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Looking Back… And Forward

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At AA Singapore’s Annual General Meeting this year — the AGM was held online for the second year running. Members were given a review of important happenings in the past financial year, and a peek at what is to come.

The Automobile Association of Singapore held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2021 on 19 May. In light with the current pandemic situation, and to minimise the community spread of COVID-19, the AGM was held online for the second year running. In attendance in person were AA Singapore’s President, Mr Bernard Tay and Deputy President, Mr Low Beng Tin and the Scrutineer, as well as other fellow Members of the General Committee in attendance by electronic means. AA Singapore’s President, Mr Bernard Tay, spoke on the following matters:

SUPPORT DURING CIRCUIT BREAKER
COVID-19 has made 2020 a challenging year both for AA and the world, acknowledged Mr Tay. Even so, AA has been responding to the pandemic decisively. “We have been adapting to the changes, and remain focused on delivering our best services to our Members while putting them at the heart of what we do,” he affirmed.

AA has continued to support Members with its roadside assistance service throughout the pandemic, including over the Circuit Breaker period. For added convenience, an appointment-based battery diagnostic was extended to the motoring community. Members had the choice of booking an appointment and scheduling for AA’s battery specialist to run a check on their battery condition in at home.

Keeping the motoring community’s health and welfare at heart, Bactakleen — an anti-bacterial treatment for vehicles — was made available to Members. AA’s fleet of vehicles is regularly sanitised with Bactakleen to keep the public and staff safe.

Another convenience for Members was the setting up of a WhatsApp helpline during the Circuit Breaker for Membership-related enquiries.

Beyond that, AA delivered 1,000 cupcakes to the Singapore General Hospital to show its appreciation for frontline healthcare workers battling the pandemic. A large display banner saluting frontline workers was also put up at AA Centre building, in a display of solidarity.

MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES
As travel is at a standstill around the world, AA’s AUTOVENTURE drives have been put on hold until travel restrictions are lifted. To encourage Members to spend their time purposefully during the Circuit Breaker, AA organised a total of 27 leisure- and travel-related workshops. These included online HIIT & Conditioningclasses. Korea was also brought to the homes of Members — in collaboration with Korea Tourism Organisation and Jeju Tourism Organisation — with a two-part Discover Korea YouTube Live Stream.

A series of physical activities, such as Bicycle Trail at Pulau Ubin and Art Jamming sessions were organised as Singapore entered the Safe Re-Opening phases, allowing Members to unwind with their loved ones — with safe distancing measures observed.

SAFETY INITIATIVES
From September–October 2020, AA together with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, successfully organised the FIA-AA #Thisismystreet Campaign . This was to promote a healthier environment, and reduce the impact of road traffic on young people. “The campaign garnered more than 120,000 responses online,” enthused Mr Tay. In the pipeline are more meaningful campaigns to advocate for healthier roads for Members and commuters.

AA’s subsidiary, AAS Academy , also organised a string of exclusive online seminars, such as Driving During COVID-19 Circuit Breaker to disseminate safe driving tips.

On top of these, AAS Insurance Agency (‘AAS-IA’)  introduced Singapore’s first Commercial Personal Mobility Devices Insurance coverage, an insurance policy approved by the Land Transport Authority. Mr Tay expressed the hope that, with this policy, PMD users and the public would be protected from costs and expenses that could be incurred due to third-party liabilities arising from negligent use of PMDs.

NEW ENHANCEMENTS
Going forward, AA will be enhancing its 24/7 on-demand roadside assistance app  — Members will soon be able to view the AA driver’s location in real-time, his estimated time of arrival, as well as track their vehicle while on tow.

A thrilling piece of news for Esports fans: AA Centre has acquired a new amenity: Digital Racing . Mr Tay welcomed fans and AA Members eager for a ride on these racing simulators to take part in this newest form of competitive motorsport.

AA is ever aware of the need to evolve in order to better serve its Members. “As the motoring leader in Singapore, AA has mapped its blueprint for digital transformation, ensuring we are well equipped to meet the needs of our Members,” assured Mr Tay. In line with this, an amended constitution and bye-laws have been introduced to keep pace with modern developments and the related changes taking place.

Thanking Members for their support, Mr Tay promised to continue safeguarding their interests during these challenging times and build on its successful history while anticipating the needs of future road users and getting ready to adapt to changes.

Mr Tay also took the opportunity to share that in light of the Phase 2 (Heightened Alert), it is vital for everyone to remain vigilant and do their part in helping Singapore mitigate the virus spread. The Association encourages the community to get vaccinated, in view of keeping both Members as well as their loved ones safe.

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