GoodARCH, an Asian arch support brand operated by Homeway Technology, has invested nearly RM1 million to develop an artificial intelligence-powered foot mapping system for the Malaysian market. The new technology delivers a personalised foot structure assessment in approximately five minutes. The launch marks the company's latest push into preventive health, encouraging consumers to identify potential foot issues before they disrupt daily life.
AI-Powered Foot Mapping Technology
The system uses image recognition and footprint mapping to analyse foot structure and detect possible arch imbalances. It was developed over 12 months by an 11-member team with expertise in medical engineering, business and edge computing. It is currently available at the company's Kuala Lumpur headquarters on Jalan Ampang as well as in Penang, Batu Pahat and Johor Bahru, with plans to work alongside local health management providers.
Expansion and Early Traction
GoodARCH said the technology has supported foot structure assessments for more than 300,000 users so far. Each assessment is paired with its Far-Infrared Arch Support insole, which is designed for stability and shock absorption. Chairman Hsieh Ming-Chia explained that the system builds on two decades of progress, moving from infrared-based and graphene technologies to proprietary Torsion Field Energy and AI-powered digital foot mapping.
Foot Health Concerns in Malaysia
Foot problems are widespread, with data cited by GoodARCH suggesting up to 75 percent of people will experience a foot issue during their lifetime. A study of 190 students by the International Islamic University Malaysia found that 26.3 percent had flat feet, a condition that may also affect urban working adults. Data from the Ministry of Health Malaysia and the Malaysian Orthopaedic Association show that 30 to 40 percent of Malaysians aged 60 and above suffer from knee osteoarthritis.
Early Detection and Consumer Awareness
Founder Dr Hsieh Chin-Hsing said many people only start paying attention to their feet when pain or walking difficulties affect daily life. He added that AI offers an opportunity to change that by making foot assessment a simpler first step toward greater awareness and earlier action. The company's focus is on screening and education rather than replacing clinical diagnosis, which requires clear communication about what the scan can and cannot tell users.
Broader Preventive Health Portfolio
GoodARCH was founded in 2002 by Dr Hsieh Chin-Hsing and began with arch support products before expanding into health footwear and wellness support. The company has also applied its Torsion Field Energy and graphene technologies to the Health Rhythm physiotherapeutic recliner, designed to support circulation and sleep. Its core technologies have received medical device approvals and National Quality Award certification in Taiwan, with patents secured across several Southeast Asian markets.
Competitive Positioning in Malaysia
Malaysia is a logical rollout market due to its developed private healthcare sector, urban consumers and growing middle class. The company faces competition from global players offering scanning and customised insoles, as well as podiatry clinics and sports retailers providing gait analysis. Its challenge is to build trust while integrating the system into existing wellness, rehabilitation or retail workflows.
GoodARCH's Malaysian rollout is less about a single foot scan and more about how much preventive healthcare can be delivered before a person becomes a patient. The five-minute AI assessment reflects a wider shift toward accessible health tools in pharmacies, gyms, shopping centres and homes. If the company can maintain clinical discipline and consumer trust, foot mapping may become part of a much larger wellness ecosystem.