Strengthening Singapore’s Economic Resilience: Local Entrepreneurs Rise to the Occasion with Locally Manufactured 3-Ply Facemasks

For Immediate Release

SINGAPORE, 07 October 2020. In line with DPM Heng Swee Keat’s call to strengthen the nation’s economic resilience, announced in parliament on Monday, a group of local manufacturers and suppliers have been ramping up their mask production capabilities since it is a known fact that wearing a mask helps to prevent the spread of droplets that may carry the virus.

Ten founding member companies comprising manufacturers of 3-ply disposable facemasks, distributors and suppliers of raw materials and equipment, have come together to address this call for supply resilience on essential supplies like 3-ply disposable facemasks which can be for local consumption and export.

Mr. Kelviin Tay

“Our goal is to keep such masks available and affordable to Singaporeans. And never again will we be allowed to be caught by surprise when global supply chains were disrupted by the
COVID-19 pandemic in February this year,” said Mr Kelviin Tay, Protem President of the to-be-formed Singapore Safety Protective Equipment Association (SSPEA). The group has registered the trade association with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) and is now waiting for the authority’s approval.

One of the key tasks of SSPEA is to educate the public on standards of the basic 3-ply disposable facemask to ensure that there is adequate protection to the user. In addition, the association will also work with the authorities on standards for reusable facemasks. There are currently no standards for reusable facemasks which are widely used in the community.

“Once approved by the authorities, SSPEA will welcome all industry players to join us in the mission to educate and provide the necessary protection to every individual in normal or challenging times such as now,” said Dr. Eric Chiam, Chairman (designate) of the SSPEA Education Committee.

About Singapore Safety Protective Equipment Association (SSPEA)

Singapore Safety Protective Equipment Association (SSPEA) is registered with the Registrar of Societies and currently waiting for the authority’s approval. Members include manufacturers and distributors of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as suppliers of related raw materials and equipment. We believe we are the only trade body in Singapore that represents the entire value chain of the safety and protective equipment industry.

For Media Contact:
Ms Png Fang Fang
Secretariat
Singapore Safety Protective Equipment Association (SSPEA)
A: c/o. 18 Sin Ming Lane, #02-08, Midview City, Singapore 573960
Tel: +65 6977 9849
Email: