200 stations in public places to help Singapore stay connected 24/7

Singapore, 27 July 2015 – Singapore Power (SP) today unveiled its ‘Gift of Power’ to the nation for SG50: an island-wide network of charging stations for Singaporeans to charge their mobile devices at no cost.

2. SP will progressively roll out close to 200 stations in high-traffic locations across the island; working with partners such as SingHealth’s group of public healthcare institutions, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, tertiary institutions such as the National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and Singapore Polytechnic; National Library Board and NTUC FairPrice supermarkets. All the units are expected to be in place by December 2015.

3. Mr Wong Kim Yin, Group CEO of Singapore Power, said, “Mobile devices are an essential part of everyday life. Running out of power when we least expect it can be inconvenient, and even distressing. Just as Singapore Power serves the nation by striving to keep the light on 24/7, the Gift of Power reaffirms our commitment to always be there for Singapore, by helping Singapore stay connected." Mr Wong also thanked all partners for readily embracing the idea and hosting the stations.

4. “As the largest public healthcare cluster, SingHealth healthcare institutions receive more than four million patient visits each year, and we often receive requests from patients and visitors for places to charge their mobile devices. We understand that coming to hospital for treatment can be stressful and staying connected helps to manage that anxiety, so we are very pleased to partner Singapore Power to offer this convenience to our patients and their caregivers,” said Mr Tan Jack Thian, Group Chief Operating Officer of SingHealth.

5. Mr Seah Kian Peng, CEO of NTUC FairPrice, added, "Mobile devices have become an integral part of our daily lives and NTUC FairPrice understands the needs of our customers who may require a quick charge-up for their mobile devices while visiting our stores. We are pleased to partner Singapore Power on this Gift of Power initiative to empower customers and provide yet another value-added service to them, while at the same time connect with Singaporeans in celebrating our nation’s 50^th birthday."

6. Members of the public can access this charging facility, with intuitive operating instructions displayed in English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil on-screen. To charge their devices, users need only scan the barcode of a personal identification card1 and create a unique 4-digit personal identification number (PIN), before plugging in their device. Users must repeat the two-step authentication process to retrieve their device.

7. Each charging station is equipped with 10 individual slots, which can each fit a mobile phone or tablet device. Each charging slot has multiple charging tips which will fit most mobile phones and tablets on the market, as well as a USB port to cater to other devices.

8. With the launch, there will be at least 20 stations installed by mid-August. Approximately 40 additional machines will be introduced every subsequent month through December. An up to-date list of charging station sites will be maintained at http://giftofpower.singaporepower.com.sg.

¹Acceptable personal identification cards include: NRICs, Driving Licenses, Student Passes or Senior Citizen Concession Cards

Additional comments from partners

“While friends and families are sitting in anticipation of the outcome of a loved one’s medical procedure, the last thing they need to worry about is their phone battery. These mobile charging stations will enable them to stay charged, stay in touch, and stay a little bit less stressed.”

Ms. Ng Kucy Ping, Director, Operations (Community), Tan Tock Seng Hospital

“The National University of Singapore is happy to be part of Singapore Power’s ‘Gift of Power’ SG50 initiative. This generous and meaningful gift will certainly be appreciated by members of the NUS community.”

Mr. Chew Chin Huat, Director of Office of Facilities Management, National University of Singapore

“The Gift of Power is a creative idea to improve access to connectivity. This aligns well with our mission to nurture young talent to meet societal needs through technology, design and innovation. The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) is pleased to partner Singapore Power in this initiative. We hope the power boost brings about added inspiration and resourcefulness amongst our students to create a better world by design.”

Ms. Yvonne Ho, Director, Office of Advancement and Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design

“Mobile devices are increasingly being used by staff and students for teaching and learning, and social engagement in Singapore Polytechnic. Hence, we appreciate Singapore Power’s initiative to enhance connectivity and communication which is indeed timely and beneficial to all.”

Mr. C. Pannirselvam, Director, Department of Estates & Development, Singapore Polytechnic

Key terms in Mandarin