GO Focus Plus to help fleets prevent accidents

Source: Geotab. Geotab's GO Focus Plus AI dash cam and video intelligence platform help fleets reduce risk and improve driver safety.

Geotab, a global connected transportation, video and asset tracking solution provider, has launched the GO Focus Plus  AI dash cam and its video intelligence platform in Singapore.

The new solution marks the next chapter for Geotab, dedicated to helping fleets create safer roads and a stronger, more supportive operation.

The dual-facing dash cam delivers proactive, in-cab voice support that helps drivers self-correct risky behaviours such as distraction, fatigue or tailgating. In a recent large pilot, the voice coaching functionality helped reduce tailgating by 90% and mobile phone use by 95%. This system turns every alert into a coaching opportunity, aiming to prevent accidents and create a measurable impact on fleet safety culture.

The launch comes amid a sustained rise in speeding-related risk across Singapore’s roads, with violations rising by 25.9% to 253,550 cases in 2025*.  With higher penalties now in effect**, unsafe driving behaviours such as speeding carry greater financial and operational consequences for fleet operators, Geotab noted. Timely, in-the-moment guidance is increasingly paramount in this operating environment, the company said.

For commercial drivers operating under tight schedules in dense urban conditions, the margin for error has narrowed considerably, Geotab said. Congested expressways, busy arterial roads and long shifts heighten exposure to risky behaviours such as speeding, distraction, tailgating and fatigue – factors that continue to feature prominently in serious and fatal accidents. At the same time, fleet operators face growing expectations from regulators, insurers and the public to demonstrate proactive duty of care, beyond post-incident accountability.

“In Singapore, transport operators are navigating an increasingly unforgiving operating environment,” said Ezanne Soh, Associate VP, Southeast Asia, Geotab.

“Drivers are under constant operational strain, and the cost of getting safety wrong is higher than ever. This is accelerating a clear shift across the industry, from reacting to incidents after they occur to preventing risk in real time before it leads to harm.”

The GO Focus Plus AI dash cam combines Geotab’s connected vehicle insights with intelligent, in-cab coaching to give drivers instant support exactly when they need it. At the same time, it helps fleet managers focus their attention on the issues that matter most, reducing day-to-day oversight burden and enabling more effective intervention without the need for constant monitoring or manual review.

Feature highlights include:

• Proactive driver coaching 
• Targeted  fleet management
• Safety culture

Geotab’s  AI models refine detection and coaching automatically with every update, ensuring fleets always have the smartest, sharpest tools to stay ahead of risk without extra administrative work. The platform is designed to support a growing family of advanced cameras, with new models and capabilities planned in the coming months.

*Singapore Police Force, Annual Road Traffic Situation 2025, February 2026

**Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs, Enhanced Penalties for Speeding Offences, December 2025

Singapore launches new workplace safety and health resources

● Singapore enters next phase of efforts to support safer and longer working lives

● New initiatives aim to strengthen workplace safety and health (WSH) outcomes 

● AI-enabled SAGE platform will help WSH professionals access official guidance faster and strengthen risk management decisions

New national workplace safety and health initiatives have been unveiled at the Singapore Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Conference 2026. 

Source: WSH Council. From left: Tan Hee Teck, President, SNEF; Abu Bakar Bin Mohd Nor, Chairman, WSH Council; Singapore Minister of State for Manpower, Dinesh Vasu Dash; and Ngien Hoon Ping, Group CEO, SMRT Corporation.

Held at Marina Bay Sands, the 9th edition of the biennial conference focused on how Singapore’s WSH ecosystem can better anticipate emerging risks, strengthen shared ownership and translate safety insights into practical action across workplaces. Over 1,500 policymakers, business leaders, WSH professionals and industry practitioners attended activities under the theme Insight to Impact: Collective Effort for Stronger WSH Outcomes.

Singapore Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash launched the Safety Advisory and Guidance Engine (SAGE), an AI-enabled knowledge and decision-support tool developed by the Workplace Safety and Health Council in partnership with the Singapore Institution of Safety Officers. 

Designed for WSH professionals, SAGE helps users retrieve relevant information, identify workplace hazards and apply best-practice control measures based on Singapore’s WSH framework. SAGE provides guided task categories that help users navigate common WSH activities. This lowers the barrier to using AI for WSH tasks, making the platform easier to use regardless of the user's familiarity with AI. 

By making authoritative guidance easier to access, the tool aims to support faster, more consistent decision-making in safety-critical environments while complementing the experience and professional judgement of WSH practitioners.  

 The move comes as Singapore enters the next phase of its WSH journey. According to the Workplace Safety and Health Report 2025 released by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in March 2026, two all-time lows were achieved in the country. 

The workplace fatal injury rate fell to a record low of 0.96 per 100,000 workers in 2025, while major injury rates across most workplace settings declined to 15.7 per 100,000 workers.* However, reported workplace injuries rose by 2.5%, underscoring the need for continued vigilance even as Singapore remains among the safest working environments globally. 

Mr Dinesh also unveiled the Alliance for Action on Safety and Health for Employment Longevity (AfA-SHEL), which supports safer, healthier and longer working lives. The initiative will look at how workers can be better supported to remain in, or return safely to, employment after injury or illness. 

He said: “Singapore’s workplace safety and health progress is not a static achievement, but a continuous national effort. As we advance the WSH 2028 agenda, our focus must be on sustaining the progress we have made, strengthening support for workers, employers and WSH practitioners, and ensuring that our
WSH system remains responsive to the needs of a changing economy. By working together, we
can continue to raise WSH standards and build safer, healthier and more resilient workplaces.”

The AfA-SHEL was introduced by the minister during the MOM's Committee of Supply Debate in March 2026. Jointly led by MOM, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), the AfA brings together employers, workers, relevant government agencies, healthcare institutions, solution providers and other stakeholders to co-create practical, industry-led solutions to strengthen WSH and support employment longevity.

The AfA will focus on developing practical solutions in three areas: 

• Injury prevention for the general workforce, beyond high-risk workplaces

• Supporting returning to work after a serious injury or health episode

• Workplace adaption and job redesign to make work tasks, processes and environments safer and more suitable for Singapore's workforce, which comprises people with varied physical and health needs

The WSH Council further introduced a new WhatsApp channel to provide employers, workers and WSH practitioners with mobile-first access to events, alerts, advisories and resources. This complements the Council’s existing WSH Bulletin, social media channels and website.

Abu Bakar Bin Mohd Nor, Chairman of the WSH Council, said the next phase of WSH progress will require stronger shared ownership across the ecosystem. “As workplace risks become more complex, the next phase of WSH progress cannot rest on any one party alone. Workforce ageing, more unpredictable weather patterns, and new technologies are changing the risks that employers, workers, and WSH professionals have to manage," he said. 

"That means we must keep adapting our systems, tools and mindsets, while ensuring every part of the ecosystem plays its role in anticipating risks earlier, designing for safety from the outset, and embedding WSH practices on the ground. This shared ownership will be critical as we continue strengthening Singapore’s WSH culture.” 

The Top Executive WSH Programme (TEWP) has also been enhanced. From 1 September 2026, the TEWP will place greater emphasis on executive accountability, governance and due diligence. The enhanced programme was redesigned by the Institute of Adult Learning and Singapore University of Social Sciences in consultation with MOM, the WSH Council, training providers and the Singapore Institute of Directors. 

New enhancements include:

● Special emphasis on governance and executive leadership
● Targeted learning designed for C-suite leaders and board directors
● More examples of scenario-based and application-focused learning
● Greater focus on the CORE Framework and the 17 Approved Code of Practice measures
● Enhanced emphasis on evidence of leadership commitment and due diligence

The conference concluded with a call for organisations to strengthen shared responsibility, practical innovation and adopt a people-centred approach to workplace safety and health. 

Details

AfA-SHEL 

MOM is inviting Singapore-registered organisations to participate in the AfA through an open call ending 31 August 2026. Selected organisations will participate in an innovation programme to develop their prototypes over approximately 14 months, beginning in August 2026. Participants will receive funding support, access to WSH and industry experts, and consultancy support from an assigned account manager. 

Applications will be evaluated by the AfA Secretariat, comprising MOM, NTUC, SNEF, and the WSH Council. Around 30 organisations will be selected, with balanced representation across the AfA's three focus areas. 

Interested organisations can submit their proposals via https://go.gov.sg/afashel2026opencall by 31 August 2026. 

SAGE

Beta testing for SAGE begins in August 2026, with the full public launch slated for January 2027. The tool will be available in multiple languages – English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, Bengali, Hindi and Burmese.

WhatsApp 

Subscribe at https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarATmI4yltLGpon1z0j 

*Workplace Safety and Health Report 2025, Minister of Manpower. Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/-/media/mom/documents/safety-health/reports-stats/wsh-national-statistics/wsh-national-stats-2025.pdf 

International SOS calls for holistic workplace health and safety

Source: International SOS. Guidelines for
safer, healthier workplaces.

International SOS, the world's health and security risk services company, is calling on global organisations to reinforce their commitment to safeguarding the health, safety, and occupational wellbeing of their workforce.

According to the company, approximately 2.93 million workers are reported to lose their lives annually due to work-related diseases (89%), as well as occupational accidents and injuries (11%). Over 75% of work-related mortality is attributed to circulatory, neoplastic, and respiratory diseases. Notably, long working hours and pollutant exposure are major contributors, highlighting the ongoing importance of robust workplace health and safety measures.

International SOS data also underscores the prevalence of respiratory issues, revealing a 10% rise in assistance requests related to respiratory diseases in 2024 compared to the previous year.

International SOS has also pointed out that most of the global workforce has never had occupational safety and health (OSH) training (62%). There is progress in mental health support, with over 70% integrating it into their workplace health and safety policies, according to a new report by the International SOS Foundation.

Dr Olivier Lo, Group Medical Director, Occupational Health Services, at International SOS said: "It is important to acknowledge that workplace harm, encompassing both physical and mental wellbeing of workers, frequently arises from limitations in organisational governance and resource provision. A fundamental duty of care is non-negotiable; organisational neglect in these areas carries substantial human and economic consequences. 

"Addressing these issues demands a holistic structured approach, recognising that the health and safety of the global workforce are inextricably linked to the broader operational framework. Furthermore, the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitisation into workplaces necessitates a renewed focus on safety, as these technologies reshape jobs and introduce new potential hazards.

To effectively mitigate risks, deeply embedded health and safety practices, including education and training, are vital. These elements are not merely supplementary but are critical for fostering proactive vigilance and preventing human error. Where health and safety are ingrained within the organisational culture, both workers and management are better positioned to actively identify and address potential hazards, thereby safeguarding the workforce and ensuring sustainable business practices.”

International SOS offers the following guidelines to help organisations create healthier and safer workplaces ahead of World Day for Safety and Health at Work (April 28):

- Conduct thorough health and safety risk assessments: Identify and evaluate all potential hazards in the workplace, including physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial risks.

- Promote a culture of health and occupational wellbeing: Foster a workplace environment that values and supports the physical and mental health of workers, including access to health services, wellness programmes, and mental health support.

- Provide comprehensive training: Equip employees with the knowledge and skills they need to work safely, including hazard recognition, safe work practices, and emergency procedures.

- Develop robust crisis management plans: Be prepared to respond effectively to emergencies, such as workplace incidents, natural disasters, and pandemics, to minimise the impact on workers' health and safety.

- Focus on mental health: Implement programmes that support workers ' mental wellbeing, reduce stigma, and provide access to mental health resources.

- Mitigate the risks of excessive working hours: Implement clear policies and practices that prevent excessive overtime, including workload management strategies and time-off provisions.

- Regularly review and improve: Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of health and safety programmes and make necessary adjustments to ensure ongoing improvement.

Savvy tips for road trips from Kurnia Insurans

Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights, marks a long weekend in Singapore and Malaysia, when road trips come to the fore. Ensuring a safe, secure, and splendid trip is paramount, and this is when it’s imperative to remember that the journey is just as crucial as the destination itself, says Kurnia Insurans.

Some tips from Kurnia Insurans include:

The pre-trip vehicle check-up

● Ensure that your brakes and battery are not just functioning, but in good condition.

● Double-check the condition of your tyres and make sure all your lights are shining brightly.

● Before embarking on extensive journeys, a professional vehicle inspection can set the stage for a flawless trip.

Stay vigilant and take breaks

● Strategically plan ample rest stops, particularly for lengthy drives, to ward off drowsiness.

● Stock up on water and wholesome snacks, keeping energy levels high and attention focused.

● Engage with passengers, allowing them to play a role in navigation, or use audio to create a harmonious journey.

Mind the weather

● Get the latest weather updates, and be monsoon-ready in particular.

● In torrential downpours, reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and use your headlights for additional illumination.

● For those sunny spells, sunglasses are your best friend, protecting your eyes while ensuring clear and comfortable vision.

Safe driving practices

● Channel your attention to the road; resist the urge to attend to your mobile phone. If you do have to do so, check it at a safe stop.

● Be vigilant about traffic signs, signals, and road markings.

● Stick to your lane and be mindful of your speed, ensuring a smooth flow and reducing the risk of accidents.

Your emergency kit

● Ensure your emergency kit is complete with first aid essentials, a reliable flashlight, and indispensable tools.

● In an emergency, maintain your composure, prioritise your safety, and immediately reach out to your 24x7 insurance helpline.

● Familiarise yourself with the basic workings of your vehicle; knowing how to change a tyre and jumpstart your car.

By prioritising road vigilance and robust safety measures, you pave the way for a successful journey, Kurnia Insurans said. The company offers auto365 Comprehensive Plus, an economical car insurance option for Malaysian road explorers. The package includes comprehensive coverage, towing aid for accidents and breakdowns, a flood relief allowance, and special care for car keys and window snatch thefts. There is a three-year warranty on workmanship repairs.

Driving in Singapore more dangerous than you may think: ValueChampion

Although Singapore has among the lowest road mortality rates per capita in the world, ValueChampion says that it is actually more dangerous to drive in Singapore than many other well-developed countries. In a blog post updating research from 2017, Anastassia Evlanova, Senior Research Analyst at ValueChampion Singapore notes that there were 12.13 fatalities per 100,000 motor vehicles in 2019, higher than the rate in Japan or Australia.

"(The) per capita basis for measuring road safety paints a misleading picture of how safe it actually is to travel by car in Singapore. Instead, driving Singaporeans should consider the number of car accidents and fatalities per vehicle to be a more accurate reflection of road safety," she said.

According to Evlanova, road mortality rates per capita are typically similar to fatilities per 100,000 motor vehicles in countries where car ownership is high, whereas fewer households in Singapore own a car. When the majority of Singapore residents rely on public transport, road mortality rates per capita cannot be used for apples-to-apples comparisons with the same statistic in other countries.

ValueChampion creates guides and tools that make it easy to pay off debt, choose the best financial products and services and tackle major life goals like buying a house and saving for retirement.

*ValueChampion's findings are based on statistics culled from publicly accessible and official reports and datasets published by the Singapore government, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Pew, the United Nations and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The company collected data on the number of car accidents, fatal accidents, human population, vehicle population and road mortality rates for countries around the world to analyse trends in the frequency of car accidents from 2010 to 2019.

Zoho BackToWork makes post-lockdown returns easier

Mathew introduces Zoho BackToWork in a virtual session for media. The dashboard for the solution, pictured, covers a wide range of aspects in the implementation of social distancing and compliance required in the corporate environment today, including wellness self-assessments and procurement.

Zoho, a global technology company offering software for sales, marketing, HR, finance and IT teams, has announced BackToWork, a solution enabling businesses and organisations to safely transition back into the workplace.

BackToWork is the latest program to be introduced as part of the company's ongoing relief efforts, which support businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis:

- In March 2020, Zoho introduced Remotely amid global office shutdowns. The free suite of 11 business applications is designed to help companies of all sizes transition to remote work, and includes functionality such as videoconferencing, file management, and project management. Since its release, more than 25,000 organisations have adopted Remotely, which will remain free for businesses through to September 1.

- Zoho then unveiled the Small Business Emergency Subscription Assistance Program (ESAP), which continues to provide Zoho's small business customers free access to existing Zoho applications for three months. Nearly 20,000 organisations have taken advantage of ESAP. 

- In April, Zoho's Vertical Relief Plan was rolled out, offering businesses in the retail, education as well as government and non-profit verticals custom-built tools created with the company's build-apps-yourself platform Zoho Creator, and assistance programmes to navigate pandemic-related issues.

Free for the remainder of 2020, BackToWork, also powered by Zoho Creator, supports COOs, Chief Human Resources Officers, Facility Heads and their teams in making critical decisions around returning to the workplace without compromising on the safety and compliance aspects.

"Now that organisations are planning to re-open in some parts of the world, we want to help them resurge, this time through BackToWork, an application enabling companies to maintain end-to-end workplace safety and meet compliance needs, without affecting productivity," said Gibu Mathew, Vice President, and GM, Asia Pacific Zoho Corporation.

"The next phase of normality in the workplace would also need confidence-building steps from employers and this application would help in that direction."

Mathew elaborated that employee and community confidence in a business underlies the current push to generate demand and enable e-business. He said that BackToWork is driven by best practices and provides a broad framework to help businesses adopt safe work practices post-lockdown.

"We wanted to make sure businesses can go back to work smoothly," he said.

He also shared that Zoho decided that its employees should work from home when the pandemic struck. "We were able to switch to that model in less than three days," he said. "We were able to use our own products to get our employees productive."

BackToWork consists of six modules designed to address every concern involved in the process of re-entering the workplace, all within a secure, easy-to-navigate solution, Feature highlights include:

Safe Entry

Define multiple buildings and locations and control facility access based on employee wellness and travel history via a contactless end-to-end check-in system through generated QR codes.

Employee wellness assessment

Track workplace wellness by defining self-assessment, safe entry, and travel policies. Employees can securely and privately submit a wellness questionnaire reporting travel history, recent medical history, and details of possible exposure.

Maintenance and assets

Define and manage assets and building maintenance requests for employees. Repair/replacement requests can be handled in the app.

Dashboard

Gain a 360-degree view of workplace data in preconfigured dashboards as well as add and manage employees, and define roles for tasks such as approvals and emergency contacts.

Communication

Materials such as announcements, FAQs, and best practices, policies and safety documents can be shared with employees and managed in the Communication module.

Integration

It can be easily integrated with HR platforms like Zoho People and BambooHR. BackToWork can also be integrated with Active Directory and Zoho Directory. 

Customisation

The application allows organisations the option of advanced customisation through Zoho Creator. 

Zoho software is continually being enhanced based on customer feedback, and can be customised easily, either directly with Zoho Creator, or with Zoho's help. New features in the pipeline for BackToWork include a travel management module and integrations with popular videoconferencing platforms.

Zoho BackToWork users have the assurance that their data is confidential and protected, and only users themselves maintain ownership of that data. The company says it respects user privacy and does not have an ad-revenue model in any part of its business, including its free products. Zoho does not allow any third-party trackers to monitor usage behaviour on its cloud services, and does not sell data to ad-based companies.
 
Mathew added that real-life applications of Zoho software can be surprising. "Customers are the most creative out there. They use the products and they know the products better than us," he noted.

When Remotely was introduced, the company learned that the remote control offered by Zoho Assist was actually the most popular functionality, ahead of video and chat as everyone suddenly needed help in configuring their laptops and upgrading them to work from home.

A Zoho customer who normally travels to sites to train others is considering the use of Zoho Meeting as a remote training tool, he said.


More than 50 million users in 180+ countries around the world rely on Zoho every day. The US-headquartered privately-held company has more than 8,000 employees. Its international headquarters are in Chennai, India, and it also has offices in the APME region in India, Japan, China, Australia, the UAE and Singapore.

Zoho offers apps in nearly every major business category. Its 45+ apps include solutions for sales, marketing, customer support, accounting and back office operations, as well as productivity and collaboration tools. Customers have built 2 million custom apps through Zoho Creator.

Details:

BackToWork is available in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and accessible via progressive web app, iOS and Android. Progressive web apps use the latest technologies to combine features of desktop web and mobile apps. They are designed to work on any standards-compliant browser.

As part of Zoho’s ongoing effort to support businesses during these uncertain times, BackToWork will be offered free of charge until the end of 2020. After that, it will cost US$2 per user every month for all regions.

Smarten Spaces offers AI-based desk management for safe distancing

Source: Smarten Spaces. The 10-Step Response
Plan to adapt to the new normal.

Smarten Spaces, a proptech startup headquartered in Singapore, has launched Jumpree WorkFlex, an artificial intelligence (AI) desk management solution to automate seat planning, allocation and social distancing.

Businesses can expect visibility on patterns in desk usage and the effective identification of available office capacity when they use Jumpree WorkFlex. The solution gives real-time occupancy and tracks occupancy levels.

With the Jumpree WorkFlex algorithm, businesses can easily make changes to enjoy error-free and scalable seat planning with desk management automation technology:

• Change social distancing measures or in building capacity limits
• Enter safe distances between seats at each floor or location 
• Get the best seating plan without manual intervention, taking into account the distance of a seat from all surrounding seats

"The call of the hour for organisations is to find smart solutions which ensure the returning workforce feel reassured to return to the office. Businesses are constantly on the lookout for technological advancements which ensure a safe and compliant workplace to return to - a bonus especially if cost savings are in the mix," said Dinesh Malkani, CEO of Smarten Spaces.

"Jumpree WorkFlex is an AI-powered, fully automated, desk management solution that helps workplaces optimise their floorplan, auto-assigns seats to maintain social distance amongst workstations, and enables users to virtually navigate the office and book seats in their department to foster a strong collaborative culture. Its unique algorithm erases the margin for error, while also significantly saving up to 30% of office space cost as the occupancy of the workforce changes." 
Jumpree WorkFlex complements Jumpree WorkSafe, an AI-backed platform for workplace safety and readiness that was launched in May 2020. Smarten Spaces envisages the use of both products for a "complete back to work solution".

Jumpree WorkSafe helps to map the employee journey at work. Through a 10-step Response Plan, the solution ensures every employee, tenant or visitor is pre-screened for travel and health, tracking every entry and exit along with temperature readings.

Employees can book and select seats and view their sanitisation status, book a sanitised meeting room, adhere to social measures at common areas, take staggered lunch breaks and make contactless payments at the staff cafeteria.

It also gives the business a central platform to give instant updates to their employees and share any new protocols, along with a one-touch access to the company helpline.

Malkani said at the launch of Jumpree WorkSafe, "The top priority for businesses is to bring their employees back to work safely and manage their spaces effectively. Apart from safety elements, employees can book sanitised workstations and have visibility on when meeting rooms have been cleaned. At the same time, workforce distribution, seat and space allocation need to come together while factoring in all the new laws around social distancing.

"Jumpree WorkSafe and our 10-Step Response Plan help workplaces ensure all the required precautions are in place. This makes us one of the world's first end-to-end AI platform to disrupt a US$19.9 billion smart space industry. We are delighted with the traction we are getting and the solution can now be deployed globally via our partner network."

According to a portfolio update from Symphony International Holdings in August 2020, there are now 51 Jumpree WorkSafe sites in seven countries, including Australia, China, India and Singapore. New clients include Blackstone in India, Hitachi, and Singapore's Ministry of Defence. This is up from 30 sites announced at launch in May.

Minimise travel risk for employees with Concur solution

Concur, an SAP company and the provider of travel, expense and invoice management solutions, has introduced the first integrated traveller risk management solution featuring a travel and expense data set. The new solution includes an option for 24x7 monitoring services to help communicate with and assist employees at any time on a company’s behalf – from pre-travel guidance to emergency safety information.

“With global uncertainties and business travel on the rise, Concur has a strong sense of responsibility for our employees and customers around the world,” said Mike Eberhard, President of Concur. “From civil unrest to natural disasters and terrorist attacks, businesses need to be sure they know where their employees are and direct them to safety as quickly as possible. Our data set extends beyond traditionally booked travel itineraries, maximising visibility and empowering businesses to take action in these situations. During recent global incidents, Concur was able to locate employees in affected areas within an hour.”

Unlike other solutions, Concur Risk Messaging can capture traveller location data via Concur Travel & Expense, Concur Mobile, Concur TripLink, TripIt from Concur, supplier e-receipts and more, providing travel managers immediate visibility into employees that may be at risk. Concur Active Monitoring, powered by HX Global, will offer 24x7 monitoring, proactive communication capabilities, and assistance.

In 2016, Concur issued more than 10 million alerts notifying business travellers of potential risks in locations they were visiting. The number of Concur users who received alerts also increased by 770%, from 151,000 users in January 2016 to 1.3 million users in December 2016.

Bosch calls for more vehicles in SEA to be equipped with safety features

 Road traffic fatalities in ASEAN member countries estimated at 117,000 per year, with more than half attributed to motorcycles 

 Increasing number of countries and territories such as Japan, Taiwan, and India are mandating motorcycle antilock braking systems (ABS) for new vehicles 

 Malaysia is the first and only ASEAN member country to mandate all new cars to be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC) from 2018 onwards


Bosch believes that more can be done to improve road safety in Southeast Asia. Each year, there are approximately 63,000 reported road traffic deaths in the ASEAN member countries, although the World Health Organization believes that the actual number lies at around 117,000 per year due either to inaccurate data or undocumented accidents. While Singapore has one of the fewest traffic-related deaths worldwide per capita, Thailand has one of the highest rates.

“We need to find sustainable solutions for a problem that is the leading death cause among young people in the region, taking the lives of thousands of citizens, and costing the governments a tremendous amount of money, every year,” said Martin Hayes, President of Bosch in Southeast Asia in a keynote address at the EU-ASEAN Business Summit in Manila, the Philippines."The loss of lives, and cost of damage to property and safety reputation pose an extensive threat to the social and economic progress of the ASEAN member countries.

“For Bosch, every traffic-related death is one too many. As an automotive supplier, we believe that the most substantial impact the auto industry can make is to produce safer vehicles equipped with modern safety systems.”

The world’s first antilock braking system (ABS) for passenger cars, the technology that prevents a car’s wheels from locking up during an emergency braking scenario, dates back to 1978. This innovation allows the driver to maintain steering control and in most situations, shortens the braking distance without skidding. In 1995, Bosch improved the technology by developing the world’s first electronic stability program (also known as ESP or ESC) which is today equipped in 64% of all new cars worldwide. In Europe alone, ESP has saved more than 8,500 lives and prevented more than a quarter of a million traffic accidents to date.

Southeast Asia, the third-largest two-wheeler market in the world, also sees motorcycle riders constitute more than half of all road traffic fatalities. Every year, 21,000 fatal motorcycle accidents occur in Indonesia and Thailand alone. A key technology to enhance motorcycle safety is ABS, which enables hard braking without the wheels locking, so that the vehicle remains stable and the rider stays upright. Introduced in 1995, the motorcycle ABS significantly reduces the risk of falling, shortens the stopping distance, and therefore the risk of collision. Bosch research estimates that if every powered two-wheeler was equipped with ABS, around one in four of all motorcycle accidents in the ASEAN countries could be prevented. Worldwide, an increasing number of countries and territories such as Japan, Taiwan, and India are mandating motorcycle ABS for new vehicles. 

“It is the governments that play a crucial role in the adoption of safety systems. Legislative measures to mandate safety features have been introduced in nearly all developed and many developing countries all over the world,” said Hayes. "Countries that have yet to make safety features such as ABS, ESC, and Motorcycle ABS mandatory – neither in passenger cars nor in motorcycles – can be found in Africa, some parts of South America, the Middle East, and most of Southeast Asia. To date, Malaysia is the first and only ASEAN member country to mandate all new cars to be equipped with ESC from 2018 onwards."

Vehicles with high safety standards, equipped with airbags, ESC, or ABS for instance, do not only protect passengers, they also help local manufacturers realise export opportunities into major automotive markets. “It is our view that governments should have a strong interest in promoting these safety features if they want to develop ASEAN into a world-class automotive manufacturing hub that is globally competitive, and can contribute positively to the economic and social progress of the region,” said Hayes.

“The improvement of road safety is not something that will happen overnight. We understand that it’s a gradual process that needs the involvement of various stakeholders including governments, the scientific community, NGOs, and the industry.”

In November 2015, ASEAN transport ministers adopted the ASEAN Regional Road Safety Strategy which provides a framework of strategies and actions to halve the number of road fatalities in the region by 2020. The strategy also received the commitment of the economic ministers of ASEAN and the ASEAN Economic Community Council in February 2017, who will also be working towards improving road safety policies and programmes, and harmonising the region’s safety regulations in line with UN regulations. The UN General Assembly has proclaimed the period from 2011 to 2020 as the Decade of Action for Road Safety with the goal to stabilise and reduce the level of road traffic fatalities around the world. 

Blanket flight ban for the Samsung Note7, owners currently overseas not addressed

Banners for the Galaxy Note7, taken in Jurong Point on 16 October.

Airlines in Asia Pacific and the Middle East are following the lead of the US Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which issued an emergency order to ban all Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices from air transportation in the US on October 14 (October 15 Singapore time), with the ban taking effect on October 15 at noon eastern time (midnight October 16 Singapore time).

“We recognise that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority,” said US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk.”

“The fire hazard with the original Note7 and with the replacement Note7 is simply too great for anyone to risk it and not respond to this official recall,” said US Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Elliot Kaye. “I would like to remind consumers once again to take advantage of the remedies offered, including a full refund.  It’s the right thing to do and the safest thing to do.”

The DOT has also considered the possibility of travellers evading the ban by packing their phone in checked luggage, stating that "anyone violating the ban may be subject to criminal prosecution in addition to fines", paving the way for civil aviation authorities and airlines in other countries to do the same.

Airlines in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East have begun announcing their own bans on the Samsung Note7 on flights, with many of the bans taking effect almost immediately. Etihad has just announced its ban on Facebook, saying:

"Following the global recall by Samsung of its Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, Etihad Airways is enforcing a total ban on these devices on board its aircraft, as some phones have been installed with faulty lithium batteries, which present a risk of combustion and fire.

"Guest(s) must not carry these smartphones in their checked-in baggage, in cabin baggage, or on their person.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused. However, the safety and security of our passengers and staff is of the utmost importance."

Singapore Airlines has banned the Samsung Note7 on all its flights as of 16 October. A statement on its Facebook page reads:

"In view of the ban of the Galaxy Note 7 device by the US Department of Transportation, Singapore Airlines wishes to inform customers that the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone will be prohibited from being brought on board all our flights on person, in carry-on baggage or checked-in baggage with effect from 16 October, 0000hrs (Singapore Time).

"The smartphone also cannot be shipped as air cargo. Anyone found in possession of the device will be denied boarding."

According to comments on the Facebook post, some passengers had previously been assured that they would be allowed to board a return flight with the device.

Qantas had similarly allowed passengers to board with the device turned off, but also announced a total ban on the Note7 for both Qantas and Jetstar customers on the 15th. A statement on its Facebook page reads:

"Qantas and Jetstar customers are advised that the carriage of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices on-board is prohibited on ALL FLIGHTS effective 12:01am (AEDT) Sunday 16 October 2016. This is due to concerns regarding potential fire risk from the device's battery after a number of incidents worldwide, and follows a ban put in place by regulators overseas. The ban applies to devices being carried onto the aircraft, in carry on baggage as well as check-in luggage. Other Samsung devices are not affected.

"Note: this is updated advice from the previous Qantas Group policy, which allowed carriage of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 provided it was turned off. This restriction has now been broadened to a total ban."

The unprecedented move follows reports that both the originally recalled and the replacement Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices can generate heat and catch fire even when they are powered off. A statement on Samsung's Singapore site says that Samsung and carriers are working to communicate the US Department of Transportation' new order to ban all Galaxy Note7 devices in carry-on and checked baggage on flights.

"We have encouraged airlines to issue similar communications directly to their passengers. Any Galaxy Note7 owner who will be travelling by flight and require a courtesy device can obtain one from the Samsung Customer Service Centre at Westgate or the Samsung Experience Store at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 (departure/transit lounge). Consumers can contact us at 1800-SAMSUNG (7267864) for further assistance. We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience caused and are working hard to expedite the exchange/refund programme in Singapore," Samsung Singapore said in the statement, which does not address the case of owners who were allowed to fly with the Note7, but who might not be able to return with it.

On October 14 Samsung Electronics Singapore announced details of the exchange and refund options for Galaxy Note7 customers and further said that Samsung has stopped sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note7, and has consequently decided to stop production.

"Consumers with either an original Galaxy Note7 or replacement Galaxy Note7 should power down and stop using the device immediately, and take advantage of the exchange and refund options, regardless if they purchased their original device from telecommunication operators, consumer electronics stores, authorised retailers, Samsung Official Store at Lazada.sg or Samsung Experience Stores," the company advised in a statement online.

"We are deeply sorry for the disappointment and frustration the Galaxy Note7 issue may have caused our customers and partners. Our focus now is to reduce further inconvenience to our customers who have trusted and waited for the Galaxy Note7," said Eugene Goh, Vice President, IT & Mobile, Samsung Electronics Singapore.

Galaxy Note7 customers can choose to either exchange their device for a Galaxy S7 edge 4G+, and receive cash and other benefits which will be confirmed shortly, or to receive a refund.

Beginning 26 October 2016, Samsung has asked Galaxy Note7 customers to visit www.samsung.com/sg/note7exchange to select their preference for exchange or refund, and provide their details for a free home delivery, offered regardless whether the Galaxy Note7 customer chooses an exchange or a refund.

Exchange customers can select their preferred colour for the Galaxy S7 edge 4G+, subject to availability. Samsung Concierge customers who opt for exchange will have their Samsung Concierge transferred to the Galaxy S7 edge 4G+ and those who opt for a refund on their Galaxy Note7 will have their Samsung Concierge cost of S$38 refunded.

Customers will need to provide the following details when logging in to arrange for an exchange or a refund.
1) Full name as per bank account
2) NRIC or FIN number
3) Mobile contact
4) Email address
5) Home delivery address

All Galaxy Note7 customers are required to back up their data using Samsung Smart Switch, delete any data or other personal material stored in the device, and reset their device ahead of the home delivery. Customers will receive a cheque for the amount due to them, depending on their selection of the exchange or refund option, in exchange for the Galaxy Note7 device to be returned.

The company is working out the resolution for Galaxy Note7 customers with Samsung original Galaxy Note7 accessories and details will be announced soon.

Samsung channel partners can email note7partner@samsung.com to discuss the remedy for their Galaxy Note7 stocks

Interested?

Read the Note7 FAQs for Singapore (PDF)

Steps on how to back up and restore data using Samsung Smart Switch. It is painless and works exactly as advertised, but data you might expect to be transferred might not be transferred, so back everything up. Read about my own experience with an older version of Smart Switch

Samsung recalls Galaxy Note7 devices - again

Source: Samsung Singapore website.

A message on the Samsung US home page requests all Samsung Galaxy Note7 owners - with the original device or the replacement device - to power it down and contact their retailer or carrier while it investigates at least three media reports in the US of the replacement device overheating and catching fire.

At the time of writing, typing 'Samsung.com' for the author into the browser defaults geographically to the Samsung Singapore site,  which does mention the Galaxy Note7 product recall, but does not  carry this updated message as yet.

"The Galaxy Note7 Exchange Programme has ended. We thank you for your patience and support.

If you have yet to replace your Galaxy Note7, please contact 1800-SAMSUNG (7267864) for an appointment to exchange your device via home delivery or self-collection at Samsung Customer Service Centre @ Westgate #03-01 between 8 Oct to 6 Nov 2016," reads the statement on the Singapore site. Contacting all of its retail partners around the world and working out the new logistics is bound to take some time, however.

The statement updated October 10 on the Samsung US sote states:

"Samsung is working with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to investigate the recently reported cases involving the Galaxy Note7. While the investigation is taking place, Samsung is asking all carrier and retail partners here and around the globe to stop sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note7. Since the affected devices can overheat and pose a safety risk, we are asking consumers with an original Galaxy Note7 or a replacement Galaxy Note7 to power it down and contact the carrier or retail outlet where you purchased your Galaxy Note7."

According to the update, Galaxy Note7 owners may:

1. Exchange your their Galaxy Note7 for a Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge and replacement of any Galaxy Note7 specific accessories with a refund of the price difference between devices; or
2. Contact their point of purchase to obtain a full refund.

US customers who exchange a Note7 device will also receive a US$25 gift card, in-store credit, in-store accessory credit or bill credit from select carrier retail outlets.

The announcement is a blow to the company, which had been banking on Note7 sales to boost revenues and has already undergone an earlier replacement exercise involving as many as 2.5 million devices worldwide, according to media reports.  The company had been lauded for acting quickly when concerns about the original Note7 surfaced - suffering continued problems with the device is not likely to help its credibility, however.

Note: This author owns a Galaxy S6, so has a vested interest in whether her next phone upgrade will still be to another Samsung device.

Qatar Airways will be first in the world to know where its planes are, minute by minute

Qatar Airways will be the global launch customer of GlobalBeacon, a technology solution by Aireon and FlightAware that is designed to provide up-to-the minute global tracking of all aircraft equipped with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) in 2018, approximately three years before the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) recommendation for compliance by 2021.

Source: Qatar Airways. Plane in Qatar Airways livery in action.

GlobalBeacon combines FlightAware’s worldwide flight tracking information, including origin, destination, flight plan route, position, and estimated time of arrival with data from Aireon’s space-based ADS-B aircraft surveillance system, due to be operational in 2018. The solution will provide Qatar Airways with state-of-the-art technology to meet and exceed Global Aeronautical Distress Safety System (GADSS) requirements and recommendations.

In addition to aircraft tracking and location reporting requirements, GADSS requires aircraft to provide immediate notification of abnormal events, regardless of air traffic unit boundaries and without a degradation of baseline search and rescue services. Further, distressed aircraft status tracking under GADSS can be activated by the pilot, automatically by the aircraft and remotely by the operations control centre.

Announced by ICAO in March of 2016, the GADSS was created to help improve the ability to detect commercial aircraft in remote locations. The key components of GADSS recommend that aircraft report their position to the airline’s operations centre at a minimum of once every 15 minutes under normal flight circumstances. However, if an aircraft should become in distress, position reports are then to be provided every minute. GlobalBeacon will provide a permanent minute-by-minute reporting capability, exceeding the ICAO recommendation.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, HE Akbar Al Baker, said: “As one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, both our needs, and our drive to deliver the very best services for our global passengers, are continually evolving. GlobalBeacon will seamlessly integrate with our existing ICAO 2018 compliant flight watch technology (Total Operations System), and further enhance our fleet management by providing updates every minute.

“I am proud of Qatar Airways’ leadership in this vital area of aviation safety and awareness. We will be the first airline in the world to have the capability to use worldwide satellite air surveillance to support our airline operations and to achieve the highest level of flight tracking standards ahead of the ICAO 2021 mandate.”

“Qatar Airways is a leader in the aviation industry, and their proactive approach to implementing the GADSS recommendations reinforces that point,” said Aireon CEO, Don Thoma. “With a modern fleet of 190 aircraft flying all over the world, across remote and oceanic airspace, Qatar Airways and GlobalBeacon are an ideal match and no new avionics will be required. We’re excited to welcome them as a partner.”

“With GlobalBeacon, Qatar Airways is getting the most state-of-the-art solution to meet GADSS recommendations in the industry,” said FlightAware CEO, Daniel Baker. “The adoption of this solution shows their commitment to their customers, employees and international community to help improve airlines and aviation stakeholder’s ability to locate aircraft in distress and improve search and rescue capabilities.”

Samsung Note 7 owners asked not to operate their devices in the air

Garuda Indonesia has requested Samsung Note7 users not to operate the device on its flights in accordance with the announcement made by the Federal Aviation Administration* (FAA) about the Note 7. According to Samsung, affected Note7 batteries can overheat and pose a safety risk. Samsung Galaxy Note7 owners are asked to stop using their devices immediately.

Said VP Corporate Communications Garuda Indonesia Benny ButarButar: "Garuda Indonesia expressly indeed urges all passengers not to operate the phone during the flight. Related to the announcement of FAA about the Samsung Galaxy Note7, Garuda Indonesia urged passengers not to operate - even in airplane mode - charge / recharge the batteries, the device also must not be kept in any checked baggage as well," he said.

Benny added that Garuda Indonesia has added signage to this effect at check-in counters at airports and informed all counter staff to make sure passengers are aware of this concern.

Garuda Indonesia will evaluate the request after further announcements from the FAA.

Emirates has also banned the use of Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices. A statement on its website mirrors the FAA announcement: "In light of recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7 devices, passengers are advised not to turn on or charge these devices on board aircraft and not to stow them in any checked baggage."

A similar statement was broadcast by Oman Air on its Facebook page.

*The FAA's statement released on September 8, 2016 said: "In light of recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note7 devices, the Federal Aviation Administration strongly advises passengers not to turn on or charge these devices on board aircraft and not to stow them in any checked baggage."

Qatar Airways creates safety video starring FC Barcelona La Liga players

Qatar Airways has unveiled a football-themed safety video to engage passengers. The 4-minute video stars six of FC Barcelona’s (FCB's) La Liga players – Messi, Suarez, Neymar, Pique, Rakitic and Mascherano – alongside fans and Qatar Airways crew as they demonstrate important safety information to passengers.

The addition of global sports personalities, the unexpected environment of the football pitch and the entertaining style of the video have all been carefully considered to create an impactful moment that captures the attention of passengers and conveys essential content.

Scenes from the new video show the players bringing important safety messages to life in a uniquely FCB way, including Suarez taking to the pitch in a life vest, Pique causing a stir as he arrives and also demonstrating the ‘brace position’. Filmed mainly at Camp Nou Stadium, the home of FCB, the video features many familiar sights for fans such as the pitch, the stands, the changing rooms and even the team bus.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker said: “Qatar Airways is renowned for being an award-winning and ambitious airline consistently delivering a superior experience for our passengers. But we are also a young company and as such we understand the need to stay fresh, relevant, and to have fun. With people travelling more frequently we saw a need to reinvigorate the safety video moment and by inviting our partners at FCB to join us we have something truly unique and attention-grabbing. I believe that having FCB global superstars as our safety ambassadors reinforces our commitment to operational excellence.”

Salam Al Shawa, Qatar Airways Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications added, “This new safety video gives us an opportunity to show another side to our brand personality, a fun and humorous side. We took into account our passengers’ experience with standard safety videos, how important it is to be informed, and so we designed the video to be engaging as well as informative. By leveraging our strategic partnership with FCB and taking our passengers to the Camp Nou Stadium, we’ve brought to life our brand promise of Going Places Together while enhancing our passengers’ on-board experience.”

FCB players have appeared in other Qatar Airways videos since 2014. The new safety video is expected to further strengthen brand awareness by not only engaging with the passengers that travel with Qatar Airways but also, within the FCB global fan base that exceeds 80 million people on Facebook alone.

During 2015, Qatar Airways has extended its route network to 154 destinations including flights to Nagpur (India). In the next few months the airline is further expanding its network to Sydney (Australia), Adelaide (Australia) and Ras Al Khaimah (UAE). 

Interested?

The new video will be shown on the Qatar Airways in-flight entertainment system, airing on aircraft from December. View the video

FCB players also star in the airline’s new Wi-Fi video. Qatar Airways offers passengers on connected flights special package deals for getting online while in the air.

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post on Ooredoo's sponsorship of Wi-Fi on Qatar Airways flights

Mobile phone use affects road safety

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified a "marked increase" around the world in the use of mobile phones by drivers that is becoming a growing concern for road safety.

The distraction caused by mobile phones can impair driving performance, the WHO said, listing slower reaction times (notably braking reaction time, but also reaction to traffic signals), impaired ability to keep in the correct lane, and shorter following distances as some of the dangers.

Text messaging, popular with younger drivers, also results in "considerably reduced driving performance", the WHO said.

Drivers using a mobile phone are approximately four times more likely to be involved in a crash than when a driver does not use a phone. Worse, hands-free phones are not much safer than handheld phone sets.

While there is little concrete evidence on how to reduce mobile phone use while driving, the WHO recommends that governments be proactive. Actions that can be taken include:

Adopting legislative measures,
Launching public awareness campaigns, and
Regularly collecting data on distracted driving to better understand the nature of this problem.

posted from Bloggeroid

WHO suggests limiting the use of personal audio devices to under an hour a day

Source: WHO.

Some 1.1 billion teenagers and young adults are at risk of hearing loss due to the unsafe use of personal audio devices, including smartphones, and exposure to damaging levels of sound at noisy entertainment venues including sporting events, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Data from studies in middle- and high-income countries analysed by WHO indicate that among teenagers and young adults aged 12-35 years, nearly 50% are exposed to unsafe levels of sound from the use of personal audio devices and around 40% are exposed to potentially damaging levels of sound at entertainment venues. Unsafe levels of sounds can be, for example, exposure to in excess of 85 decibles (dB) for eight hours or 100dB for 15 minutes.

“As they go about their daily lives doing what they enjoy, more and more young people are placing themselves at risk of hearing loss,” notes Dr Etienne Krug, WHO Director for the Department for Management of Noncommunicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention. “They should be aware that once you lose your hearing, it won’t come back. Taking simple preventive actions will allow people to continue to enjoy themselves without putting their hearing at risk.”

Safe listening depends on the intensity or loudness of sound, and the duration and frequency of listening. Exposure to loud sounds can result in temporary hearing loss or tinnitus which is a ringing sensation in the ear. When the exposure is particularly loud, regular or prolonged, it can lead to permanent damage of the ear’s sensory cells, resulting in irreversible hearing loss.
WHO recommendations

WHO recommends that the highest permissible level of noise exposure in the workplace is 85 dB up to a maximum of eight hours per day. Visitors at sporting events are often exposed to even higher levels of sound, and should therefore considerably reduce the duration of exposure. For example, exposure to noise levels of 100 dB, which is typical in such venues, is safe for no more than 15 minutes.

Music lovers can better protect their hearing by keeping the volume down on personal audio devices, wearing earplugs when visiting noisy venues, and using carefully fitted, and, if possible, noise-cancelling earphones/headphones. They can also limit the time spent engaged in noisy activities by taking short listening breaks and restricting the daily use of personal audio devices to less than one hour. With the help of smartphone apps, they can monitor safe listening levels. In addition they should heed the warning signs of hearing loss and get regular hearing check-ups.

The WHO also called for governments to develop and enforce legislation on recreational noise, and raise awareness of the risks of hearing loss through public information campaigns. Manufacturers can design personal audio devices with safety features and display information about safe listening on products and packaging as well, the WHO said.

To mark International Ear Care Day, celebrated each year on March 3, the WHO is launching the Make Listening Safe initiative to draw attention to the dangers of unsafe listening and promote safer practices.

Worldwide, 360 million people today have moderate to profound hearing loss due to various causes, such as noise, genetic conditions, complications at birth, certain infectious diseases, chronic ear infections, the use of particular drugs, and ageing. It is estimated that half of all cases of hearing loss are avoidable. To address this issue, WHO collates data and information on hearing loss to demonstrate its prevalence, causes and impact as well as opportunities for prevention and management; assists countries to develop and implement programmes for hearing care that are integrated into the primary healthcare system; and provides technical resources for training health workers.