Blog

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed many challenges and several industries have developed ways to adapt to the new normal. For frontline personnel, such as educators and healthcare professionals, personal protection equipment forms an integral part of their uniform as they are at a higher risk of exposure. One of the challenges for them is to be heard clearly from behind their face mask and shield.

As a response to this, the SIF’s long-time partner, ITE College East, developed Speak & Shield, a face shield that enhances the quality of communication without compromising safety.

The shield features a laser-cut melaphone design and Mylar protective diaphragm to enhance acoustics and block aerosol transmission. Tests showed that Speak & Shield boosts the original volume of sound by up to four decibels, even while wearing a face mask. It also provides users with the same level of protection as a normal face shield.

Since its introduction in mid-2020, Speak & Shield has enabled thousands of educators and frontline workers in Singapore to project their voice clearly, while reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

To extend its benefits beyond Singapore, the SIF and ITE College East sent close to 1,000 pieces of Speak & Shield to local and overseas friends and communities across 12 countries in March 2021. This was made possible with the help of 18 students from the ITE College East who volunteered their time to produce the shields.

Watch the video to find out more about this Singapore innovation and hear what our friends from overseas have to say.

If you are keen to explore collaboration opportunities on how the Speak & Shield might be useful for your organisation during this pandemic, please email us at [email protected].