* DESIGN OF
THE YEAR 2008

Eubiq Power Outlet System


Eubiq Pte Ltd

The proliferation of consumer electronic and mobile devices has generated the necessity for a power outlet system that can meet the needs of modern users. The conventional power strip that has traditionally been in use can only address basic power needs by providing extra power-points, but lacks flexibility and expandability.

The Eubiq Power Outlet System was born of a genuine desire to find an elegant, long-term solution to the problems associated with the point-based power outlet systems currently in use. The aim was to create a system that, going forward, could meet the demands of new developments in consumer electronics.

Founded in 2000 with the vision of becoming the world leader in power outlet systems, Eubiq has spent the last six years inventing and steadily perfecting the system, garnering investments of more than $10 million in the process. As many as three alternative designs were tried and tested, and hundreds of prototypes were made before the company arrived at a final design that matched their desire for a world-class product.

In a world first, Eubiq offers users an innovative system in which users are able to add, remove and reposition power outlets anywhere along a streamlined track, with a simple push and turn. The Power Outlet System was designed in accordance with the Eubiq philosophy of creating products that are simple, functional and desirable while being intuitive to use. The final product has been extensively tested and refined and features the patented Ground Sentry Shutter (GSS) safety technology that makes it one of the safest power outlet systems in the world.

For Ng Joo Kok, Eubiq's Chief Designer, the toughest aspect of the venture was “to create a complete system and not just a product, with the potential to become a global platform. This platform had to be so easy to use that people across all industries and countries would welcome it without any hesitation because of its strong fundamentals.' The drive to create a new range of desirable products based on the system, and which would 'excite the world', was just as challenging.

The company however, appears to be on the right track. In 2006, it acquired a new plant in Singapore, where it has its headquarters, to meet the increasing demand from the global market. Located at Joo Koon Crescent, Eubiq is equipped with an in-house research and development capability to facilitate customer needs with shorter response times.

The most gratifying aspect of the Eubiq enterprise so far, says Joo Kok, has been the fact that the system has been 'accepted and embraced by users across the world as one of the best things to have come about, and that so many world-class companies and individuals have come forward to join us in this revolution'.

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COMPANY
Eubiq Pte Ltd

DESIGNERS
Yong Choon (Inventor)
Ng Joo Kok (Chief Designer)
Chaw Keat Hoe
Ang Tian Huat
Ang Yau Fei
Grace Chew

‘‘The biggest challenge was to create a complete system and not just a product.’’

Insights from the Recipient

Advice for Emerging Designers

“Read more, look more, draw more, try more and investigate much, much more.”

Citation

Jury Citation

The Eubiq Power Outlet System is a superb example of Singaporean entrepreneurship that has been combined with technological innovation, rigorous design methodology and aesthetic elegance to create a product of global significance.

By combining the best practices of vision, innovation, design and scalable commercialisation, Eubiq innovates the way people plug into power. The traditional power socket has not changed in the hundred years since its invention. Instead of the archaic method of deciding where to install wall sockets, threading wiring through walls, repairing and replacing parts, Eubiq’s imaginative system of universal sockets plug in with a simple push and turn anywhere along a streamlined rubber and metal raceway. The system becomes part of the architectural infrastructure, or a component of workstation panels or furniture.

Developed from scratch in Singapore, the system is now sold on the international market. The company has also adopted an inclusive business strategy and model, offering partnerships to potential competitors.

The combination of major technological advancement and elegant design has won many international awards. The plug connector and rubberised strip are patented, as is the proprietary ultra-safe grounding technology. From a design point of view, Eubiq is sleek, handsome and beautifully detailed. The company, with its design-driven philosophy of ‘taking something ordinary and making it extraordinary’ is an inspiring example of what a creative economy looks like.

Nominator Citation

Irene Chua
Corporate & Marketing
Eubiq Pte Ltd

In modern life, the rate at which new electronics and mobile devices emerge makes it impossible to predict the number of power outlets that will be required for charging needs The conventional power strip can only address basic power needs by providing extra power-points, but it lacks flexibility and expandability.

The Eubiq Power Outlet is the first in the world to offer an innovative solution to address these issues. The system addresses the most crucial issues: flexibility, safety, and durability.

Once installed, adding a new power socket requires no drilling or costly electrical bills. Users can add, remove and reposition power outlets anywhere along a streamlined power track. A simple push and turn are all it takes to engage a new outlet. The system can accommodate more power outlets in less space. As many as 12 adaptors or 16 Eubiq plugs can tap on a one-metre Eubiq Power Track. The system is also compatible internationally – whether it is British three-pin or a German two-pin socket, users can mix and match the types of socket adaptors they need.

The Eubiq system is also ultra-safe. Its patented GSS TM (Ground Sentry Shutter) technology makes it one of the safest power outlet systems in the world. Sentry shutters ground every conductor that comes into contact with the Eubiq power track. Made from tough aluminum and stainless steel, the probe of adaptors and plugs are plated with gold to ensure excellent conductivity. The system is tested intensively and fulfils IEC criteria that require it to be able to surpass 15,000 engagement cycles. Its cable management capability allows phone lines and LAN cables to run in dedicated cable compartments that are shielded from electromagnetic interference.

Founded in 2000 with the vision of becoming the world leader in power outlet systems, Eubiq spent five years inventing and perfecting its innovative product. The company acquired a new plant in Singapore in 2006 to meet increasing global demand and maintains an in-house research and development capability in order to facilitate customer needs with shorter response times.

Headquartered in Singapore, Eubiq has regional offices in the Middle East and Australia. Eubiq is currently being distributed in Singapore, Australia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Dubai, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Slovakia, United Kingdom, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.