World Wellness Day: Dyson invites reconnection through innovation

In the spirit of Global Wellness Day, which falls on June 14 this year, Dyson encourages individuals to embrace meaningful reconnection – whether it’s through clearer air, calming sound, or restorative routines.

The company is offering exclusive offerings Malaysia-wide throughout June across key innovations including the Dyson OnTrac, Dyson WashG1, and Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde.

Quiet from chaos

Source: Dyson. The Dyson OnTrac headphones.

Designed for all-day wear, the Dyson OnTrac combines a lightweight frame with soft memory foam and pressure-balanced ear cushions for extended comfort. Featuring 40 mm neodymium drivers, these headphones deliver clear, full-spectrum sound with low distortion, ideal for music, calls, or meditation. Wear detection sensors enable auto-play and pause for seamless use.

The headphones are engineered for immersive, high-performance audio with intelligent noise control. Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology continuously monitors and blocks unwanted sound in real time, creating a more mindful listening environment. 

Details

From now till 30 June 2025, customers can receive complimentary Ear Cushions and Outer Caps (worth RM518) with every purchase of the Dyson OnTrac headphones.

Clear space

Source: Dyson.
The Dyson
WashG1.

The Dyson WashG1 is designed to deliver powerful, hygienic cleaning of hard floors across large spaces. Equipped with a 1-litre clean water tank, it can cover up to 3000 sq ft on a single charge. 

Combining hydration, absorption, and extraction technologies, the Dyson WashG1 effectively removes wet and dry dirt, along with tough stains, while automatically separating debris for more hygienic maintenance. Unique separation technology divides debris and dirty water for no-touch disposal. 

A self-cleaning mode flushes the system after each use, and two highly-absorbent rollers counter-rotate for powerful stain removal. Custom hydration control options allow users to select cleaning intensity based on flooring type, ensuring optimal performance.

Details

From now till 30 June 2025, customers can save RM700 when purchasing the Dyson WashG1 wet floor cleaner. They will also receive Dual Microfibre rollers, worth RM239, as a gift.

Clean air

Source: Dyson. The
Dyson Purifier
Big+Quiet Formaldehyde.

With a low-noise profile, energy efficiency, and minimal maintenance required, the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde offers a high-performance purification experience.

The purifier is engineered to deliver powerful and quiet purification for large spaces. Designed with Cone Aerodynamics, it projects purified air over 10 metres while operating at 56 dB – making it ideal for open-plan areas, shared spaces, and restful environments. 

Equipped with a fully-sealed HEPA H13-grade filtration system, the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet captures 99.95% of ultrafine particles as small as 0.1 microns, including dust, allergens, and bacteria. Its advanced Selective Catalytic Oxidisation (SCO) filter continuously destroys formaldehyde without needing replacement, breaking it down into water and CO₂ molecules.

The device’s solid-state sensor monitors indoor air quality in real time, while Auto Mode intelligently adjusts purification levels based on detected pollutants.

Details

Buyers across Malaysia can save RM300 if they get the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde by end-June, 2025.

Hashtags: #WorldWellnessDay, #ReconnectMagenta

SHARP’s Plasmacluster technology enhances air quality, cognitive abilities

Source: SHARP. Plasmacluster technology is found in SHARP Purefit air purifiers.

For over 20 years, SHARP’s Plasmacluster technology has been a trusted and highly effective solution for improving air quality and wellbeing. The technology generates positive and negative ions in proportions found in nature, offering a unique way to purify indoor air.

SHARP recently commissioned Shizuoka University to conduct a study which has found that Plasmacluster ions, used in SHARP's Purefit air purifiers, keep people and the air around them healthy and create healthier environments¹. The study found that Plasmacluster technology is able to suppress airborne allergens, viruses, bacteria, microbes and mould, creating a cleaner and safer indoor environment. 

Plasmacluster technology works by using plasma discharge to generate ions surrounded by water molecules. The ions attach themselves to substances in the air, after which they immediately transform into hydroxyl (OH) radicals. The act of transformation into OH radicals neutralises airborne particles, such as viruses and bacteria, by decomposing their protein surfaces. The Plasmacluster ions have been scientifically proven to purify air by binding to and breaking down impurities such as bacteria, viruses, mould and odours. 

Beyond air purification, Plasmacluster technology has significant benefits for cognitive performance. A study showed that exposure to Plasmacluster ions improved concentration and brain activity. In a driving study, participants exposed to Plasmacluster ions were able to brake 0.5 s earlier, reducing stopping distance by 7 m. The research also highlighted a notable increase in the smoothness of steering wheel movements² , indicating improved control and precision during both manual and self-driving scenarios. 

Participants also experienced decreased drowsiness³ , further enhancing their ability to respond quickly and effectively while driving. Athletes and e-sports participants also exhibited more than double the brain activity and faster response times⁴.

1 Seedlings exposed to Plasmacluster had a length of 15.42 mm while seedlings exposed to fans were 4.06 mm long after 3 days.

2 Drivers exposed to Plasmacluster ions had smoother steering wheel movements, reducing entropy (randomness) from approximately 0.63 to 0.58, compared to air flow only.

3 Exposure to Plasmacluster ions significantly reduced drowsiness levels, lowering the rating from approximately 2.5 to 1.8 compared to air flow only.

4 Participants exposed to these ions exhibited more than double the brain activity compared to those without exposure and demonstrated response times that were faster by 2 seconds.

Panasonic demonstrates how air quality can be improved

Panasonic stands for quality air.

"Every day we take in 18kg of air a day but nobody is talking about the air we breathe," Philip Chua, Director, Domestic Business Division, Panasonic Singapore said. Panasonic has studied how to improve air quality in addition to controlling temperature and humidity for more than half a century - 2018 is the 60th anniversary for Panasonic air-conditioners, he said.

Panasonic's Nanoe air-purification and filtering system is one technology that helps to improve air quality. Using nanotechnology, 480 billion OH radicals are released by the system per second to deactivate 99% of airborne bacteria and viruses in the filter’s indoor unit. It also neutralises odours. In a demonstration at MCE Asia, Nanoe completely removed the smell of durian from test swatches in 90 seconds. Nanoe is already in use in Toyota and Lexus cars.

The CO₂ demo lab, showing how CO₂ concentration levels can build up rapidly. Executive Director, Malaysia at Panasonic Ichiri Suganuma explained that Panasonic has a solution to CO₂ concentrations building up rapidly in closed environments. Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) technology from Panasonic can remove CO₂ and pipe in cool air that is free of PM 2. 5 particles. PM 2.5 refers to particulate matter which are smaller than 2.5 micrometres in size.

CO₂ management is particularly important for small office-home office (SOHO) environments, which are often poorly ventilated and air-conditioned for eight hours a day, he said.

A booth representative discusses SOHO air quality.

Air quality is equally important for hotels. A survey by Expedia showed that 40% of respondents actually say indoor air quality (IAQ) is an important criterion when they book a hotel, Chua said. High CO₂ levels affect productivity and performance. In a 2012 study, CO₂ at 1,000 ppm caused statistically significant decrements in performance in six of nine scales of decision-making performance.

Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) technology from Panasonic can change CO₂ levels quickly, helping people become more productive. ERV removes the polluted air and replaces it with outside air that has been filtered with Nanoe.

An energy management system for rooms makes use of various IoT sensors.

An Internet of Things (IoT) solution for hotels also keeps air quality high while managing energy in conjunction with Schneider technology.

The solution can activate or deactivate the ventilation, lighting and blinds intelligently with the help of sensors supporting the Zigbee standard. The sensors monitor room temperature, humidity and CO₂, can tell whether doors are opened or closed, and detect if there are people inside.

For example, Panasonic Nanoe technology minimises odours and inhibits viruses, while door sensors will ensure that the air-conditioning is switched off if the door to the balcony has been opened. Motion and CO₂ sensors can work together to determine if there are people in a room, and then switch off the lights if the room is empty.

Explaining how Aerowings
work.

Panasonic's energy management systems customers include Patra Jasa Hotels in Indonesia, the Travelodge Hobart in Australia, and the Gapurna Group in Malaysia.
Panasonic also demonstrated air-conditioning innovations at MCE Asia.

The Aerowings design has two independent blades that provide more control over the direction of the airflow. Traditionally, air-conditioners can only direct airflow to specific parts of the room, creating spots which can get too cold.

Aerowings can direct airflow to more parts of the room, and with the Shower Cooling capability, can direct air towards the ceiling for more even cooling in an area.

Explore:

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog posts about Singapore Green Building Week , super low energy buildings, and the TechTrade Asia blog posts about Surbana Jurong’s City of ____ and on Panasonic's device interconnectivity.

Oman Air debuts premium lounge at new Muscat airport

Source: Oman Air. The new premium lounge at Muscat International Airport.

Oman Air, the national carrier of Oman, has opened a new premium lounge at Muscat International Airport. 

Oman Air passengers travelling in First Class and Business Class are eligible to use lounge facilities, which are inspired by the unique terrain found in Oman. The lounge reflects the natural beauty of the desert and the rugged landscape of the mountains. Mashrabiya (مشربية), the traditional windows screened by ornate latticework that are a traditional element of Arabic architecture, has been used to provide privacy in communal areas and add to the fluidity of the space.

Spread over two storeys, the lounge offers guests food and beverage services including dining areas and bars, a luggage room, entertainment area, a smoking room, prayer rooms, business centre, kids’ room, nap area, shower facilities, baby-changing facilities and a wellness area.

Covering 429.35 sq m with an overall capacity of 100 people, the area designated for First Class guests offers premium services including a personal chef, limousine service from the lounge to the aircraft and relaxation rooms. The Business Class area is 2,313.92 sq m and can accommodate 516.

All First Class and Business Class international guests travelling with Oman Air to Muscat International airport are also invited to enjoy the arrival lounge, which has semi-public spaces with plenty of light. 

The arrival lounge, on the mezzanine floor at the arrival side of the airport, is 237 sq m and has 90 seats. The service enables passengers travelling on short flights to freshen up after their flight, have some food or catch up on some sleep.

Dyson's new Pure Cool fans purify the air, too

Dyson has released the Dyson Pure Cool purifying fans, which bring together Dyson’s expertise in airflow, filtration and electronics to tackle the issue of indoor air pollution and purify every corner of the room¹.

Pioneering purification Dyson first entered the purifying fan category in 2015 in response to the increasing global problem of indoor air pollution. According to Dyson, most of the air we consume is from indoors², and it can contain microscopic particles which are invisible to the human eye. Urban pollution, particulate matter and pollen can enter the office and combine with indoor pollution sources like cleaning products, then remain trapped inside.

The new Dyson Pure Cool purifying fans – in a large tower format for floor placement, and a small desk format for worktops and floors – automatically purify the whole room properly³, capturing gases and 99.95% of ultrafine particles as small as 0.1 microns⁴.

Dyson designs its purifying fans to go beyond test chamber conditions and focus on real conditions.
Paul Dawson, VP, Dyson Health and Beauty, said: “At Dyson we develop machines for real people and real homes, creating technology that works well in the test lab but more importantly doing what they’re expected to do in a real-world setting. To clean the air at home, a purifier needs more than a filter. It needs to automatically sense pollution, capture gases and ultrafine particles, and project clean air to every corner of the room. The Dyson Pure Cool purifying fan does all of this⁵, making it the only purifier fan to clean a whole room properly³.”

Dyson Pure Cool fan features include:

Sensing

A new LCD display shows which particles and gases the Dyson Pure Cool purifying fan is automatically sensing in real time. A unique Dyson algorithm processes the input from three sensors and then displays air quality readings.

Lasers measure and detect ultrafine particles.  A separate sensor detects the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde, emitted from paint, burning candles and materials in furniture, and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) present. NO₂ can cause respiratory problems and acid rain. A third sensor measures relative humidity and temperature.

Dyson engineers calibrated the sensors inside the Dyson Pure Cool purifying fans with scientific particulate readers. An array of 30 Dyson sensors have sat alongside air quality monitoring labs in both King’s College London in the UK and Peking University in Beijing, China to understand how Dyson sensors react and ensure they are delivering the same feedback as academic equipment.

The sensors were left running outside in boxes for six months across three seasons in dirty, hot, wet and freezing conditions to gather long-term running information. Collecting 288 measurements a second gave Dyson engineers over 5 billion data points for analysis and meant the most effective calibration possible could be applied to the new generation of machines.

Capturing

Dyson filters meet the filter industry standards EN1822 and H13-A. An improved filter in the new Dyson Pure Cool purifying fan captures both particulate matter and gases. Dyson engineers have incorporated 60% more high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) media into a taller and deeper filter, and introduced three times more activated carbon. Activated carbon can absorb gases, odours, domestic fumes and VOCs while HEPA filters capture particles such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and tobacco smoke.

Nine metres of condensed and sealed borosilicate microfibre filters capture 99.95% of particle pollution as small as 0.1microns², including allergens, bacteria, pollen and mould. Activated carbon filters, which have been coated with trishydroxymethylaminomethane to increase the absorption efficiency, remove gases including NO₂, formaldehyde and benzene.

Projecting

The Dyson Pure Cool purifying fan can distribute clean air efficiently. By expanding the degree of oscillation to 350⁰ degrees and using Air Multiplier technology, the machine can project 290 litres of purified air per second to every corner of the room¹.

To avoid a cooling effect in winter, the Dyson Pure Cool purifying fan features a unique new diffused airflow mode. While the forward airflow mode cools the air, the diffused airflow or purification-only mode purifies the air without cooling it.

App

Dyson Pure Cool purifying fans are integrated with the Dyson Link app 4.1, which has been designed for iOS and Android. The Dyson Link app enables owners to track indoor and outdoor pollution, temperature and humidity levels. It can also be used to control the machine and estimates how many hours of filter life are left.

The new machines also come with full Over the Air Update Capability (OTA) – meaning Dyson owners can continue to get the most advanced Dyson software even after purchasing the machine⁶.

Tests

Dyson purifying fans are designed to work in real environments. Some manufacturers of conventional air purifiers gauge their performance using a laboratory test method called clean air delivery rate. It is conducted in a compact chamber 12m² in size, with an added fan to circulate the air - and only one sensor to measure air quality. It is not representative of the average living room environment.

Dyson engineers created the POLAR test, which is based on a larger living room size, with no added fan, and eight sensors in the corners of the room plus one sensor in the centre collect air quality data every 5 seconds.

Evan Stevens, Head of Engineering for Dyson Environmental Control said: “We needed to test our machines in an environment that reflects how our owners actually use their machines and the rooms in which they are used. So we built a chamber without a ceiling fan, made it 27m² in size, and added nine sensors capable of detecting particles 300 times narrower than a human hair. 3D mapping our machine’s performance in this chamber lets us know that when our machine says the air in a room is clean, it truly is clean.”

Dyson has continued to pioneer purifying fans globally, leading new test methods in China, the world’s largest market for air purifiers. In January 2018, China’s Household Appliance Standard and Technology Industry Alliance⁷ released the first accreditation for intelligent air purifying fans – featuring test methods first developed on Dyson’s UK Technology Campus. Dyson is the first company to test its machines according to this new standard.

According to Dyson, sources of pollution can include:

Tree pollen, particulate matter and city pollution, which can enter the building and may remain trapped there.

• Pollen: Plants and flowers can release microscopic pollen into the air.

• Scented candles: Some chemical substances found in scented candles can release benzene and formaldehyde into the air as they burn.

• Furniture foam: Foam that can be found in furniture can release formaldehyde gas

• Indoor paints: Some indoor paints can use volatile organic compounds, which can be released as gaseous chemicals when they dry and potentially throughout their life

• Air fresheners: Some household air fresheners can contain volatile organic compounds and benzene, which can be released with the fragrance when sprayed.

• Cleaning products: Household cleaning products can contain benzene and household fumes and odours.

• Carpets, rugs and flooring: Some carpets, rugs, flooring and their backing materials can emit formaldehyde when new and potentially throughout their life.

Details:

The new Dyson Pure Cool purifying fans come in two versions - a larger tower format for floor placement, and a smaller desk format for desks, worktops and floors. There is a two-year parts and labour guarantee⁸.

The Dyson Pure Cool purifying fans are available on shop.dyson.com.sg, and major departmental and electrical stores from late May 2018.

Dyson Pure Cool Desktop purifying fan (DP04)	Dyson Pure Cool Tower purifying fan (TP04)
Source: Dyson. The Dyson Pure Cool Desktop purifying fan.	Source: Dyson. The Dyson Pure Cool Tower purifying fan.
S$799	S$899 (White/Silver and Iron/Blue) S$949 (Black/Nickel)
Available in White/Silver	Available in White/Silver, Iron/Blue, Black/Nickel

¹At the maximum setting. Tested to Dyson internal test method TM-003711 in a 27m² room and DTM801. Editor's note: There is no online explanation available of what DTM801 stands for.

²US Environmental Protection Agency. 1989. Report to Congress on indoor air quality: Volume 2. EPA/400/1-89/001C. Washington, DC, US.

³The AHAM AC1-2015 standard sets out how air cleaner manufacturers can define their performance by “the relative reduction of particulate matter suspended in the air in a specified test chamber”. This means their performance is based on cleaning efficiency rates only.

⁴Tested to GB/T18801 (formaldehyde, benzene). Gaseous capture rates vary. Tested to EN1822 - airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns.

⁵Tested to Dyson internal test method TM-003711 in a 27m² room. 'Harmful'/'ultrafine' pollutants refer to airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns (tested to EN1822).

⁶Standard data and messaging rates may apply. App functionality may vary by location. Requires Wi-Fi and app-enabled device.

⁷An affiliation of China’s leading home appliance agency – China’s Household Electronics Appliances Institute (CHEARI).

⁸For details, see the product manual.

MANN+HUMMEL opens intelligent air solutions Asia Pacific HQ in Singapore

MANN+HUMMEL Group, a global filtration specialist, today opened its Asia Pacific headquarters for intelligent air solutions (IAS) in Singapore.

Source: MANN+HUMMEL. The ribbon-cutting ceremony. From left: Charles Vaillant, Group VP Technology, MANN+HUMMEL, Ken Cao, Group VP and CEO, Asia Pacific, MANN+HUMMEL, Emese Weissenbacher, Chief Financial Officer, MANN+HUMMEL, Beh Kian Teck – Assistant MD, Singapore Economic Development Board, Thomas Fischer – Chairman of the Supervisory Board, MANN+HUMMEL, Hakan Eckberg – Group VP, Life Sciences and Environment, MANN+HUMMEL, and Jason Tang – VP, Intelligent Air Solutions, MANN+HUMMEL.

The headquarters will spearhead the growth of indoor air quality solutions that combine MANN+HUMMEL’s expertise in air filtration with digital technologies. Besides regional market responsibilities, the IAS Asia Pacific HQ in Singapore is also responsible for global research and development, product charters, brand management and strategic partnerships.

Thomas Fischer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at MANN+HUMMEL, said, “The megatrends of Asia’s growth, intensifying urbanisation, environmental sustainability, and rapid digitalisation of the physical world, are important for all of us. MANN+HUMMEL believes in leveraging our core expertise of filtration and separation while embracing new digital technologies. We will work very closely with our partners and customers in Singapore and Asia, to actively address these challenges and opportunities.”

Singapore’s strategic location in Asia Pacific, and the government’s move towards a smart and sustainable nation, makes it a clear key hub for MANN+HUMMEL. Together with its year-old Global IoT (Internet-of-Things) Lab, also located in Singapore, MANN+HUMMEL is set to serve a market for clean air solutions in Asia Pacific estimated at more than S$4 billion.

Beh Kian Teik, Assistant MD, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), said that the company has had a 21-year partnership with EDB. “MANN+HUMMEL has been a long standing partner and valued contributor in the industrial and environment sector in Singapore. The opening of its Asia Pacific headquarters for intelligent air solutions is aligned with Singapore’s push to embrace the digital economy and green buildings. We look forward to the creation of solutions to enable smarter, healthier buildings for Singapore, as well as the region and beyond,” he said.

Beh also noted that a healthier and happier workforce with cleaner air and a healthier building; this can lead to improved productivity while optimising business operations for companies. "Addressing indoor air quality is a key component of the Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) Green Mark assessment. In fact, BCA most recently published a study that green buildings are not only environmentally friendly, but are also ‘healthier’ for their occupants.

"The intelligence in MANN+HUMMEL’s solutions also dovetail with Singapore’s Smart Nation push. Building and facility managers will be able to use smart control systems to monitor and manage the indoor air quality within buildings, alongside other typical vectors such as energy and water. We expect them to be able to do so remotely, efficiently or even through unmanned devices enabled by artificial intelligence," he added.

MANN+HUMMEL’s OurAir business aims to help owners, facility managers and end-users of commercial buildings and offices know, improve and manage better indoor air quality. The OurAir family includes smart heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) air filters and air purification systems, air quality monitors and indoor air quality management platforms. MANN+HUMMEL has implemented living lab projects with major multinational companies across China, Asia and Europe, and is working closely with them on the monitoring and optimisation of indoor air quality.

Jason Tang, MANN+HUMMEL VP, Intelligent Air Solutions, said, “There are many factors that affect indoor air quality in buildings and offices. MANN+HUMMEL provides solutions for real-time monitoring of indoor and outdoor air quality, and digital platforms to analyse, predict and manage the optimisation end-to-end. This is anchored by our deep expertise in filtration to achieve clean air more effectively and efficiently. We help our customers in the evolution of standards towards healthy buildings, and make smarter choices to enjoy better air.”

MANN+HUMMEL also signed a global partnership with the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) to jointly promote its initiative Better Places for People, becoming the first partner of the initiative to focus on better indoor air quality for buildings and offices. The WorldGBC is the global non-profit organisation driving the agenda for green buildings. Through Better Places for People, the WorldGBC aims to increase market awareness of better indoor environments to support the well-being and productivity of people.

Terri Wills, CEO, World Green Building Council said, “Better Places for People is a project that is truly global in scale, influencing businesses around the world to build green by demonstrating their positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing.”

Wills noted that the initiative is driven by findings from the World Health Organization (WHO), whose air quality model has confirmed that 92% of the world’s population live in places where air quality levels exceed WHO limits. "Air pollution is rising in many of the world’s poorest cities. In some cities in Asia, air pollution levels have exceeded 20 times the WHO guidelines. Asia has 25 of the world’s 30 'most polluted cities' in terms of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 measurement. Air pollution is the most pressing environmental health crisis in the world," she said.

Indoor air pollution can also be serious, Wills said, quoting US Environmental Protection Agency research which has found that there are two to five times more pollutants found inside of buildings than outside. "Problems with biologicals such as mould and pollen from poor quality construction, volatile organic compounds from building materials and carbon dioxide from the lack of ventilation contribute to poor health outcomes.

"Studies have shown that better indoor air quality results in 101% increase in cognitive scores for workers in a green and well-ventilated environment; and workers report better sleep quality and positive impact on their personal productivity in a space that considers these factors."

Humidifier, dehumidifier or air purifier to improve air quality? Philips sets you right

·         The average Singaporean falls ill between two to five times a year and more than 30% are unsure if their sickness is due to an illness or allergy

·         Fewer than half of Singaporeans who suffer from chronic respiratory conditions are taking active medical action or visiting a specialist

·         Seven in 10 Singaporeans believe poor indoor air quality affects their rest, rating July and September as the worst period for air quality

·         Singaporeans are investing in the wrong tools to address air quality at home, with combined ownership of humidifiers and dehumidifiers at 59% as compared to air purifiers at 39%

Source: Philips infographic. Percentages refer to
the proportion of respondents naming the
pollutant as a top-three concern in the household
(indoors, left) and outdoors (right)
respectively.

Royal Philips, a global player in health technology, in partnership with Rakuten AIP, an Asian market research firm, has found that Singaporeans are passive about their health despite concerns about air quality management through its Healthy Air Survey.

The survey indicates that while air quality is a concern for 77% of Singaporeans, most are passive towards their respiratory health, with fewer than half of respondents visiting a specialist to address respiratory concerns. This stems from a lack of understanding of chronic respiratory conditions as well as misinformation around tools available to mitigate or manage their environments.

It was revealed that the average Singaporean falls ill between two to five times a year and 31% are unsure if their symptoms are caused by an illness or allergy. Despite this, Singaporeans recognise the importance of clean air as part of overall health, with 70% believing that good air quality improves the health of everyone in the household. However, the survey revealed a misconception on useful devices to improve indoor air quality, with more Singaporeans owning humidifiers rather than air purifiers (46% and 39% respectively) with the belief that humidifiers help remove dust and ease respiratory conditions.

As seen from the Philips Healthy Air Survey, one of the main barriers to greater adoption of air purifiers among Singaporeans is the lack of understanding about what air purifiers are for. Nearly half (45%) of respondents said that they do not know about air purifiers, while 44% find it too costly and 41% were doubtful of its results – only three in 10 Singaporeans were willing to invest in an air purifier.

Dr Chiang Wen Chin, President, Asthma and Allergy Association said, “While humidifiers add water into the air, it is not necessary for Singaporeans to humidify their home in this climate – especially since humidity is about 70–80%. Instead, a HEPA air purifier can help to remove these allergens from the living environment and reduce airborne allergens such as dust mites, viruses and bacteria that can trigger allergic reactions and asthma."

Source: Philips. The
Philips Air Purifier Series
3000i (AC3259/30).

Findings of the Healthy Air Survey were released in conjunction with the launch of the Philips Air Purifier Series 3000i (AC3259/30) connected air purifier. The purifier launch also debuts a first-to-market air purifier partnership with Air Matters for an app which can be used with the Philips Air Purifier Series 3000i to manage and reduce exposure to allergen triggers.

With the Air Matters app, users can monitor both real time PM2.5 levels and the Indoor Allergen Index, regulate the settings and the speed of their air purifier, and receive information on the filter status. Additionally, the Air Matters app also stores historical data on air quality levels and provides health advice for users, enabling them to correlate their symptoms with peaks in allergen levels.

“Poor indoor air quality is known to aggravate the symptoms of allergic diseases as long term exposure to allergens can lead to chronic respiratory conditions like asthma,” said Dr Chiang. While many are aware of common allergens found in buildings, mould spores such as Aspergillus can be a trigger for allergies and even asthma**. Choosing an air purifier with a dehumidification function helps to reduce the humidity that encourages allergens such as mould to survive.

“At Philips, we aim to empower consumers with solutions to make it easier and more sustainable to live a healthier life at home. Our heritage in healthcare combined with consumer understanding enables us to bring consumers breakthrough product innovations in collaboration with industry experts to help them take control of their personal health by narrowing the gap between professional and personal healthcare,” said Aw Ee Ling, Senior Marketing Manager, Personal Health, Philips Singapore.

The Philips Air Purifier Series 3000i (AC3259/30) comes with three automatic modes – a General Mode, Bacteria, Virus Mode and Allergen mode, in addition to five manual modes that range from an extra-quiet ‘Sleep’ setting to the Turbo Speed mode. Specially designed for allergy sufferers, the auto Allergen mode features an algorithm to detect and react to potential allergen risks by boosting the air purifier’s airflow to effectively remove harmful airborne allergens, which may trigger asthma***.

The air purifier also features VitaShield IPS multilayer filtration technology, which is certified by the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF) and Airmid to remove 99.97% of airborne particles. Air is purified through an extra thick NanoProtect HEPA Filter and an active carbon filter that removes ultrafine particles as small as 0.02 nanometers (100 times smaller than PM2.5 particles), as well as common airborne allergens, bacteria and viruses, and harmful gases such as formaldehyde, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and odour.

Everyday activities such as dusting and vacuuming can cause allergens to become airborne. The Philips Air Purifier Series 3000i (AC3259/30) contains AeraSense, a professional-grade air quality sensor that detects even the slightest changes in air and automatically boosts the air purifier to effectively reduce the level or airborne particles, effectively covering large areas up to 95 m2. AeraSense also indicates real-time PM2.5 and Indoor Allergen Index levels via a large display on a scale of 1 – 12.

Details:

The Philips Air Purifier Series 3000i (AC3259/30) retails at S$999 but is currently available at a special price of S$899 at Philips, as well as from selected electronic stores, major departmental stores and authorised dealers. Philips Air Purifiers start from S$299.

Check out the latest promotions for the #GiftofCleanAir campaign on Philips social media channels including the Philips Home & Living Facebook page.

*The survey seeks to better understand Singaporeans and their attitudes on air quality and allergy awareness. The survey spanned 250 households in Singapore and was executed in two phases, comprising of quantitative and qualitative data collection, targeting households with members suffering from asthma or other respiratory conditions, as well as households with babies or pregnant family members. 

**Richard A. Sharpe et al. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2015; 135:110-22 

***Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Asthma Facts and Figures. September 2015. 

Oman Air Sindbad members can now earn miles on hotel stays

Oman Air’s Sindbad programme, in partnership with Kaligo Travel Solutions, the travel and loyalty technology provider, has launched a new hotel rewards programme to enable Sindbad members to earn miles on hotel bookings at Kaligo.com. The partnership enables Sindbad’s frequent flyers to earn up to Sindbad Miles for expenditure on hotel bookings.

Mohammed Al Shikely, VP, Marketing, Oman Air said: “Oman Air is constantly looking for ways to reward our loyal guests. This new partnership will make it easier for Sindbad members to access over 465,000 hotels worldwide and conveniently book the one that best suits their needs. It will also enable them to earn additional Sindbad miles, which can then be exchanged for flights, upgrades, duty free items and a range of other services. Oman Air is committed to going the extra mile giving our guests more opportunities to earn miles and our new partnership with Kaligo shows how we are continually adding to the range of benefits we offer. We are confident that Oman Air’s new partnership with Kaligo will receive a warm welcome from Sindbad members, who will appreciate the additional value and convenience it provides.”

Kyle Armstrong, CEO of Kaligo Travel Solutions said: “We endeavour to offer Sindbad members highly valuable and convenient options to earn points through their hotel bookings. We look forward to collaborating closely with Sindbad to offer its members world class booking experiences.”

Sindbad members can earn up to 10,000 Sindbad miles for each hotel night booked through Kaligo.com. 

Interested?

To celebrate the launch of the partnership, members will earn double Sindbad miles on all hotel bookings made through Kaligo.com till 19 June. This works out to up to 30 Sindbad miles per US$1 spent on every hotel booking.

First, business class Oman Air passengers can customise digital content for in-flight consumption

Source: Oman Air. The Media Box, with local and Arabic media added, is now available to first and business class Oman Air passengers departing Muscat, Oman.

Passengers can now enjoy digital news and entertainment in the recently-renovated first-class and business-class lounges for Oman Air in Muscat, Oman. 

The Media Box - one of the largest e-paper media libraries, developed by Media Carrier - will be available. Customers compile a personalised set of on-board reading material from a portfolio of international magazines and daily newspapers. The range has been extended through a collaboration with United Media Services (UMS), a media and communication company in Oman and UAE, to include local and Arabian media from the region.

The Web-based platform supports any Internet-enabled device, smartphone or tablet. Passengers register in the lounge using the free Wi-Fi by entering their name and flight number and then download their chosen reading material. Newspapers and magazines are then presented in unabridged form, in the same layout used in print versions, on their personal devices. An analysis of downloads is expected to reveal which media are favoured by different passenger segments and can be used to create a more targeted service in the future.

Abdulaziz Al Raisi, EVP–Products & Brand Development, says: "Oman Air is committed to continuously finding new ways to surprise and delight our customers, increase convenience and make their passenger experience even more enjoyable...As a result of their excellent, longstanding expertise, the media and sales professionals from Media Carrier/UMS impressed us with their e-paper media library. This service will be warmly welcomed by our premium customers at Muscat, and further extends Oman Air’s innovative digital strategy.”

Media Carrier specialises in marketing and distributing digital content. It supplies the travel industry with e-papers through the Media Box, and counts Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Eurowings and Air Berlin as well as more than 1,000 hotels around the world as customers.

Muscat-based UMS works predominantly in the Arabian region and has been responsible for supplying Oman Air with newspapers and magazines in the Middle East, including Gulf countries and the Indian sub-continent, since 2009.

Oman Air disinfecting plane interiors with Virus-Guard

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has adopted Virus-Guard’s disinfectant wipes. Designed for protection against swine flu, H1N1, H7N9, Ebola, Mers and Zika, Oman Air’ staff members now use the wipes to disinfect aircraft galleys, lavatories and door handles.

“We are committed to maintaining a healthy and safe environment for our passengers and employees,” said Miguel Serra, VP of ground operations at Oman Air. “Our partnership with Virus-Guard helps to ensure that we are taking all of the necessary steps and precautions for swift and coordinated action against international health threats.”

In February, Oman Air announced that its leadership was monitoring the Zika virus situation in South America, posting additional information on its website from the World Health Organization and offering refunds and rebooking assistance to pregnant women scheduled to travel to the region.

Oman Air's use of Virus-Guard products is one of several necessary steps the airline is taking to minimise the threat of the Zika virus, as well as reduce the risk of the spread of this and other viruses and bacteria.

Virus-Guard disinfectant wipes are a ready-to-use product that provides long-term efficacy, and is an easy-to-use solution for eradicating germs. The wipes contain benzalkonium chloride, sodium pyrithione and polycondenstaes, a combination commonly used in hospitals and other medical treatment facilities. The wipes do not contain aldehyde or phenol. All Virus-Guard products are, biocompatible, approved for Airbus and Boeing craft, and boast a long-time antimicrobial effect.

“The number of infections by micro-organisms has grown tremendously,” said Alex, founder of Virus-Guard. “We are working diligently with our aviation industry partners to implement infection control measures and protocols. Our goal is to help these industry leaders to quickly adapt in order to continue to make customer safety their top priority.”

Oman Air flies to Najaf, Iraq from mid-September 2016

Oman Air has announced further expansion to its global network with a new destination in Iraq. The flights will operate from Oman Air’s hub in Muscat to Najaf, in Iraq with four weekly flights from 15 September 2016. This is Oman Air’s first destination in Iraq.

Boeing 737-800 aircraft will depart Muscat International Airport at 2.30pm and arrive at Najaf International Airport at 4.35pm. Return flights will depart Najaf International Airport at 7.50pm and arrive in Muscat at 11.40pm (all times quoted are local).

The launch of the new route is in response to airline's significant customer demand and also demonstrates Oman Air’s commitment to continuing an ambitious network expansion programme, first unveiled in 2014. Following the launch of the new route, Oman Air’s network will include 51 destinations in 28 countries. It is anticipated that the network will include 75 destinations by 2020.

Oman Air’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President Commercial, Abdulrahman Al Busaidy said: “Oman Air is undertaking an ambitious growth programme to develop our network and ensure international connectivity. We are committed to ensuring that our customers have greater choice and the opportunity to discover new destinations with Oman Air. We are therefore delighted to be launching this exciting new services to Najaf. As our first destination in Iraq, Najaf offers excellent potential for travellers visiting friends and family, and for pilgrims.”

Interested?

Tickets for the new services are bookable online. Prices start from RO186 for a return economy seat to Najaf.

Outdoor sports gear stores harbour high ranges of PFCs in the air

A Greenpeace investigation has found levels of hazardous polyfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) in indoor air of sports gear stores in Europe and Asia that is up to 1,000 times higher than streetside air. 

According to Greenpeace, different kinds of PFCs are used in a wide range of consumer products, including carpets, textiles and leather goods as well as in fire-fighting foam and paints. A number of studies have shown PFCs such as perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) may have hormone disrupting properties that could impact both the reproductive system and the immune system of humans and animals. PFCs have also been implicated in cancers in humans.

Blueair, a mobile indoor air purification technologies provider, says the study provides yet more evidence of the surprising, often hidden dangers lurking in indoor air that endanger human health. “It is ironic that sports gear designed to help people stay healthy is helping to create toxic indoor environments that may make us sick by increasing our exposure to extremely high levels of airborne chemicals,” said Bengt Rittri, CEO of Blueair. The company's purification systems can purify the air in spaces up 100 sq m in size.

Titled Hidden in plain sight: Poly-fluorinated chemicals in the air of outdoor stores, the Greenpeace study involved taking air samples in 30 indoor locations, including 13 stores selling outdoor gear in Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Norway, as well as in three stores in Taiwan. The store samples were compared to other samples taken at Greenpeace offices, seminar rooms and warehouses in Hamburg and Taipei as well as in other clothing stores not selling outdoor gear.

According to Greenpeace, concentrations of PFCs in the air in outdoor gear stores in Europe were 20 to 60 times higher than air samples collected in Greenpeace’s office and storage rooms in Hamburg and up to 1,000 times higher than urban outdoor air; with concentrations of PFCs in outdoor stores in Taiwan in the same range as those in Europe. "PFCs in significant concentrations were found in the flagship stores of all companies," the report states.

Earlier studies by Greenpeace discovered chemicals such as PFCs in waterproof outdoor gear including jackets and trousers, shoes, sleeping bags, backpacks, tents, in leather gloves, and in swimwear. In its latest study, Greenpeace said the air sampling found volatile PFCs. mainly fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOH), which are becoming increasingly common as substitutes for ionic PFCs in outdoor clothes and readily evaporate into the air.

“PFCs have been associated with numerous health effects in humans, including kidney and testicular cancer, and their use in consumer products such as clothing and other gear should be avoided if not totally eliminated so as not to put human health at risk by contaminating indoor air,” Rittri said.

Blueair suggests: 

Use an indoor air monitor to get continuous updates about the current quality of the indoor air and pollution outside on the street

Ensure a room is well ventilated at all times. If it is not possible to keep windows and doors open, create a safe indoor environment with an air purifier with filters that set industry standards for efficiency

Listen to what the body says: If a headache, unexplained cough or red and itchy eyes develop, it's possible the indoor air may be polluted

Interested?

Read the Greenpeace investigation report

West Air's first international service connects Chongqing, Singapore

Source: Changi Airport Group. A West Air aircraft.

Changi Airport has welcomed West Air to its family of airlines with the arrival of the airline’s inaugural international flight from Chongqing, China.

The Chongqing-based airline is operating a thrice-weekly service between Singapore and the Western Chinese city on an Airbus A320-200, with a capacity of 180 seats. The new service, which represents the West Air's first international service, comes on the back of a January 2016 bilateral pledge to grow air connectivity between Singapore and Chongqing.

Lim Ching Kiat, Changi Airport Group's Senior Vice-President for Market Development, said, “For Changi Airport, Western China represents exciting untapped growth opportunities. Following the signing of the memorandum of strategic cooperation, we are delighted to welcome the initial fruit of our collaboration through the commencement of West Air’s operation to Changi Airport."

With 32 city links to China, Changi Airport is well-connected to the country. With West Air’s entrance, there are 12 airlines at Changi Airport operating direct services to China, offering some 560 weekly flights between the two countries.

Nonstop services between Beijing and Auckland from Air China

Air China has begun a nonstop service for Beijing-Auckland in cooperation with Air New Zealand will cooperate in terms of international operations, networks and capacity. The new service is part of Air China's strategy to expand in Oceania in response to increased bilateral trade and interest in New Zealand from Chinese tourists.

Wang Mingyuan, Senior Vice President of Air China indicated that exchanges between China and New Zealand have been growing rapidly in recent years, saying that the new service will would offer more efficient, convenient and affordable flight options for business and leisure travellers between Air China and New Zealand.

Nick Judd, General Manager Greater China, Air New Zealand said, "New Zealand is an increasingly popular destination for Chinese travellers. This new partnership represents a great opportunity for us to share our nation's beauty with even more Chinese visitors and we look forward to welcoming them."

The flights CA783 and CA784 are operated seven days a week. The outbound flight departs from Beijing at 00:40 and arrives in Auckland at 18:10. The inbound flight departs from Auckland at 20:00 and arrives in Beijing at 04:30 the next day. The flights are operated with A330-200 aircraft. Business Class seats open flat, and all classes of service are provided with personal AVOD and power outlets.

Oman Air increases frequencies to Indian cities

Source: Oman Air.

Oman Air is set to increase frequencies to five of its key Indian destinations.The new flights will add 5,131 more seats to the destinations, and will be operated using Boeing 737-800 and 737-900 aircraft.  

Oman Air first launched flights to Goa in March 2015. In response to customer demand, the airline increased frequencies from four flights per week to six per week, and is now announcing that it is adding flights for a total of seven a week. Daily flights from Muscat to Bangalore and Kochi will now be twice-daily. The carrier will also operate 11 flights weekly to Lucknow and 10 to Jaipur.

Oman Air flies to 19 destinations in the Indian subcontinent that include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, out of which 11 destinations are in India.

The Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, Paul Gregorowitsch, commented:
“Since we first launched flights to India in the 1990s, demand for seats aboard Oman Air’s outstanding aircraft has been consistently high. We will now offer daily or double-daily flights to all eleven of our destinations in India.

“Our new flights to Goa, Bangalore, Kochi, Lucknow and Jaipur will offer even greater choice and convenience for both leisure and business travellers. Therefore they will not only support the growth of tourism in Oman and India, but will also help to promote vital trading partnerships between our two countries.

New Air China rules for flights departing from Beijing

Air China passengers departing from Beijing are advised to reach the airport early. Air China has changed the check-in closing time for domestic flights at Terminal 3, Beijing Capital International Airport. Prior to August 20, 2015, passengers were allowed to check in 30 minutes before departure. Since August 20 passengers have to check in at least 45 minutes before departure.

The check-in closing time for international flights is 60 minutes prior to departure.

Additional time should also be factored in for checked baggage inspections. According to the airline, the following items are not accepted in checked baggage on flights departing from Beijing Capital International Airport. Items in the following list suspected to be present during the security check, will require the passenger's baggage* to be opened for inspection, after which the items will be confiscated:

(1) Bullets, ammunition, weapons, knives, crossbows, and other arms and dummies
(2) Items of an explosive nature
(3) Inflammable, explosive, toxic, corrosive and radioactive materials
(4) Lithium batteries, mobile chargers, lighters and matches
(5) Other prohibited items specified by the state

The airline has also updated its rules on lighters and matches on its flights departing from all airports. Passengers are not allowed to carry either item with them on Air China flights, whether in carry-on baggage or in checked-in luggage. The rule applies whether passengers purchase Air China tickets from the official website, via a distributor or through retail agents.

*Baggage may not be loaded onto a flight if it is delayed because of inspection procedures.

Air China to start nonstop Beijing to Mumbai services from October

Air China will start nonstop services on the Beijing-to-Mumbai route from October 25 2015 in response to increased travel between the two BRICS countries following closer political and economic relationships.

Source: Air China.

The four weekly Beijing – Mumbai flights operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The seven-hour flights take off from Beijing at 7:40pm local time and land in Mumbai at 1am the next day. The return service leaves India at 2:30am Mumbai time and touches down in Beijing at 11:20am.

Air China’s route from Beijing to Mumbai is a significant part in the effort to build a Bangladesh – China – India – Myanmar Corridor. This service means Air China now offers eight weekly nonstop flights between China and India and will also bring the total number of Asia-Pacific destinations served by the Chinese carrier to 17.

Berkeley Earth sounds alarm on air pollution in China

Source: Berkeley Earth website.

Berkeley Earth has published research in the refereed journal PLOS ONE showing that air pollution kills an average of 4,000 people daily in China, accounting for 17% of all deaths in the country. The air for 38% of the population would be considered "unhealthy" by US standards, said the non-profit organisation, which was set up to study concerns from global warming sceptics.

Berkeley Earth analysed hourly measurements of 1,500 ground stations over four months, and found that the source of PM2.5, particulate matter 2.5 microns and smaller, is most likely to be coal. PM2.5 penetrates deeply into lungs and can trigger heart attacks, stroke, lung cancer, and asthma.

"Beijing is only a moderate source PM2.5; it receives much of its pollution from distant industrial areas, particularly Shijiazhuang, 200 miles to the southwest," says Robert Rohde, coauthor of the paper. Since the sources aren't local, reducing pollution for the 2022 Olympics may prove difficult, Berkeley Earth says. 

Worldwide, air pollution kills over three million people per year – more than AIDS, malaria, diabetes or tuberculosis. 

"Air pollution is the greatest environmental disaster in the world today," says Richard Muller, Scientific Director of Berkeley Earth, coauthor of the paper. "When I was last in Beijing, pollution was at the hazardous level; every hour of exposure reduced my life expectancy by 20 minutes. It's as if every man, women, and child smoked 1.5 cigarettes each hour," he said.

Elizabeth Muller, Executive Director of Berkeley Earth, said that solutions include greater use of scrubbers, increased energy efficiency, and switching from coal to natural gas, nuclear power, and renewable energy. "Many of the same solutions that mitigate air pollution will simultaneously reduce China's contribution to global warming. We can save lives today and tomorrow," she said.

Berkeley Earth hopes to expand geographic coverage to include more of Asia, the US, and Europe, and to study how sources of air pollution change with time.

Interested?

View the data set

Gulf Air extends direct presence to four cities in North Pakistan

Source: Gulf Air.

Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has officially opened four new sales offices in the north Pakistani cities of Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and Sialkot. 

Gulf Air operates direct flights between Bahrain and the Pakistani cities of Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Sialkot with 23 flights a week in total. Flights to and from Pakistan can be booked either online at gulfair.com, through the airline’s 24 hour Worldwide Contact Centre on +973 1737 3737, through any Gulf Air sales office or at approved travel agencies.

The new offices will manage passengers’ ticketing and sales requirements and respond to any general enquiries. The new Gulf Air offices in Pakistan can be found at:

Gulf Air, Islamabad
Unit 1-A, Shahid Plaza, 

Blue Area Jinnah Avenue F-6/4, 

Islamabad.
Tel: +92 512 8100 2832

Gulf Air, Karachi
1st Floor, Kashif Centre, 

Shahrah-e-Faisal, 

Karachi.
Tel: +92 21 5675 2316

Gulf Air, Lahore
Lufthansa House 5-G/2, 

Block H, Gulberg II, 

Lahore.
Tel: +92 423 5763 4569

Gulf Air, Peshawar
UG-46, Deans Trade Centre, 

Peshawar Cantt
Tel: +92 9 1556 0778

Gulf Air, Sialkot
10 Ground Floor, 

Abdullah Trade Centre, Kutchery Road, 

Sialkot.
Tel: +92 524 2684 2831

Gulf Air increases flights for summer

As part of its new summer* schedule, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air will increase its flights to and from Amman, Beirut, and Bangkok among other cities during the upcoming peak summer travel period and until September 2015.

This follows the airline’s recent announcement of its enhanced Istanbul summer schedule, which now offers a choice of up to seven weekly flights during the summer period.

The frequency increase will provide greater choice of flights and enhanced connectivity for passengers travelling across the Gulf Air network with multiple daily flights to Amman, nine weekly flights to Beirut, and daily flights to Bangkok.

Gulf Air’s Acting Chief Commercial Officer, Ahmed Janahi said: "With the summer holidays upon us we are seeing an increase in travel demand to some of the airline’s most popular destinations. Our additional flights across the Gulf Air network are key to strengthening our strategic business and tourism links. These additional frequencies allow greater connectivity for passengers travelling across our extensive network including key destinations in Europe, the MENA region and Asia, via Bahrain International Airport while facilitating movement to and from the Kingdom of Bahrain.”

*See this blog's timeframe for summer