singapore, 18 january 2016… the monetary authority of singapore (mas) announced today that the “good-as-new” $2 note initiative has been well-received since its introduction in 2013. the proportion of “good-as-new” $2 notes increased to 17% of total $2 notes issued during the lunar new year in 2015, up from 11% when they were first introduced in 2013. as such, mas will continue to work with the association of banks in singapore (abs) and other partners to further promote the use of “good-as-new” $2 notes for the coming lunar new year. the “good-as-new” $2 notes, as well as new notes, will be available at retail banks from 20 january 2016.
2 this year, mas is pleased to have east view primary school participating in promoting this “go green” initiative. green ambassadors who advocate and initiate green movement in east view primary will share with their classmates the rationale behind the “good-as-new” initiative and how it has helped to save the environment. in addition, they will encourage their families and relatives to support this initiative. mr patrick goh, head of department-science and teacher-in-charge said, we are able to offer to our pupils a perspective of reducing energy wastage by printing less brand new dollar notes, which will allow them to be more aware of what we, as a collective body, can do and live green by playing a part in caring for our environment, apart from the usual concept of recycling.”
3 mr low kwok mun, assistant managing director, finance, risk & currency, mas, said, “we are encouraged by the positive public response to “good-as-new” $2 notes. in the three years since the initiative was launched, we have almost doubled the amount of energy saved from printing less $2 notes. the energy saved in 2015 could power a hundred 4-room hdb flats for seven weeks compared with only four weeks in 2013.”
4 mrs ong-ang ai boon, director, abs, said, “our member banks are happy to be part of this go-green initiative from the start and see the acceptance of these “good-as-new” $2 notes increase each year. we will continue to encourage the use of these notes when customers come to exchange for new notes at the branches.”
5 the public is encouraged to visit the “ask for good-as-new notes” facebook page () for more information about this go-green initiative. mas thanks abs, east view primary school, sbs transit and people’s association for their support.