TridentAir, a line of medical-grade air and surface sanitisation systems developed by Plasma Science, has completed one of Singapore’s largest air purifier rollouts in the early childhood sector. In partnership with Crestar Education Group (Crestar), the company installed more than 400 AirDome units across 40 preschools, including Kinderland, ELFA, Skool4Kidz, and NurtureStars, starting from September.
The large-scale deployment comes as Singapore faces seasonal increases in respiratory illnesses. According to the Ministry of Health, the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) positivity rate among acute respiratory infection samples rose to between 5.5% and 9.0% in December 2024, adding pressure to health and childcare systems.
Designed for healthier and safer classrooms
The AirDome technology was created in collaboration with Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). It is engineered to neutralise airborne viruses, bacteria, and pollutants while improving airflow by up to 40%, helping classrooms remain cleaner and fresher.
Laboratory tests conducted with A*STAR showed that the system can disinfect 50% of airborne pathogens within two minutes and up to 99.99% within 15 minutes. Notably, it eliminates 95% of Enterovirus 71 (EV71), the main virus behind hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), which is common among young children.
Unlike conventional purifiers that rely on disposable HEPA filters, the TridentAir system uses washable AirCAGE filters. These are cost-effective, reduce waste, and provide broad air coverage while operating at lower noise levels. Energy use is kept minimal, with an estimated annual electricity cost of about S$50 based on typical daily use of eight hours, making the units both efficient and environmentally sustainable.
Support from educators and parents
Plasma Science’s co-founder, Samuel Teh, said the collaboration aims to create healthier environments in learning spaces. “Our collaboration with Crestar allows us to extend the benefits of TridentAir to even more children across Singapore,” he said. “The AirDome technology is designed to work quietly and efficiently, so classrooms stay focused without disrupting learning. Seeing schools embrace it reinforces our mission to make every learning space healthier, allowing parents to focus on other aspects of their children’s growth and daily lives.”
Educators have also welcomed the move. “For us, adopting TridentAir wasn’t just about installing another air purifier, it was about bringing the most basic respiratory safety to our children through clean air into our classrooms,” said Zolynne Tan, Food, Nutrition and Hygiene Assistant Manager at Kinderland International Education. “Having seen the visible results from other preschools using this technology, we’re excited to introduce it to our children and teachers. Beyond meeting regulatory standards for childcare safety, our teachers are equally thrilled to be in their best health so they can continue to give their best every day. This implementation will allow both our children and educators to thrive better every day, in the best of health.”
With air quality and infection prevention becoming higher priorities for families and schools, TridentAir’s deployment marks a significant step in improving environmental safety in early education spaces.
