AI expert sets up anti-bullying app to encourage victims to speak up

 

During his high school days, Sherman Koh Chee Hong was bullied, insulted, and ostracised.

“I would sit at the front of the class and finish my tasks quietly while others would mingle and chat.

“I’d also be alone during recess or when we move classes,” he said.

All these experiences stuck with him all the way to adulthood, solidifying his resolution to create a safer space for students.

Nearly a decade later, Koh is now an expert in computer science and artificial intelligence (AI).

Documenting bullying cases

His expertise in app development led to the creation of an anti-bullying application aimed at helping the public document bullying cases more systematically.

The app, which is called “Berani” (brave), is available on both Android and iOS and can be downloaded for free, as all the maintenance costs are borne by Koh himself.

Sherman Koh showing how his app Berani works

It is specifically tailored to aid students, parents, and educators in documenting bullying or abuse incidents more systematically.

According to Koh, the app was initially to be named “Bersuara”, but was changed to “Berani” because “mangsa memerlukan keberanian untuk bersuara” (victims need the courage to speak out).

“This application could provide support to them (victims) who are afraid to speak out.

“I did this so that others wouldn’t fall victim as I did,” he said.

Koh added that the application allows users to record the date, location, information, and pictures into it.

The AI system would then produce a comprehensive report that contains a description of the incident, the impact, and recommended steps for further action.

The report could then be stored on the user’s personal device (vault) or shared with a trusted individual via email or messenger apps.

AI counselling partner

Additionally, Berani also offers a support platform through its AI Counselling Partner function, where victims can utilise an interaction space that employs empathetic language to provide emotional support and resources to support lines such as Talian Kasih 15999.

Koh said that bullying victims often become isolated and do not know where they can seek help.

However, he stressed that the application does not replace the functions of counsellors, educators, or authorities but serves as an early intervention tool.

Koh stated that he developed Berani in mid-2025 with a capital of around RM5,000. He said that the app is entirely free of charge, with no hidden fees or ads.

He said that to develop a government app with such standards, the cost of contracting a foreign expert could reach up to hundreds of thousands of ringgit.

Koh, who is also a Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) alumnus, added that all the skills he learned were the result of the opportunities and education provided by the country, and Berani is one of the ways he gives back to society.

“I have developed many applications for other countries, but never for mine.

“So now it’s time for me to serve my country, and I’m happy to do so,” he said.

Koh has over 13 years of experience in the technological industry, ranging from systems solutions, data analytics, digital transformation and large-scale project implementation in the Asia Pacific.

Schools, govt urged to utilise Berani

Koh then called on schools, ministries, and relevant agencies to consider using the Berani app as part of their anti-bullying approach.

An open attitude towards using the app, he said, could allow more victims to seek support before the issue becomes more serious.

Sherman Koh wants bullying victims to know there is a safe channel in his app Berani

“I want them to know that there is a safe channel, even if they are not ready to talk to an adult directly,” he said.

According to data from the Education Ministry's Sistem Sahsiah Diri Murid (SSDM) in October, the number of bullying incidents in schools increased from 7,681 in the previous year.

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail said that the ministry’s SSDM statistics recorded 3,883 bullying cases in 2022 and an increase of 6,528 cases in 2023 in various institutions.

One of the cases that rocked the country was the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir on July 17 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu after she was discovered unconscious in a drain close to her school room at four in the morning the day prior. - Mkini