Earlier in March, Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan first shared that his gaming firm will convert some of its manufacturing lines to produce surgical masks.
In his Facebook post, he shared that Razer intends to “donate up to 1 million masks to health authorities of different countries globally,” starting with Singapore.
In a separate Facebook post in April, Tan shared updates that Razer targets to produce “a couple of million” masks each month and can further expand capacity if needed.
He added that the masks could be ready as early as “within 30 days.”
In line with the timeline, Razer announced today (May 12) that it will be giving out free masks to all Singapore residents aged 16 and above.
These triple-layered, single-use masks are produced by Razer Health — an entity licensed by the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore (HSA) — and are also registered with the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
About 5 million masks will be dispensed through a network of 20 vending machines that will be set up across Singapore by June 1, before the circuit breaker is expected to lift.
According to Razer, these machines will be deployed at locations like malls under Frasers Property Retail and JustCo co-working spaces.
Additional vending machines in more locations are expected to be rolled out shortly.
How To Redeem The Masks
To redeem the masks, users must first register for Razer Pay app, which will issue a QR code upon successful identity verification.
The app will also provide a list of locations of the Razer vending machines.
The QR code will be valid for three months, and must be scanned at the vending machine for mask collection.
Beta testing of the vending machines and app usage will be conducted over the next few weeks with selected users. Those interested to participate in the beta programme can sign up via the Razer Pay app.
Double Production Capacity To 10 Million Masks A Month
Razer also shared that it is partnering local manufacturer Sunningdale Tech Ltd to develop and deploy a fully automated mask production line in Singapore in just 24 days.
With this partnership, it hopes to double production capacity to 10 million masks a month to cater to the high demand of masks in Singapore and globally.
According to Razer, it will prioritise 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.
To date, over 40 other Singaporean companies have committed to ordering masks from Razer.
Previously, Razer shared that three Singapore companies — Frasers Property, JustCo and PBA Group — have committed US$50,000 each to purchase its surgical masks.
“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, CEO of Razer.
“Razer will continue our endeavours in supporting Singapore to be self-sufficient for face masks as a nation.”
Featured Image Credit: Razer