September 26, 2020
Photos by: Bryan van der Beek | Words by: Serene Goh
(Photo above) Waiting lines at Temasek Shophouse are considerably shorter.
Right around the corner from the long waiting line at Plaza Singapore is a far shorter one at Temasek Shophouse.
The two mask distribution points are the only ones with machines dispensing limited edition black, peach and denim masks in both adult and kids sizes — in addition to the regular white ones.
Despite being just a two-minute walk from each other along the Orchard Road stretch near the Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, the considerably longer wait at the mall does not seem to deter mask collectors.
On September 20, most people queued at Plaza Singapura. Savvier individuals have a different strategy.
Those who ventured just a few paces around the corner were rewarded with a nearly instant collection at Temasek Shophouse.
(Above) Temasek Shophouse is a social impact hub situated next to the MacDonald House, and homebase to Temasek’s family of foundations.
The masks are being distributed islandwide at vending machines as part of Temasek Foundation’s StayMasked campaign, with those at Plaza Singapura and Temasek Shophouse among them.
The free and additional purchased white masks can also be collected at Residents’ Committee Centres, Bus Interchanges, Community Centres and Clubs while the navy masks can be collected at the Temasek Shophouse, Plaza Singapura and Community Centres and Clubs.
(Above) Inside the Temasek Shophouse, folks stopped to grab coffee and snacks during their mask collection trips.
Pro Tip: From WhatAreYouDoing.sg’s time-starved, sleep-deprived creative director, and father-of-four, Bryan van der Beek: Collect your limited edition masks at the Temasek Shophouse instead of Plaza Singapura, which operates daily from 9am to 9pm, and save your Saturday for what’s really important: Ice cream.
Pre-orders for masks end on Friday, October 2, and these can be collected at all locations till Sunday, October 4. Singapore residents can collect a free mask kit consisting of two reusable MaskSafe DET30 in adult or kids White, available only at Community Centres/Clubs, Plaza Singapura and the Temasek Shophouse.
