Ambiq, a technology platform and solutions provider recognized in ultra-low power microcontrollers (MCU), System-on-Chips (SoC), and Real-time Clocks (RTC), announced its ongoing partnerships with Excelpoint, a leading regional electronics components distributor providing quality components, engineering design services; iWOW, a Singapore-based company that specializes in the development and supply of IoT solutions to supply the TraceTogether™ token; and EDBI, a Singapore-based global investor.
EDBI led Ambiq’s Series E fundraising in 2018, and has been a solid pillar of support to the company’s regional market expansion plans, in particular the building up of its APAC base in Singapore.
Singapore developed the TraceTogether Programme to combat COVID-19 through community contact tracing. As the country continues to combat the pandemic, aggressive contact tracing has been identified to be a key contributor, alongside expanded and faster testing and vaccination, to keeping COVID-19 under control.
Powered by the Ambiq Apollo3 Blue microcontroller (MCU), the token is a physical device using Bluetooth® signals to trace others nearby. Besides being accurate, secured, safe, and in a small form factor, the Apollo3 Blue delivers the necessary performance without sacrificing battery life. The token is expected to last 4 to 6 months without a recharge.
The fruitful partnership with Excelpoint in delivering the TraceTogether token is also a significant milestone for Ambiq as the company established its 5th Center of Excellence in Singapore last year with immense support from EDBI, and continues to expand its regional team. Singapore is uniquely positioned to play a critical role in driving continuous growth in the ASEAN region. As Ambiq diversifies and expands its businesses worldwide, its commitment and investment in Singapore are crucial in ensuring future success.
“As the global pandemic continues to present uncertain, ever-changing situations, we need to stay vigilant while the vaccines are being rolled out,” said Fumihide Esaka, Chairman and CEO of Ambiq. “We are privileged to have the collaboration with EDBI, Excelpoint, and iWOW, and are proud of the results we see in the Singapore TraceTogether token.”
“EDBI’s deep and longstanding collaboration with Ambiq has led to the company providing critical support to Singapore’s TraceTogether token project, which has become synonymous with Singapore’s successful efforts to combat COVID-19. We are proud to be a close partner of the company as they accelerate their expansion across the region through their Center of Excellence and APAC base here,” said Chu Swee Yeok, CEO and President of EDBI.
Albert Phuay Yong Hen, Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Excelpoint, commented, “Excelpoint is proud to be partnering with Ambiq to join the fight against the spread of COVID-19 by supporting and distributing the Ambiq Apollo3 Blue MCU in Singapore’s TraceTogether Token. Being a total solutions provider with an extensive sales network comprising both public and private sector players, this partnership highlights Excelpoint’s strengths in demand generation alongside our technical expertise. Given Ambiq’s cutting-edge technology, we see many opportunities ahead. We are excited to further strengthen our relationship with Ambiq as an ecosystem partner in our PlanetSpark Innovation Centre1. Such collaborations will be key amidst this period for us to deepen our reach into different markets.”
Jer Yaw CHEN, Senior VP IoT, commented, “iWOW, in consortium with SIIX Singapore Pte Ltd, is privileged to develop, manufacture and distribute the TraceTogether Token incorporating Ambiq’s Apollo3 Blue MCU as supported by Excelpoint. Together, we were able to bring a solution with demanding targets in the areas of power consumption, RF performance, security, and high volume market delivery. This project allowed iWOW to bring its deep wireless product development experience and expertise to contribute to Singapore’s COVID-19 contact tracing efforts. We value the support given by Ambiq and Excelpoint, and recognize the success brought about by this partnership. We are confident of deeper collaborations in time to come.”
Free of charge to all Singapore residents, the token captures proximity data via Bluetooth technology stored only on the device itself. The token will automatically delete its stored data after 25 days and not capture GPS / geolocation data.
In the event that you or those you have been in close contact with test positive for COVID-19, the Ministry of Health will approach you to upload your data for contact tracing. For more information, visit support.tracetogether.gov.sg/hc/en-sg
