MEDIA RELEASE PRINTED ELECTRONICS TO CAPTURE NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL COMPANIES 18 March 2016, Singapore — Participating companies from A*STAR’s Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) Collaborative Industry Project (CIP) on Printed Electronics showcased their prototypes at a networking session at iLIGHT Marina Bay. At the event, the companies also demonstrated the many possibilities where printed electronics can be applied, such as in outdoor media and advertising platforms. This event is co-organised by ETPL, the commercialisation arm of A*STAR. This CIP on the Application of Printed Electronics for the Print and Media Industry was launched in October 2015 and consists of 11 companies. These companies come from two industries – printing as well as media & advertising. For the local printing companies, the CIP’s objective is to enhance their capabilities by implementing printed electronics in their product offerings. For the local media & advertising companies, the CIP aims to encourage them to adopt printed electronics as part of their efforts towards innovative advertising solutions. By bringing companies from both industries together, this CIP also seeks to create a sustainable value chain by connecting printing companies that can produce printed electronics with media & advertising companies looking to purchase such products as part of their advertisements. More details on the CIP can be found in Annex A. Dr Lim Ser Yong, Executive Director of SIMTech said, “Apart from building the capabilities of participating companies, the CIP established a vibrant local supply chain for printed electronics by integrating the capabilities of significant players in the Print and Media industry, associations and system or software solution providers. With a strong eco-system in place coupled with the market potential, the application and adoption of printed electronics can take off. The print and media industry can thus benefit from capturing the value of this innovative advertising and media channel.” Taking Printed Electronics from Lab to Market This CIP is a continuation of A*STAR’s efforts in printed electronics. Other applications of printed electronics include the successful deployment of printed lighting on Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) buses. SIMTech and ETPL assisted in the production and installation of eLumniNEX, a large area printed backlit technology. This was launched on Singapore’s first illuminated double-decker bus in May 2015. The collaboration won 1

SMRT the SPARKS Award1 for Media Excellence 2015 in the Most Innovative Technology and Best Media Solution – Out of Home category. Besides collaborations with end-users, one key factor that accelerated the adoption of printed lighting by SMRT was A*STAR’s partnership with solution providers. Development cycles are significantly shortened by working with experienced power manufacturers. Mr Philip Lim, CEO of ETPL said, “Collaborators are the key to bringing technologies from lab to market. By establishing end-to-end collaboration with solution-providers and end-users, we not only build new value capabilities in the Singapore ecosystem but also help ensure a sustainable supply chain for our technological innovations.” Nurturing the Growth of Printed Electronics Market Arising from the successful completion of this CIP, SIMTech is preparing to kick-start the next CIP in printed electronics applications. The Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) will be providing training grants for eligible participating companies in the next CIP batch. Mr Gilbert Tan, CEO of e2i said, “e2i is happy to partner industries in their application of new technologies like Printed Electronics to their businesses, e.g. for printed lighting and outdoor advertisements. Since last year, e2i has supported this 6-month CIP to help PMETs (Professionals, Managers, Executives/Engineers and Technicians) update their skillsets to encompass such new technologies. Enterprises, both MNC (Multi-National Corporations) and SMEs (Small Medium Enterprises), will be able to test out this technology under the guidance of SIMTech. Businesses can create prototypes before incorporating them in their business models, which will provide new streams of revenue. We look forward to having more enterprises sign up for the next phase of CIP.” Quotes from CIP members Alvin Yapp, Director, BusAds Pte Ltd: “With the ever-changing landscape in print and media industry, media channels and brand-owners have to constantly come up with new, creative ways to attract consumers. The CIP introduced a refreshing perspective on creating new vibrant advertising solutions, and providing opportunities for us to explore printed electronics technology applications. The novelty and unlimited possibilities of this innovative technology gives us a competitive advantage. BusAds aims to transform current static posters and banners into interactive and larger-than-life animated platforms that allow for effective

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The Spark Awards recognises the top media solutions, products and services from media owners and publishers across South Asia, Southeast Asia and ANZ. The Awards acts as the main platform for media owners to demonstrate their innovation and effectiveness to advertisers, agencies and clients. Winners of the Spark Awards 2015 represent a powerful benchmark for reliable partners in the region.

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communication. The technology may be applied on vehicles and even aircraft and ships.” Sheryl Sim, Director, Iceworks Communications Pte Ltd: “Iceworks has been introduced to the possibilities of Printed Lighting which is ever evolving even as we speak. We are looking forward to inject more elements with the knowledge we have acquired through this CIP into our future designs.” Henry Goh, Head, Mediacorp OOH Media: “OOH Media’s participation in the SIMTech CIP gives us the opportunity to work with industry partners to explore more innovative outdoor solutions in an urban city state like Singapore.” Teo Yuhang, Project Manager, Ultimate Display Pte Ltd: “With the knowledge gained from this CIP, we are able to promote it to our clients and come up with newer and better ideas. We are also able to connect with our fellow participants from the different industries and help each other out in our businesses.” Jared Chew, Managing Director, Worldbizz Pte Ltd: “The CIP ignites creative ideas that enhance our company’s business. We intend to apply printed electronics to customised car park roofing for bungalows, semi-detached housing and condominiums as well as pubs, diners, and restaurants to provide colour lightings on tables and chill bars. We have the same vision on printed electronics as when we first introduced acrylic panels into swimming pool projects some ten years ago. The combination will bring us into the next generation of many great applications.”

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For media queries and clarifications, please contact: Edith Lim Senior Officer, Corporate Communications, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Tel: +65 6826 7617 Email: [email protected]

About the A*STAR Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) 3

The Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) is a research institute of the Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). SIMTech develops high value manufacturing technology and human capital to contribute to the competitiveness of the Singapore industry. It collaborates with multinational and local companies in the precision engineering, electronics, semiconductor, medical technology, aerospace, automotive, marine, logistics and other sectors. For more information, please visit: www.SIMTech.a-star.edu.sg. About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector agency that spearheads economic oriented research to advance scientific discovery and develop innovative technology. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by contributing to societal benefits such as improving outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. We play a key role in nurturing and developing a diversity of talent and leaders in our Agency and Research Institutes, the wider research community and industry. A*STAR oversees 18 biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For more information, please visit: www.a-star.edu.sg.

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Annex A CIP on the Application of Printed Electronics for the Print and Media Industry Objective To establish capabilities in the design, prototyping and manufacturing of printed electronics, and lighting for the advertising industry SIMTech Contributions Provided training on design guidelines for application of printed electronics and printed lighting for outdoor advertisements Developed printed electronics and printed lighting products for advertisements, greater interactivity and order processing Optimised integration of printed electronics in Print and Media Industry Provided cost modelling for application of printed electronics to enable industry to tap on business opportunities Impact Enable Singapore Print and Media Industry to capture value in new business opportunities in printed electronics and printed lighting Establish a vibrant value chain for printed electronics in Singapore for adoption and application to take off Participating Companies BusAds Pte Ltd BusAds Pte Ltd grew from a one-man operation in 1983 to its current core business in one-off bus advertisement projects, mainly bus panel advertising. By 1995, BusAds was clearly the market leader in outdoor advertisement production, and has won various awards within Singapore and overseas. Today, BusAds operates a fleet of printers which is capable of fulfilling various graphic print requirements, such as banners, posters, fleet and MRT advertising etc. Website: http://www.busads.com.sg/ Grey Mater Pte Ltd Grey Mater Ptd Ltd offers a range of services including interior, events and exhibition support services, design and concepts and visual merchandising.

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Iceworks Communications Pte Ltd Iceworks Communications Pte Ltd is a visual communications firm with a talent and passion for branding. It offers an integrated suite of services that revolves around brand development, management and communications. Website: www.iceworks-comm.com Mediacorp OOH Media The outdoor advertising arm of Mediacorp Pte Ltd is appointed to manage all large format and digital screens in 321 Clementi, Bugis Street, Chinatown Point, iFly Sentosa, JCube, Jubilee Square, Junction 8, Orchard Gateway, Orchard Towers, The Star Vista, Westgate, as well as close to 1,300 bus shelters, On the Move Billboard Trucks, coaches, WE Cinemas and various ambient advertising options such as 3D Mapping Projection. Website: www.mediacorp.sg/oohmedia New Quantum Holdings Pte Ltd New Quantum Holdings Pte Ltd (NQH) was founded in Singapore as a holdings company pursuing global value-chain solutions in plastic industry. The company' business activities involve transforming plastic raw material to eco-friendly plastic finished product, using cutting-edge eco-technology and innovation through its subsidiary company: Sustainable Green Solutions Pte Ltd. NQH believes in growing business partnerships, creating value chains for its customers for win-win situations, epitomising TEAM, " Together Everyone Achieve More". Website: www.n-quantum.com & www.sustainablegreensolutions.com.sg Print Lab Pte Ltd Print Lab Pte Ltd is a local one stop print solutions provider. Website: http://printlab.com.sg Profoto Digital Services Pte Ltd Profoto, founded in 1998 as a commercial photographic printing lab, has extended its services to outdoor large format printing coupled with installation services and investing in the latest technology. Furthermore, Profoto have also expanded its offerings to include design and build (D&B) services in response to the growing demand for window props fabrication and set-up, project management and events. Profoto evolved into a "ONE STOP Solution Centre" to fulfil our clientele needs locally and regionally. Website: http://www.profoto.com.sg/

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Qs Advertising Pte Ltd Q’s Advertising is a local environmental display and events company. Website: http://qs.sg Ultimate Display System Pte Ltd Ultimate Display System is the leading designer and manufacturer of a full range of modular internal and external signs and display systems. Website: http://www.ultimatesign.com Worldbizz Pte Ltd WORLDBIZZ is an Acrylic Specialist providing commercial solutions for the use of acrylic panels to infinity swimming pools and water features. Website: www.worldbizzonline2.com

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