Through a connection made at TechInnovation 2024, Le Fong Building Services levels up with a smart imaging system from Nanyang Polytechnic. 

  • The Client 
    Le Fong Building Services is a Singapore-based specialist contractor established in 2012. The company provides waterproofing and structural repair solutions for both residential and commercial buildings.  
  • Objective 
    To improve the speed and accuracy of their water seepage detection in buildings without disruptive drilling or guesswork. 
  • What IPI Singapore Did 
    Le Fong first discovered Nanyang Polytechnic’s (NYP) smart imaging-based water seepage detection system on IPI’s Innovation Marketplace. This initial discovery piqued their interest and led them to NYP’s booth at TechInnovation 2024, where they had the opportunity to learn more about the solution in person.   
    Organised by IPI Singapore, TechInnovation serves as a platform that connects local SMEs with co-innovation partners, including Institutes of Higher Learning like NYP who showcase their innovations to potential collaborators in the industry. This created the opportunity for Le Fong to connect directly with NYP and explore a technology licensing partnership.   
  • Impact 
    Le Fong now holds a competitive advantage with a portable, AI-powered thermal imaging system that enhances both the speed and precision of its inspections, without the need for disruptive drilling. This cutting-edge capability not only strengthens its in-house expertise but also sets the company apart in a traditional industry, positioning it to win new projects and scale its service offerings, with a projected five-figure revenue increase over three years. The partnership also validated NYP’s technology in real-world industry settings, proving how academic innovation can translate into practical, high-impact solutions for SMEs.

For both homeowners and businesses, water leaks can cause significant damage and a costly repair bill. They often start small, hidden behind walls or under flooring, and by the time they become visible, considerable damage may already have been done. Traditional inspection methods rely heavily on visual checks or even drilling into structures, which causes disruption, discomfort and dust for occupants. 

Le Fong Building Services, a local SME with over a decade of experience in waterproofing and repair, knew there had to be a better way. The team had already been using advanced tools like drones and thermal cameras, but wanted something faster, more precise and less intrusive. 

Turning New Tech into an Everyday Tool 

In their work, Le Fong found that traditional water detection methods were invasive, time-consuming and imprecise.  

“We were looking for a reliable method to locate hidden water leaks without resorting to destructive testing methods like breaking into concrete floors or walls,” explained William Lim, Manager at Le Fong. The Smart Imaging-Based Water Seepage Detection System first caught Le Fong’s attention on IPI’s Innovation Marketplace, where it was featured by Paula Sng, Senior Manager, Innovation and Technology at IPI Singapore. This early visibility helped spotlight the solution ahead of TechInnovation 2024, where Le Fong later encountered NYP’s team and engaged them directly to explore the innovation in greater detail. Unlike conventional tools, the system uses heat-based imaging combined with artificial intelligence (AI) to distinguish water from other materials under different ambient conditions. 

The portable device can spot seepage on surfaces such as concrete or plastic from up to three metres away. It also automatically logs inspection data, making it easier to keep records and track maintenance over time.  

Beyond accuracy, the system is designed for practicality. Inspectors can carry it easily at a site, reducing downtime for building owners and tenants. This portability means that even large or hard-to-access areas can be surveyed more quickly, with less manpower. 

After learning about this new system, Le Fong engaged in detailed discussions with NYP’s principal investigator, Dr Yeoh Wui Keat, to see how the system could be adapted for real-world building services. 

“There were clear advantages to licensing this system,” shared Lim. “It can quickly and accurately locate leaks without damaging property, limiting restoration work and costs. This revolutionises the daily workflow for building companies like ours.” 

From Prototype to Profit: Bringing Research into the Field 

After several in-depth discussions with NYP, Le Fong signed an exclusive five-year licensing agreement in the first quarter of the year, paving the way to integrate the prototype into its services. The decision was made with confidence, as the system had already been rigorously field-tested in collaboration with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). 

With this new tech in their toolbox, Le Fong’s staff can now detect leaks with greater accuracy and complete inspections with minimal disruption to clients. Now in its first year of deployment, the company anticipates a five-figure revenue increase over the next three years by integrating the new technology into its service offerings.  

By working closely with Le Fong, the research team at NYP received valuable feedback from real-world deployments, insights that can help refine the system and strengthen the translation of academic innovation into industry-ready solutions. 

“This partnership enabled us to test and refine our technology in actual field conditions, demonstrating its practical effectiveness,” shared Diana Sutanto, Senior Specialist (Research and Technology Transfer), NYP. “The collaboration extends beyond simple technology adoption. Le Fong has worked closely with us to enhance construction industry standards for water seepage detection.”  

At TechInnovation 2024, NYP was particularly looking for partners with market expertise, distribution channels and the resources to scale their innovations effectively.  

“Our primary objective was to connect with like-minded companies that view innovation as a key differentiator and are actively seeking new technologies to bring to market,” said Sutanto. “We were looking for partners who would take a leap of faith.”  

Co-Innovation in Action: Where SMEs and Academia Thrive 

This project also highlights the integral role TechInnovation plays as a platform that connects local SMEs with co-innovation partners that can add value to their products and services.  

“Le Fong’s proactive and bold move to embrace technology reflects the potential and agility of SMEs to lead through innovation,” said Paula Sng, Senior Manager, Innovation and Technology at IPI Singapore. “By licensing this technology, they have turned a challenge into an opportunity, enhancing their competitiveness while demonstrating how local enterprises can benefit from collaborations with our institutes of higher learning for real-world impact.” 

This example also sends an encouraging message to other SMEs in Singapore: innovation does not have to start from scratch. By tapping into the expertise of local polytechnics and research partners, companies can adopt proven technologies, adapt them for their industries, and grow their businesses faster while limiting the risks. 

With the smart seepage detection system now part of its toolkit, Le Fong can offer building owners a quicker, cleaner, and more reliable way to tackle one of the most frustrating maintenance issues. At the same time, the collaboration underscores how partnerships between SMEs, academia and platforms like IPI Singapore can spark practical solutions to everyday problems. 

This success story is a testament to how TechInnovation plays a vital role in bridging the gap between innovation and industry. By connecting technology seekers like Le Fong with solution providers from local research institutes, TechInnovation creates fertile ground for impactful collaborations. It is through these curated connections and advisory support that IPI Singapore empowers SMEs to fast-track their innovation journey, turning pain points into progress and ideas into real-world outcomes.