Razer, the lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced plans to sponsor high quality certified surgical masks for Singaporean adults (16 years old and above) and Singapore residents. The masks will be made available through Razer’s newly established network of surgical mask vending machines, currently the largest in the country.
Last month, Razer announced that it had plans to set up, Singapore’s first fully automated mask production and packing line. More than just producing the masks, Razer has now announced that it will sponsor the masks through a cashless, minimal contact delivery system of 20 vending machines will be deployed islandwide by 1 June 2020 before the social distancing measures are expected to be relaxed – an estimated five million masks will be given out as a part of this initiative.
As part of its #ForSingaporeansBySingaporeans initiative, Razer is also inviting other Singaporean companies to join forces and work together in the fight against COVID-19.
To complement efforts made by the government, the surgical masks provided by Razer are to be used conjunctively with reusable masks. Razer’s mask vending machines would ensure that the public always has access to masks when out and about. For example, if anyone has forgotten or misplaced their reusable masks, they will be able to purchase a single use Razer surgical mask anytime from the conveniently located network of vending machines.
For people who require higher levels of protection, such as the elderly, this provides ready access to surgical masks whenever needed.
“The COVID-19 situation has made it apparent that both public and private sectors need to come together to address the challenges facing us as a society, and Razer Fintech is proud to step forward and play our part in any way possible,” said Lee Li Meng, Chief Executive Officer at Razer Fintech.
“We urge every adult Singapore resident to collect a mask for your use. Practice safe distancing and wear a mask when you leave the house. Every little step contributes to the fight against the pandemic.”
Mask allocation will be done via Razer Fintech’s mobile wallet app, Razer Pay. The app’s unique electronic ‘Know Your Customer’ solution will issue a QR coupon code upon successful verification of the user’s identity. The verified user can then scan the code at the vending machines to collect a free mask.
Razer Pay’s verification system is fraud free, which would ensure that every verified Singapore resident will be issued a mask. The app will also conveniently provide locations of the vending machines.
Initial beta testing of the vending machines and app usage will be conducted over the next few weeks with selected users with a view to be ready for the full rollout by 1 June 2020, while also ramping up vending machine deployment and mask supply. People interested can participate in the beta program through the following steps:
- Download the Razer Pay app from iOS App Store or Google Play Store
- E-Verify your account (may take up to one working day) and sign up for the beta program
- Once approved, you will receive a mask coupon
- Scan your coupon at a vending machine to collect your free mask
To ensure a continuous resupply of masks, Razer has partnered with a local manufacturing company, Sunningdale Tech Ltd, to develop and deploy a fully automated mask production line
in Singapore in just 24 days. At full capacity, the production line can produce up to five million masks a month and together with Sunningdale, Razer expects to expand production to up to 10 million masks a month soon.
The triple layered, single-use masks from Razer’s automated manufacturing line are designed for comfortable use and highest standards of protection recommended by the health authorities.
These masks meet the Bacterial and Viral Filtration Efficiency tests requirements of more than or equal to 95%, a recommendation by both the American (ASTM 1) and European (EN 14683) healthcare authorities. The face masks will be produced by Razer Health – an entity that is licensed by the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore to manufacture medical devices. The masks are also registered with the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
“Masks have inevitably become a scarce necessity during this pandemic as we take precautionary measures to curb the spread of the virus. Now that Razer’s dedicated mask production line is officially opened, we will make it our responsibility as Singaporeans to step up and support the community,” said Min-Liang Tan, Chief Executive Officer at Razer.
“Razer will continue our endeavors in supporting Singapore to be self-sufficient for face masks as a nation.”
“When Min reached out to us with his ambitious plan, we were more than excited to join him to take on the challenge and lend Razer our extensive experience in manufacturing medical
components,” said Chairman of Sunningdale, Koh Boon Hwee.
“Getting the line together quickly during these times is no easy feat, but it is a necessary struggle for us to ensure that Singapore is in a better position, not just for now, but in the future.”
#ForSingaporeansBySingaporeans Initiative to rally support against COVID-19
Razer is joining forces with several sponsors and partners in the fight against COVID-19. Singapore-based companies Frasers Property, JustCo and PBA Group were the first to each
commit US$50,000 upfront to purchase the initial shipments of masks from Razer’s manufacturing line, while over 40 other Singaporean companies have already committed to ordering masks from Razer.
Frasers Property Retail, a retail-focused platform under Frasers Property Singapore, will also be providing complimentary space within its malls for placement of the mask vending machines.
Razer will be prioritizing the manufacturing of surgical masks for frontline healthcare workers and for the free masks for Singaporeans. Any additional masks will be sold to the public.
Other interested parties are invited to join the #ForSingaporeansBySingaporeans initiative to support this cause by partnering with Razer Fintech to sponsor masks for Singaporeans where the sponsors will be credited in app, or to gift masks via digital coupons to partners and customers.
In addition, Singaporeans and Singapore companies can also opt to support this initiative by partnering with Razer to:
- Purchase surgical face masks in bulk;
- Sponsor surgical mask vending machines in own locations such as offices and malls; and
- Include suitable COVID-19 products for sale in the vending machine network
To participate in the #ForSingaporeansBySingaporeans initiative, interested parties can visit https://www.razer.com/campaigns/razerforlife for more information.