Number of HDB Flats Installed with Elderly Monitoring System, Its Average Yearly Activation Rate and Plans to Upgrade or Expand System

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many HDB flats have been installed with the Elderly Monitoring System; (b) what is the average yearly activation rate; and (c) whether there are plans to upgrade or expand the system.

Mr Desmond Lee: In 2016, HDB launched the “My Smart HDB Home @ Yuhua” trial under which residents could purchase smart home applications and services, including the Elderly Monitoring System (EMS), directly from vendors of such solutions. The trial concluded in March 2018.

HDB has taken in learning points from the trial in the development of the HDB Smart Enabled Home Initiative, where digital infrastructure is provided within HDB flats to support the adoption of smart home solutions such as the EMS. For example, flats at the recently completed Northshore Residences I and II are equipped with a smart distribution board for residents to better manage energy consumption within their homes and to facilitate residents’ adoption of smart home solutions, including the EMS.

Various packages for sensor-based EMS are available commercially and residents who wish to install EMS can directly engage a service provider which best suits their needs. HDB does not track the total number of flats that have been installed with EMS. For residents’ convenience, HDB has included a web link in the appointment letter issued for keys collection for residents of 2-room Flexi flats to find out more information on commercial providers who offer the EMS. Interested residents can also approach HDB’s InfoWeb for more information.