While such ATMs are comparatively more popular across Europe and the United States, Talking ATMs are still a relatively uncommon sight in the region. The POSB Talking ATMs initiative marks the first time a local bank is introducing Talking ATMs in Singapore. With 86 Talking ATMs, POSB now has the largest network of Talking ATMs in Singapore by far. In addition to having a large number of ATMs available to the public, most of POSB’s Talking ATMs will be located at MRT stations to ensure that these ATMs are easy to access.
Singapore’s demographics have been changing rapidly over the past few years. 3% of the resident population today have some form of disability. As for the elderly, a number of them suffer from visual impairment as a result of ageing and chronic eye diseases. This number is expected to grow as our population ages. The provision of inclusive services has taken on a greater significance as a result of this.
Said Sim S. Lim, DBS Singapore Country Head, “As ‘neighbours first, bankers second’, POSB aims to build a more inclusive society by ensuring that its services are easy to use and takes into account the diverse needs of its customers. The process behind this initiative, from user experience development, testing, piloting and then finally wide-scale implementation took some 1,000 man hours. We worked closely with SAVH to ensure that for the visually handicapped, the process of using these ATMs would be as simple and easy as possible. POSB is thankful to have the opportunity to contribute towards a more inclusive society through our services.”
Said Mr. Danny Chia, Vice-President of SAVH, “With POSB providing ATMs with audio features, the visually handicapped person is now able to withdraw cash independently and privately. This eliminates the need to make cash withdrawals over the counter or having a sighted person present to read out the prompts on the screen.”
“It is hoped that with the example set by POSB towards making banking more seamless for the visually handicapped, other banks will follow in their footsteps. We applaud DBS for championing the rights of the visually challenged and in helping us take a step forward toward making ours a more inclusive and progressive society.”
To activate the audio instruction feature at POSB Talking ATMs, users simply have to plug their headsets into the ATM’s audio jack. This instantly activates the voice instruction feature that will guide users as they perform basic transactions such as balance enquiries or cash withdrawals. POSB Talking ATMs can be identified by Braille indicators or by “Visually Handicapped Friendly” signs on the ATM. Further user instructions in Braille can also be found at key locations across the machine.
In addition, POSB has provided a “demo” ATM machine to SAVH. Located at SAVH’s premises, the machine will serve as a training tool to help members get acquainted with the ATM’s visually handicapped friendly functions. The bank is also working with SAVH to develop instruction manuals and train facilitators.
Information on POSB Talking ATMs, including usage instructions, is available at posb.com.sg/talking-atms or go.dbs.com/talking-atms. The public can help out by informing friends and loved ones who are visually impaired about the locations of the POSB Talking ATMs or even use the instructions to help familiarise them with the ATMs’ features. Other ways the public can help out include directing visually impaired customers to POSB Talking ATMs – all prominently labelled with the “Visually Handicapped Friendly” sign, if asked.
Photo:(From L-R) Mr. Derrick Goh, Head of POSB; Ms. Dolores Scully, PR Executive, SAVH; Mr. Danny Chia, Vice-President of SAVH; Guest of Honour Minister for Social and Family Development Mr. Tan Chuan-Jin; Mr. Jeremy Soo, DBS Head of Consumer Banking Group (Singapore); and Mr. Sim S. Lim, DBS Singapore Country Head, celebrate the launch of POSB’s Talking ATMs at an event.
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About POSBA part of the DBS Group, POSB is the largest and oldest local bank in Singapore with over 4 million customers. Having served generations of Singaporeans for the past 139 years, it is known as the "People's Bank", and prides itself on being "neighbours first, bankers second".
With a good understanding of Singaporeans through the years, POSB offers products and services that are relevant to the savings, borrowing, investment and insurance needs of all Singaporeans. With over 50 branches conveniently located islandwide, and over 1,000 ATMs and Cash Acceptance Machines across the island, POSB's distribution network is the largest in Singapore.
POSB acknowledges the passion, commitment and can-do spirit in each of its staff. For more information, please visit www.posb.com.sg
About The Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH)The Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) is the national voluntary welfare organization for the blind in Singapore. Founded in 1951, SAVH aims to help the visually impaired to acquire new skills and gain self-reliance to integrate into society.
SAVH is affiliated to the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), registered with the Registrar of Societies (172/1951 WEL) and Commissioner of Charities (00059) with a Unique Entity Number for Societies (S61SS0119J) and is an approved Institution of Public Character (IPC000443 renewed from 1 January 2014 to 30 September 2016). For more information, visit www.savh.org.sg or www.facebook.com/ILoveSAVH.
