staff at The Experience Centre @ MDA

 At the Learning Journey to the Media Development Authority on 9 July 2010, five companies presented their new innovative technological advancements that have opened many doors of opportunities for the Labour Movement for possible future collaborations. The five companies were BuUuk, Kai Square Private Limited, KooBits Private Limited, MXR Corporation Private Limited and Mozat. One innovation that captivated the attention of many was the wIzCards, a technology developed by MXR Corporation. 

NTUC Secretary-General Lim Swee Say (right) trying out the wIzcards with MXR Corporation Private Limited's Chief Executive Officer and Director Steven Zhou (left).

How the wIzcards work:

Download postcard from www.mxrcorp.com.sg and print it out. Turn on web camera and place the printed postcard under the camera.

For other commands, tap on the printed surface, as per instructions. Log on to the website to try out this new technology.