SINGAPORE, Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The ASEAN Foundation organized the regional programme "CALM MRI – Fear to Confidence: Learning through Play with LEGO MRI Kits Programme", implemented across Indonesia and Singapore. The initiative serves as a platform to present the programme's outcomes, which aim to help children better understand Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures through a play-based learning approach.
Designed to reduce anxiety and build familiarity, CALM MRI introduces children to the MRI process using specially designed LEGO® MRI kits. By transforming a complex medical procedure into an interactive and child-friendly experience, the programme supports young patients in approaching hospital examinations with greater confidence and emotional preparedness.
In one session, a young boy stood a few steps away from the demonstration table, quietly observing the miniature MRI model built from LEGO bricks. The shape was instantly recognizable to him — the white tunnel, the narrow bed, the enclosed space. For many children, an MRI machine can feel overwhelming due to its confined structure and unfamiliar sounds.
Instead of pressure, the facilitators offered patience. A volunteer gently invited him to try sliding the small model bed into the LEGO MRI tunnel, replicating what typically happens during a hospital scan. Hesitant at first, he slowly stepped forward. He touched the model, pushed the bed inward, and then pulled it back out — this time in a setting that felt safe, controlled, and understandable.
Moments like this reflect the core objective of CALM MRI: shifting children's perception of MRI procedures from fear to familiarity. Through guided play, clear explanations, and hands-on interaction, the programme enables children not only to recognize the equipment they may encounter but to regain a sense of agency in situations that often feel intimidating.
By combining education, healthcare awareness, and experiential learning, the ASEAN Foundation continues to demonstrate how regional collaboration can deliver practical, human-centered solutions that improve children's healthcare experiences across Southeast Asia.
A Program That Transformed Children's Relationships with MRI Machines
This experience occurred during one of the CALM MRI – Fear to Confidence: Learning through Play with LEGO MRI Scanners Program sessions, run in Singapore by the ASEAN Youth Organization as the local implementing partner.
This program, part of a regional initiative led by the ASEAN Foundation with support from LEGO Group and United Way Worldwide, aims to help children understand MRI procedures through a play-based educational approach.
In Singapore, the program focused on hands-on interaction sessions between children, parents, and trained volunteers. Children were introduced to the LEGO MRI model, encouraged to assemble it, and given simple explanations of how the medical procedure works.
The changes weren't always dramatic. They often came in simple forms: a previously quiet child began asking questions. A child who had previously resisted approaching began trying to touch the model. A child who had previously cried began listening.
In its final report, the implementing partner in Singapore explained that the educational sessions allowed children to interact directly with the MRI model, assemble it, and discuss its parts and functions. This process helped transform their perception of the MRI machine from something completely foreign to something understandable. Volunteers not only helped the children assemble the models but also explained in simple terms why an MRI scan was necessary and how the procedure was performed.
This program is part of a broader regional initiative. Children from neighboring Indonesia are also participating. Overall, in Indonesia and Singapore, the CALM MRI program has distributed 648 LEGO MRI sets—324 sets for each country—to nine implementing partners, working with more than 20 hospitals, educational institutions, healthcare institutions, and children's organizations. It has also conducted over 50 educational sessions, reaching over 1,000 beneficiaries.
These figures reflect a systematic effort to introduce a play-based educational approach into the context of pediatric healthcare, particularly in preparing children for this often anxiety-inducing procedure.
In Singapore, the program is implemented through coordination between local implementing partners, volunteers, and the healthcare facilities involved. Educational sessions typically take place in small groups, ensuring each child receives adequate individual attention. Children were introduced to MRI models, encouraged to assemble and play with them, and allowed to ask questions. The report stated that this approach helped create a more relaxed atmosphere and allowed children to understand medical procedures in an age-appropriate way.
For parents, these sessions provided something they had previously struggled with: explaining medical procedures concretely to their children. Large and complex MRI machines are often difficult to explain with words alone. With LEGO models, parents could demonstrate firsthand how the procedure works, giving children a clearer picture. Implementing partners noted that these interactions also helped strengthen communication between children and parents and reduce the uncertainty previously felt by families.
For healthcare professionals, pre-MRI education has practical benefits. MRI examinations require a stable and sedentary environment for accurate scan results. Children who are not emotionally prepared are more likely to experience problems.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
ASEAN Foundation introduced CALM MRI: Children and the No Longer Scary Machine
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NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SINBON and Swobbee are advancing the deployment of a citywide battery swapping network in New York City with the aim of reducing fire risks associated with e-bike charging while supporting cleaner and more reliable last-mile mobility. Leveraging SINBON's advanced connectivity technology alongside Swobbee's operational leadership and local deployment capabilities, the partnership is establishing a safe and scalable infrastructure model for urban micromobility.
New York City has seen a rise in e-bike battery fires and related incidents in recent years, with a reported $518.6 million in damage and loss from 2019 to 2023, which has prompted increased attention from city agencies and first responders. As the regulations that govern battery storage and charging evolve, infrastructure solutions that centralize and standardize charging environments are becoming increasingly important.
Swobbee, a provider of battery swapping and charging infrastructure for electric micromobility, is expanding its network following the successful completion of a city-supported pilot project. Since launching operations in March 2025, the company has installed multiple battery swapping stations in Manhattan and Jersey City, offering delivery riders UL-certified batteries and 24/7 access to fully charged power without the fire risks linked to home charging. After the pilot demonstrated a safer, fire-compliant alternative to traditional e-bike charging, Swobbee received approval to scale across all five boroughs, with more than dozens of additional stations planned by the end of the year.
SINBON's advanced interconnect technology is supporting the expansion, enabling safe, efficient battery integration across the swapping network. Reliable power connectivity and traceable systems are essential to maintaining safety and operational stability. Alex Shiung, Associate Corporate Business Development Director with SINBON, commented: "SINBON is committed to advancing electrification infrastructure that is both safe and scalable. Through our collaboration with Swobbee, we are contributing technical expertise that supports New York City's public safety goals while enabling cleaner micromobility solutions."
Swobbee oversees deployment and operations across the network, centralizing battery charging in controlled environments to reduce fire risks. Swobbee's model enables riders to instantly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones which eliminates charging downtime and reduces reliance on informal charging setups. Since onboarding customers in March 2025, users have completed approximately 150,000 battery swaps across New York City and Jersey City which reflects strong adoption among delivery riders. The system provides UL-certified batteries, 24/7 station access, and round-the-clock customer support, including in-person assistance in Manhattan, helping riders maintain consistent earning potential.
Thomas Duscha, CEO of Swobbee, shared: "New York City was actively looking for safer, UL-certified battery solutions and invited us to participate in the pilot project in 2024. The pilot demonstrated that battery swapping can significantly improve safety while making daily work easier for delivery riders. After its success, we received the green light to expand across all five boroughs."
Together, SINBON and Swobbee aim to provide a scalable, fire-safe infrastructure model that aligns with public safety priorities while supporting the city's growing micromobility ecosystem.
About Swobbee
Swobbee is a Berlin-based climate technology company, founded in 2020 with the idea that battery charging needs to be safer and more efficient in terms of operation and resource consumption. The company was born out of the need to solve the problem of a lack of charging infrastructure for battery-powered light electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, mopeds, scooters and cargo bikes. Its unique modular battery swapping hardware combined with in-house battery management software allows for flexible use cases and leaves room for customization while maintaining scalability.
About SINBON
Established in 1989, SINBON empowers industries through intelligent connectivity and sustainable innovation, enabling cleaner mobility, ethical automation, and renewable energy with care for the planet. Guided by its ESG commitment, SINBON advances carbon management and responsible manufacturing while delivering reliable, high-quality solutions worldwide, with operations across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
For more information: https://www.sinbon.com/
https://swobbee.com/
Media Contact: Penny Huang
Tel.: +886-2-2698-9999 Ext. 5671
Email: PennyHuang@sinbon.com
NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SINBON and Swobbee are advancing the deployment of a citywide battery swapping network in New York City with the aim of reducing fire risks associated with e-bike charging while supporting cleaner and more reliable last-mile mobility. Leveraging SINBON's advanced connectivity technology alongside Swobbee's operational leadership and local deployment capabilities, the partnership is establishing a safe and scalable infrastructure model for urban micromobility.
New York City has seen a rise in e-bike battery fires and related incidents in recent years, with a reported $518.6 million in damage and loss from 2019 to 2023, which has prompted increased attention from city agencies and first responders. As the regulations that govern battery storage and charging evolve, infrastructure solutions that centralize and standardize charging environments are becoming increasingly important.
Swobbee, a provider of battery swapping and charging infrastructure for electric micromobility, is expanding its network following the successful completion of a city-supported pilot project. Since launching operations in March 2025, the company has installed multiple battery swapping stations in Manhattan and Jersey City, offering delivery riders UL-certified batteries and 24/7 access to fully charged power without the fire risks linked to home charging. After the pilot demonstrated a safer, fire-compliant alternative to traditional e-bike charging, Swobbee received approval to scale across all five boroughs, with more than dozens of additional stations planned by the end of the year.
SINBON's advanced interconnect technology is supporting the expansion, enabling safe, efficient battery integration across the swapping network. Reliable power connectivity and traceable systems are essential to maintaining safety and operational stability. Alex Shiung, Associate Corporate Business Development Director with SINBON, commented: "SINBON is committed to advancing electrification infrastructure that is both safe and scalable. Through our collaboration with Swobbee, we are contributing technical expertise that supports New York City's public safety goals while enabling cleaner micromobility solutions."
Swobbee oversees deployment and operations across the network, centralizing battery charging in controlled environments to reduce fire risks. Swobbee's model enables riders to instantly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones which eliminates charging downtime and reduces reliance on informal charging setups. Since onboarding customers in March 2025, users have completed approximately 150,000 battery swaps across New York City and Jersey City which reflects strong adoption among delivery riders. The system provides UL-certified batteries, 24/7 station access, and round-the-clock customer support, including in-person assistance in Manhattan, helping riders maintain consistent earning potential.
Thomas Duscha, CEO of Swobbee, shared: "New York City was actively looking for safer, UL-certified battery solutions and invited us to participate in the pilot project in 2024. The pilot demonstrated that battery swapping can significantly improve safety while making daily work easier for delivery riders. After its success, we received the green light to expand across all five boroughs."
Together, SINBON and Swobbee aim to provide a scalable, fire-safe infrastructure model that aligns with public safety priorities while supporting the city's growing micromobility ecosystem.
About Swobbee
Swobbee is a Berlin-based climate technology company, founded in 2020 with the idea that battery charging needs to be safer and more efficient in terms of operation and resource consumption. The company was born out of the need to solve the problem of a lack of charging infrastructure for battery-powered light electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, mopeds, scooters and cargo bikes. Its unique modular battery swapping hardware combined with in-house battery management software allows for flexible use cases and leaves room for customization while maintaining scalability.
About SINBON
Established in 1989, SINBON empowers industries through intelligent connectivity and sustainable innovation, enabling cleaner mobility, ethical automation, and renewable energy with care for the planet. Guided by its ESG commitment, SINBON advances carbon management and responsible manufacturing while delivering reliable, high-quality solutions worldwide, with operations across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
For more information: https://www.sinbon.com/
https://swobbee.com/
Media Contact: Penny Huang
Tel.: +886-2-2698-9999 Ext. 5671
Email: PennyHuang@sinbon.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
SINBON and Swobbee to Collaborate Expanding Battery Swapping Infrastructure Across New York City
