Trial Launch of PDATours Nature Walk at Pasir Ris Park Kicks Off Successfully

Singapore, December 22, 2003

The trial launch of PDATours at Pasir Ris Nature Trail got off to a smooth start last week, with 25 participants using a GPS-enabled Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) to track their route and learn about the flora and fauna at the same time.

PDATours is developed by Aboutwe Publishing, Fujitsu Asia Pte Ltd, MobileOne, and V3 Teletech, under the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore's (IDA) 'Wired With Wireless' Call-for-Collaboration (CFC) for Location-based services.

Aboutwe Publishing, a specialist in the tourism related publishing, together with Fujitsu Asia Pte Ltd, a leading regional IT&T infrastructure developer, MobileOne, a leading mobile service provider, and V3 Teletech, a leading geographical information and location determination technology developer, collaborated to introduce an innovative location-based service called the Mobile-Assisted Guide (MAG), which enables users to conduct self-discovery tours while experiencing the wonders of nature and heritage.

North East CDC residents were the first to try out PDATours, many of whom signed up during the launch in November last month. They used Fujitsu's latest PDA, the Pocket LOOX610 model, in conjunction with a GPRS-enabled Nokia mobile phone to access customised maps, detailed information on the various flora and fauna seen along the trail, as well as participate in surveys and quizzes. Answers to such surveys or quizzes are first transmitted by Bluetooth to the mobile phone, which then sends them to a remote server via GPRS.

The PDA takes on the role of a personalised tour guide, which automatically alerts the participants to points of interest along the trail. The participants can also jot down notes onto their PDAs, which can be accessed at the end of the trip by logging on to the PDATours portal.

Said Ms Tan Hui Yi, a teacher from Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School: "PDATours will be very beneficial for children in schools, who can do independent learning while on the move without much attention from the guide and teacher. I would definitely recommend schools to use it."

Mr Robert Teo, a 63-year-old North East CDC resident, had never used a PDA prior to the PDATours. "At first, it took a little getting used to, but I caught on quickly, and found it very useful during the Trail. It has definitely enhanced my learning experience throughout this trip. I look forward to joining subsequent tours."

Said Mr Chng Teo Hye, Group Chairman and Co-CEO of Fujitsu Asia, "The group is very pleased with the partnership and how well the trial launch went. This is a positive indication that technology enhances life. We look forward to the next phase which looks at incorporating multi-languages, multimedia streaming - especially 3G technology."

There are largely 3 types of tours on 25 trails, including nature walking trails at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Fort Canning Park and Pasir Ris Mangrove and Park. There are also Heritage Walking Trails at former military sites, Go East Explorer and The Money Trail, and lastly, cycling trails at Pulau Ubin, Chestnut to Mandai and Sentosa.

Mr. James See, Managing Director of Aboutwe, said: "We are heartened by the positive response from the participants at this trial, and hope that this initiative will help to spread the messages of wildlife preservation and responsible eco-tourism, which are what Aboutwe Publishing Pte Ltd stands for. With technology, we hope to advance the cause for nature conservation and create greater awareness of its benefits for the next generation."

Apart from providing a technologically innovative way of touring Singapore, PDATours can be used for school bio-science field trips or historical heritage lessons, where students will gain additional knowledge with timely information at their fingertips.

By using GPRS, the tourists can also use PDATours to download the location maps, pictures, information and even relevant local myths and stories about various points of interest in Singapore.

Mr Adrian Long, General Manager of V3 Teletech, said, "Through the use of Geographical Information System (GIS) and Location-based Technology (GPS and GPRS/3G), PDATours inventoried all probable nature and heritage sites to guide the tourists in experiencing the entire aesthetics of the paradise, with the ability to acquire wirelessly information of trails of interest instantly on the move."

The organisers of PDATours wish to thank NE CDC for their ardent support in getting residents involved during the trial, Fujitsu PC Asia Pacific for the loan of the Fujitsu Pocket LOOX610 PDAs and Nokia (Singapore) for the loan of the Nokia 3650 and 7650 mobile phones.

Members of the public are invited to sign up for the trials, which will end in February 2004. Those interested can email their names and contact details to admin@aboutwe.com or call 67423511 for more information.

A special promotional package awaits all the PDATours trial participants. Each registered participant will receive a $300 rebate towards the purchase of a Fujitsu Pocket LOOX 610 PDA (conditions apply).