NParks-AIA Explore a Route Challenge

The challenge is conducted using the NParks Explore A Route (NEAR) app, an updated version of the Coast-to-Coast (C2C) application that was first launched in 2019. The app continues to use interactive augmented reality (AR) elements to provide users with a curated walking experience, as well as an online trail guide. The revamped app allows users to map their own trail and share it with others.

The goal is to encourage individuals to explore our green spaces with their family and friends and lead a healthier lifestyle. The challenge encourages park visitors to enjoy nature in a new way through the revamped app. AIA Singapore is NParks’ first partner that has come onboard to create a challenge on the revamped app. This is part of the life insurer’s commitment to support Singapore’s City in Nature vision for a more sustainable society and for families to live healthier, longer and better lives together.

Take part in the challenge and stand to win Decathlon e-vouchers (worth S$50 each) in the monthly lucky draw, with three 13″ MacBook Air laptops and 10 Fitbit Sense smartwatches up for grabs in the grand lucky draw at the end of the Challenge!

About the Challenge

The “NParks – AIA Explore a Route Challenge” will commence on 20 May 2022 in conjunction with the release of the NEAR app and will run till 20 July 2022. It is open to all to participate. Participants must play the in-app game Tic Tac Toe Board on the NEAR app which requires them to physically complete various trails ranging from 5 km to 15 km per trail. They will have a chance to win rewards at the end of each month within the challenge period or in the Grand Lucky Draw at the end of the challenge. There are nine starting points across eight proposed trails including the Coast-to-Coast (Central) Trail and various Park Connector Loops. AIA Singapore has contributed close to S$14,000 worth of prizes, which include shopping vouchers and a laptop, towards the challenge.

The challenge encourages users to experience the newly added NParks-curated trails and try out the new “Phyll My Trail” feature, which allows users to customise their own recreational trails in the revamped NEAR app. It empowers users to design routes to suit their interests and discover unique biodiversity and interesting features along the trail. In doing so, it seeks to improve their physical and mental well-being through the positive effects of nature.

The NEAR Application

Since its initial launch in 2019, the C2C mobile application has been well received with close to 100,000 downloads. It features interactive AR elements such as 3D-animated characters. These characters provide interesting information about native flora and fauna, and surrounding points of interest that users will encounter along our park trails and park connectors. The revamped app now allows users to curate their own trails and share the mapped trails with their in-app friends or on social media for them to experience and enjoy. This will encourage the community to exchange experiences with others and explore a wider variety of trails. In doing so, Singaporeans will get to appreciate nature more while forging closer bonds. This is in line with our efforts to make Singapore into a City in Nature– a key pillar in the Singapore Green Plan, which is a national movement to advance sustainable development – to create a green, liveable and sustainable home for all Singaporeans.

More information about the NEAR app and challenge can be found here.

Images: National Parks Board