As one of the key items under Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), face shields which are used with N95 or surgical masks, are relied upon heavily by medical professionals, the police force, screening officials and the likes for full-face protection.

In response to the sheer volume that is needed, Taylor’s Me.reka Makerspace has started a decentralized production effort, in order to aid with the supply of the face shields: Taylor’s Me.reka Makerspace is a collaborative learning hub for academics, industry players and entrepreneurial communities, set up by Taylor’s University and Me.reka, the education arm under Biji-Biji Initiative.

The decentralized production plan is based upon the initial designs of the 3D printing community led by 3D Printing Malaysia and MRO. Subsequently, Mak Kwan Wuey from Makerzone & Fabspace KL, and She Tze Jin from Taylor's University ME.REKA Makerspace worked on improving the 3D printed design to evolve into a laser-cut version that is able to reduce the production time.

“Our front-liners bear a huge responsibility in keeping us safe by risking their own lives every day, especially during this challenging time. Following reports that supplies have fallen staggeringly short in the last few weeks, we immediately embarked on this initiative to produce face shields which we hope can keep them protected. It is timely that organisation and even the community band together to play their part in protecting these unsung heroes to battle this pandemic,” said She Tze Jin, from Taylor’s Me.reka Makerspace.