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SINGAPORE: Tech company Razer will deliver free surgical masks to all Singapore residents 16 and older, through a network of vending machines across the island, the company said on Monday (May 11).
By June 1, twenty vending machines will be installed in Singapore, including all Frasers Property Retail and JustCo malls.
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READ: Razer’s facial mask manufacturing line begins production, capable of producing 5 million masks per month
The firm estimates that some 5 million masks will be dispensed, and hopes that the initiative will complement the government’s recently announced plans to provide more reusable masks for homes.
About 20 of Razer’s vending machines will be deployed in “high traffic” locations. (Photo: Razer)
“There are times when you potentially leave your house and realize that ‘no, I don’t have the mask. We believe this is something we can do … to ensure that society remains safe,” said Lee Li. Meng, Razer’s chief strategy officer.
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To redeem the skins, users must register with the mobile wallet app, Razer Pay, to verify their identity.
When beta testing starts in the next few days, the app will issue a QR coupon code, which will be valid for three months, to scan in vending machines for mask collection.
A QR coupon code must be scanned at the vending machines for mask collection. (Photo: Razer)
All machines will also be phased in before June 1, before “breaker” measures are expected to be lifted.
READ: Gaming company Razer to establish mask manufacturing line in Singapore amid COVID-19 shortage
Razer said the exercise will be phased in to ensure that safe distancing measures can be met. For example, users will get their codes progressively.
Mr. Lee said it would be a “very quick process” because the masks are dispensed through vending machines.
About five million masks will be dispensed, Razer estimates. (Photo: Razer)
“But obviously, we will encourage people: ‘If you see a long line, please don’t stay. Go back and grab the mask when the line is shorter.”
The technology firm said surgical masks should be used in conjunction with reusable masks.
“Razer’s mask vending machines would ensure that the public always has access to the masks when they are away from home,” the company said.
“For example, if someone has forgotten or lost their reusable masks, they can purchase a single-use Razer surgical mask at any time from the network of conveniently located vending machines.”
Lee added that while Razer plans to add more locations to its offerings, it is still trying to find enough vending machines amid current supply chain disruptions.
DOUBLE PRODUCTION CAPACITY TO 10 MILLION MASKS PER MONTH
Razer is working with local manufacturer Sunningdale Tech to develop a fully automated mask production line in Singapore.
“At full capacity, the production line can produce up to 5 million masks a month, and together with Sunningdale, Razer hopes to expand production to up to 10 million masks a month soon,” said Razer.
A photo of the Razer mask manufacturing line in Singapore. (Photo: Facebook / Min-Liang Tan)
Lee said he believes there is sufficient demand for masks as Razer has received interest from companies “not only in Singapore, but in the region and, indeed, globally.”
He said that making masks for Singapore’s needs would be the first priority, and that only excess supply would be allocated beyond its borders.
When asked if mask manufacturing and dispensing would become a central part of the company’s business, Mr. Lee said, “It is still early.”
“I think we are focusing on making sure that the first reason we are doing this is to make sure we can supply the masks,” he said.
“We will see and observe the situation.”
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